Major kudos to my awesome beta BernerMom, rather than just criticizing my first written work, she helped to make this story great while liking it just as it is.

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A Prophecy

The wood paneled room was warm and smelled of herbs, sweat, and blood, but that was to be expected with a birth. The smell of blood was not over whelming and the mother was a health color.

"He's a fine boy Stefan. Healthy with a head full of hair, as well as being nice and alert," the healer, and family friend, Cassandra stated as she passed the newly washed baby to his father. "Hold him a bit as I take care of Nadia." The tall middle aged healer wiped the sweat from her pale brow before turning and focusing on the happy but tired mother. Both of Nadia's children, her daughter Silvija, six years ago, and now little Viktor's birth; while not easy and fast, at least were not dangerously long or medically worrisome. Simply the exhausting work of bringing new life into the world. Her tired eyes watched her husband and new son, happy.

Stefan Krum was a tall man, his long dark hair tied back as was his norm. However, his face had lost its general stern appearance as he gazed at his son, beaming with obvious pride. "Look Mama Volkov," he said to his mother-in-law, "he is not boasting to be alive, just looking at everything." His charcoal eyes were so happy as he held his son. Stefan was more certain this time with a newborn; his daughter had terrified him when she had been born.

The old woman smiled at him, her soft, subtle wrinkles deepening in joy at being able to witness her grandson's birth. She almost hadn't made it due to the winter weather. The cold had caused the floo network to act up due to some fireplaces not being able to be lit.

"Yes Stefan, he is a lovely boy. I bet he will be strong and able to endure much due to being born this night," she replied, her soft deep blue eyes sparkling. Stefan looked up sharply at that; his mother-in-law had the sight at times and it was to be respected. His wife told him she could look into the present time easily, but seeing the future was rare.

"Truly?" he asked, to which she softly laughed.

"He would have to be, but that is just my own thoughts as a mother and grandmother Stefan, nothing special," she said with a smile. "Come now. Let me hold him a bit if I may."

Coloring a little, he sheepishly handed his son over with care. "Da, Mama Volkov."

She took the baby, watching as the young man went over to his wife and kissed her forehead before softly talking to her. Smiling still, Ana then focused solely on her newest grandson, softly stroking his fine dark hair and looking in his eyes, adoring the moment.

Suddenly her body stiffened as she held him closer, and her eyes focused on something no one else could see. Her voice took on an echo, not entirely normal as she spoke. "In a time when darkness had been thought to pass but returns; she who is strength and knowledge to the Hope will stand bold. With her aid, the Hope will overcome darkness at last. Beware her cost ere she be lost, the sister to Hope in all but name, would despair for her pain, once her strength is not required. But behold held is her hope, he will save her, be her strength and aid. To each other, the anima-sucium match. And the world will be the better for them."

The room was silent now, her own voice silent as Ana Volkov, in her 113th year, finished her prophesy.
Ana blinked her eyes, the blue becoming clear again as she looked at her son-in-law then said with her normal voice, though quiet and reflective, "Now that is something special." She smiled again at the end of her sentence, looking at the babe with wonder, "An anima-sucium match, dear one, you are blessed beyond most."

Cassandra looked between them, the healer was lost. "Um, I'm sorry, what is that?"

Ana kissed her grandson's forehead, and walked over to her daughter, gently passing him to her. "Feed the little one Nadia. He has been patent enough, and soon will cry if we don't indulge him." She then turned and sat in a chair, smiling with her eyes closed. The other three adults exchanged looks, waiting for her explanation.

"The anima-sucium match, it is a step beyond what is known as soul mates. In fact what inspired the phrase. It is rare, and it is such a gift. This little one will have someone who will ever love him. Who is perfect for him. She will never leave him, will think of him in every hour with perfect love, across time and distance should they be separated. And he will love her the same. What makes this love unique is that it happens when two people's magic is so similar it can bond, and they can share it if needed. Just as their hearts become one, so does their magic. Usually it does not get acknowledged with a prophecy at birth," she smirked a little, "but it is still good to know."

Nadia then spoke, her voice still tired and affected by the last several hours, but ever soft. "Mama, it speaks of darkness. What did you see?"

At this the old woman's brows furrowed, as she tried to sort out the few glimpses she was given. " I saw much darkness go out in a flash. Many rejoiced, thinking it would be gone forever, not knowing it was simply weakened."

She paused; again sorting out images as the rooms only noise was the crackle of the fire and quiet suckling of her little grandson. "The darkness returned, shorter in its time though still terrifying and devastating. I saw a very young woman with a tall young man behind her but so obviously beside her, his hand on her shoulder and sadly with his grandfather's nose." The parents started at this, and the grandmother smiled for a moment as she remembered her beloved, and late husband.

Her eyes still closed, before she continued, "On her other side, with hands linked with hers are two young men, black haired and red haired, facing darkness, afraid but not running. I saw her younger, surrounded by books. I think she is strength and knowledge to the Hope." Her eyes opened and she looked at her daughter, smiling slightly. Ana could see her fear still so she tried to reassure her daughter. "Focus on what is needed now my Nadia, rest and care for your family. We have time to gain understanding and I will keep an eye open, and think on this for you."

"Mother, will little Viktor be in danger?" the young woman asked, holding her mother's eyes as she stoked her son, half gentle and half terrified. Her eyes shone with sadness. "Why must we know this on the very day he is born?"

Ana stood up and went to the bedside, reaching for her daughter but stopped when she saw her flinch. Her eyes saddened and softened, her next words she chose very carefully. "Nadia, I am sorry it came today, but darkness does not spare innocence, and forewarned is forearmed. The vision had a young man, well grown, and strong. He can and will live normally, we shall not tell him of this till need be. Not even of the gift of his anima-sucium match. You heard how they will change the world for the better, not just a few people or even a town Nadia, it was said the world will be affected in a good way because they will have each other. You know the best things are not simply to exist on their own; they are forged and strengthened to be more. Please, do not fear for him being hurt."

Ana sighed. "In truth I fear more for who he is meant for, I think she may have a harder time then he." Ana now reached out her hand and soothed her daughter's hair, glancing at her grandson before meeting Nadia's eyes again, still soft but determined. "I will watch over both of them, sparing them what darkness and pain I can. I promise you."

Nadia blinked a few times before removing her son to burp him. Resignedly she stated, "As you say Mama, for now we will focus on a happy baby." She squeezed her mother's hand then let go, looking down to her son.

Ana took the dismissal as it was intended and left the family, taking Cassandra with her. Once the door closed she rubbed her hand over her face and sighed again.

"Cassandra, I need your promise to never speak of this. I'm afraid not ever. Not the prophecy, not the anima-sucium match. No one must ever know of these things till they come about on their own, this must be a regular birth."

Cassandra put aside her deep respect for the regal old woman and simply reached out to hold her hand in comfort, following her healer's instinct upon seeing Ana's pain. "I had already guessed that Madam Volkov, and I promise to you, never shall I speak of this to any."

"Thank you," Ana acknowledged. "It is a bittersweet thing to have happened. If not for the good, I would despair at the bad that was foretold."

Shuddering, Cassandra replied, "Yes, deep darkness, that hides, and comes back, it is frightening." Ana's shoulders slumped for a brief moment, unexpectedly showing burden.

"Not just the darkness. That in fighting it, even after it is gone, it could take someone who will be known for strength." With eyes closed she continued, "It means bluntly, she may take herself from this world if left alone."

The healer's eyes widened at this as she gave a slight gasp. "That?! That was told..."

"On a day of birth, yes. I don't even think she is born yet, with how young she looked in my vision. For darkness that strong," her voice wavered and Ana broke off, taking in a breath. "I must go home, and look into things, gather my wits. I don't mind telling you this has shaken me."

"It is easily understandable Madam Volkov." With a pause Cassandra added, "Would you like me to send you a draft to help calm?" The old woman shook her head, her eyes distant and contemplating, her brow slightly furrowed in thoughts. "Thank you no, I need this sharp in my mind, and if you make it in front of Nadia or Stefan they might realize, and worry more than they ought."

Blinking her eyes, Ana was were back in the hall with Cassandra. "You did well with the birth, he is a fine boy and I am glad. Good evening."

With respect they younger woman inclined her head and shoulders towards the retreating figure. "Good evening Madam Volkov." And she whispered "Peace be with you."

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I promise, humor is coming, just needed a good entrance.