Luz Story: 100 Baby Challenge

Lianna’s Backstory: Part Eleven

It had been about 3 weeks since he last saw Kalani, and Dante was itching to go back to Sulani. He couldn’t focus on anything else – even spellcasting, which used to be his favorite thing to do. He buried himself in studying the specimens he’d collected, figuring if he actually learned about them, it would be much easier to convince everyone at home that he was invested in this work. Finally, after 21 days had passed, Dante brought it up to his parents. “I’ve learned so much about these flora and fauna…I think it’s time I go back and collect more,” he casually mentioned to his father at breakfast one morning, trying to sound nonchalant. Tobias seemed excited, saying “I am just so proud of you for taking such an interest in this research, Dante! By all means, whenever you’re ready to collect more, go ahead.” That was all Dante needed to hear, and his bag was packed within the hour.

Kalani was showing a bit now, with a little but noticeable belly bump. No one from the village had seemed to notice – or if they had, they hadn’t mentioned anything, probably out of fear of being rude. She knew that the time was coming quickly, however, where it would be extremely difficult to hide her pregnancy.

Dante wasted no time heading directly for Kalani’s house the moment he landed on the island. He waved and smiled at residents as he jogged to her front door, realizing that people might be starting to recognize him. He peered through the glass door, and his stomach flipped as he saw her silhouette in the living room. He knocked quietly, and as Kalani turned to see who it was, Dante could see her emotions clear as day on her face – surprise, then excitement, and then worry. Kalani opened the door gingerly, unable to wipe the beaming smile off her face regardless of how nervous she was.



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The first thing Dante did was embrace her. They hadn’t gotten to hold one another in almost a month, and the pair stayed in that embrace for almost a minute. Finally, Kalani pulled away, an anxious look on her face. She took a step back and held her hands out; “Dante…I’m pregnant,” she explained, smiling with the hope that he might be happy about this. She watched him process the news – first shock and worry, but then a warm grin crossing his face. He looked at her like she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen and embraced her once again. “So, we’re…having a baby?” She nodded gingerly. “Wow…I can’t believe it…” he paused long enough for her to grow concerned. “You are going to be the best mother,” he finally said, kissing her cheek. A wave of relief washed over Kalani, and the two walked to her deck to talk things over.

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Dante was ecstatic that he was going to be a father, and with the love of his life at that. He could picture their future together – nothing but love, sunshine, sand and sea. When worry began to creep into his thoughts, he pushed it down deep, refusing to taint this moment with the societal pressure of his life back at home. Kalani was elated as well; she had always wanted to be a mother from the time she was a little girl, but had never met anyone whom she was remotely interested in romantically. Now that she could see that Dante was happy about this, she let herself be excited too.

The happy couple spent the next few days in a blissful bubble, not leaving the house at all except to spend time soaking in the sun and ocean together. Dante could feel that this is where he belonged, and wanted nothing more than to stay here forever and never go back.
Sadly, he realized that was not an option – at least not yet. Unable to sleep on their last night together, the looming dread of Forgotten Hollow clouding his mind, Dante got out of bed at first light and decided to get his “collecting” over with while his love slept. He caught a couple of fish and grabbed a plant or two, but decided he would rather come home with less this time.



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Before going to bed the night before, Dante and Kalani had a serious talk about their future. She wanted him to stay more than anything, but knew that the risks were too high – if his family or other members of their spellcaster society found out about her, the consequences could be dangerous for both of them. They crafted a plan together, deciding that for now, he would drag this research out for as long as possible, insisting on needing to come back to conduct research regularly. Eventually, the plan was for Dante to tell his parents he wants to set up a base camp here on the island and move here “temporarily,” although in truth he would never return. They both thought this could work, but Kalani was silently skeptical.





Saying good-bye was excruciating for both of them, but the excitement of coming back soon and going through this pregnancy together was enough to keep them going. Dante promised to be back within the month, and made sure that Kalani had someone looking after her while he was gone (Keala).