As experienced a healer as she was, Lucretia knew labor pains when they started. She had already ingested some crushed trillium petals and roots but didn't want to overdo any painkillers. Part of her wanted to experience the pain of labor. It would shape her experience going into motherhood. Lucretia wanted to be a mother who endured for her children, even if it made her uncomfortable. Although she loved the islands they had laid claim to, she was too far along to swim and her eventual new den would have to be near the shrine so that anyone too ill to cross the channel wouldn't have to. This was her home.

Half grumbling and half whimpering, Lucretia settled in a secluded area of tall grasses a few yards away from the faintly glowing pool. The sun had just begun to set but the temperature was ideal: warm with an occasional cool breeze. A perfect summer night. Her contractions began with earnest; she tried to find a natural rhythm as she waited for Bourbon to arrive.

After having given Bourbon a pep talk about what a good father he would be, Iolaire made for the Shrine. Luce's time was near and helping in any way possible was the least that she could do for the sister and wife of two of her friends. The tiny healer packed her back full of essentials. She had created tinctures to aid with post-birth bleeding, had herbs for pain and calmness.

Picking her way through the land, Iolaire eventually made her way to the shrine. It didn't take her long to nose out the scent of the pregnant mother. Coming upon the resting form of Lucretia, the Armada healer called softly to her. "How are things, Luce? Bourbon sent me ahead in case you needed me." She instantly gave the woman a once over with her gaze. Luce looked in good shape. She could see her stomach undulating slightly, however. "Contractions? How far apart are they?"

The dog was feeling more anxiety about the looming labor than he was willing to show his mate. He didn’t want to discuss his anxieties with her, he didn’t want her knowing he was nervous at all. He was calm, cool, and completely stable in front of her, because she needed him to be. He was her rock and he wouldn’t change that view. So even though he hated leaving Lucretia’s side he sought out Iolaire to discuss his fears.

She was due any day, and he wouldn’t allow much more time to keep them apart. Pale paws carried him back towards where Luce was. Bourbon carried a fresh water skin, knowing Luce wouldn’t be excited about drinking the glowing water of the shrine. By the time he arrived Io had already arrived.

Bourbon trotted up towards his mate and quickly settled beside her to offer his comfort and his aid. He gave her the cool water before nuzzling her cheek lovingly. Excitement raced through him as the arrival of their children became imminent.

Lucretia didn’t get nearly as big as the Empress had during her pregnancy. Deathbelle was a little envious, remembering all too well how giant she had become. Of course it was to be expected when five huge pups were welcomed into the world. Luce’s litter, along with a much smaller father, wouldn’t likely be as big of a litter. Deathbelle’s thoughts were heavily on her sister as she patrolled the shrine, but the sound of paw steps brought her attention deeper into the lands.

She followed Iolaire, curious about her appearance in the Shrine, and half wondered if she was looking for her. Though that thought was gone as soon as her lilac gaze fell on the trio. Luce looked in mild distress, Bourbon was pressed against her and Io had an herb filled back. ”Oh Luce…” She offered warmly as she approached, offering her sister a nuzzle on the opposite side of the dog.

Words "Speech" Things had already become quite exciting since her return home. She had run into her belle and her Hanni and now there was the impending birth of one of her younger sisters! Vexation was so pleased to be an auntie, she was shocked and felt blessed when Deathbelle had told her about her children and although she was terribly upset that she had missed her birth she was glad to be able to make it for Lucretia. Thankfully Vexation had been near the shrine prior to Lucretia settling for the birth so the journey wasn't a long one for the tall, leggy female. She moved through the grasses like a dark angel until finally her amber gaze landed on each individual that had already gathered. Her tail couldn't help but give an excited wag as she approached, though she decided to hang back in order to give Lucretia the space that she would need. "You are gonna be great Luce.." She encouraged her younger sister with a broad smile before taking a seat a good bit away. She didn't want to be in the middle of the hum of things BUT she was close enough that she could still be of assistance if Luce needed her. Her heart was beating practically right out of her chest with excitement and the healer couldn't wait to see the miracle of new lives being born. Hope it's okay that big sis Vex crashes the party!

In no time at all, Lucretia was surrounded by friends and family. The typically ornery female found this to be... strangely comforting. She wasn't pleased that she was the center of attention - it simply wasn't in her nature - but all together they provided a stabilizing presence. Luce was suddenly flushed with the thought of her children, her children! They would get to grow up with all of this attention and support. What a magical way to live and in such stark contrast to her childhood in the failing Empire. Her children would want for nothing. They would never go cold or hungry.

Her pupils were dilated with hormones and adrenaline. Iolaire's appearance was to be expected. Any healer with their salt would show up to coach a packmate through their whelping. The small wolf had grown on her immensely over the past few months. She was an asset to the Armada and Ashen Empire. Luce respected that. When Bourbon arrived she let out a small gasp. "Oh, my love." Contractions were coming closer together now. It was only a short matter of time until she brought forth her first child into the world.

Deathbelle's arrival was welcomed. She gave her sister a warm, if pained, smile. The Empress had been through this all before and her advice would be much appreciated. Her breathing grew heavy and more labored as she began to panic slightly. Were these contractions taking too long...? The final arrival surprised her the most: Vexation. Lucretias had heard rumors that their lost sister had returned to them but she had been so preoccupied with her own duties and coming birth that she hadn't had the time to validate them. "V-vex," she said, half-confused. This must be a good sign, more Kleins returning to fold just as new ones were about to be born. "I'm scared," she whispered in Bourbon's ears, her voice breathy and strained. Would she be up to this task?

Iolaire settled herself nearby, but not close enough to intrude upon the family. Luce needed her space to breathe, which she should be doing once the contractions picked up a bit. There was still time for that. Each wolf was different. Some labors were rather long while others passed fairly quickly. She wondered which kind Luce would be.

Deathbelle arrived, of course. Iolaire would be disappointed if the woman didn't show for her sister's first birth. She offered a mere nod to the woman in greeting. Now wasn't the time for many words. Another wolf drew near that she hadn't met yet, but there was time for that later. Thankfully, the new wolf settled herself a comfortable distance away.

Deft ears picked up Luce's words to Bourbon. The small healer spoke, her words soft, but directed at the mother to be. "I have everything that we'll need, Luce. Everything that I've needed during the ten or so births that I've helped with." Iolaire offered the words reassuringly. She knew her way around birthing. Anything random that came up, the three women could tackle together.

”My dearest,” he offered softly in return as she greeted him. Deathbelle and another Klein appeared shortly after he made himself comfortable next to his laboring love. He offered physical comfort as well as his sweet words and encouragements. He nuzzled her cheek again as she returned her attention to him and whispered her insecurities in his floppy ear. ”You’re incredible. You won’t have any trouble.” He assured her confidently as he nuzzled her again.

Iolaire stepped forward, her own words of encouragement enough to make the dog feel better. He wasn’t great at births unlike Io he had none under his belt. He was glad to have the experienced healer here. ”Just a little bit longer, we’ll be a complete family.” He nosed her affectionately. ”Just breathe, in and out.” He counted out slowly for her, coaching her and himself.

Vexation showed up not long after herself, and now their sister had four experienced healers at her disposal for this birth. They would make sure nothing happened, there would be a completely healthy birth. She was sure of it. Deathbelle smiled and tried to assure her sister, who looked like she was really feeling her nerves not.

”I know you’re nervous, dear sister.” She offered softly, giving her own quick affections to her Shamyn. ”If I could manage, I know that you will make it look easier.” She chuckled before looking back to the beautiful Iolaire. ”Take the lead. Tell me what you need.” The Empress had no difficulty being used by the skilled healer.

It seemed like one instant she had squeezed her eyes shut and the next she was nursing three small - infinitely small - warm bundles of half-wolf, half-dog puppies. The labor was over in an instant (truthfully, perhaps just shy of an hour passed after everyone arrived). It was as if everyone who had arrived also lent her their strength and stability. Luce smiled weakly at everyone who had gathered. Although the labor had been uneventful, she felt more tired than she'd ever been in her life. Everything had changed. She was a mother now. "They're perfect," she breathed. Two of the three had small, almost unnoticeable bumps above their eyes. Luce wondered if the rigor ritual from the festival had somehow mutated her genetic material. The thought made her a little bit ill, but she pushed it aside. Horns wouldn't hurt them. Maybe it would even be a boon. They'd need to defend themselves as they grew older. Some wolves didn't like strange things and it was all the better that they'd be handily armed; as hybrids they might have to defend their very existence. "They are, aren't they?" she asked the surrounding wolves, her brows furrowed. Anxiety still plagued her.

Deathbelle's words brought a flash of smile from the small healer. she would use her if necessary, but she had a good feeling about this birth. Luce wasn't too large and so she imagined that the pups might be small in size or small in number. They happened to be both. With Bourbon's calm coaching, the encouragement of her sister and pure determination, Lucretia easily birthed three pups.

Iolaire inspected each one, making sure that their airways were clear before settling them back beside their mother. Two had little sets of numbs upon their skulls, but Io thought nothing of it. Luce had horns, so why wouldn't her children? Oddly, Iolaire felt a small pang of sadness. She would never be able to pass on her good lucks and quick wit to another generation. That act of creation was beyond her. Plastering a smile to her face, the dark woman stepped back, allowing the immediate family to rejoice over their newest members.

There had been no hemorrhaging in the mother, which was good. Io had brought a Shepherds Purse tincture just in case. Luce questioned whether or not they were perfect, needing the reassurance and the healer grinned from her place a pace back. "The most beautiful pups that I've ever had the honor of seeing into the world, Luce." And she meant it. Her work was done, but the work of Lucretia and Bourbon was just beginning.

This was it, this was the moment they were waiting for. Bourbon knew long before now that he loved Lucretia and that they were meant to be mates. They hadn’t planned to make their family so quickly, but he was eager for the blessing. They’d come to get used to the idea of being parents and now the moment was finally here. Bourbon continued to coach his mate on her breathing and he comforted her as she struggled to bring their three perfect children into the world. He held onto her tightly when the contractions pained her, but as he expected she did perfectly.

”They are perfect” He assured her just as Iolaire did. They really were perfect little bundles. ”Their names?” Bourbon asked curiously, though they’d discussed it extensively he wasn’t sure if she would still want to use the traditional names of his family.

Words "Speech" Vexation had done her very best to stay out of the way during Lucretia's birth. It had been awhile since she had been home and she certainly didn't want to step on any toes. In the same instant though Vexation didn't want to miss a single second of this birth, she was going to be an auntie after all! She smiled encouragingly to her sister before taking a back seat to both watch and wait patiently. It wasn't long before three tiny little bundles were nestled against her sister's side nursing and Vexation was over the moon ecstatic. 'They're perfect. They are, aren't they?' Luce asked and although Vex wasn't the first to answer her she was quick to make her opinion heard, "They are absolutely beautiful and will be so loved and cherished. You did amazing." She spoke softly to her sister. At this point she had moved closer, close enough where she could peer around Bourbon and Iolaire to get a good look at the three new pups. Two had tiny bumps above their eyes and it made Vexation smile even broader, they would be just as special as their mother if not more so. Her heart was swelling with pride and she made sure to back up again to give the others the space that they needed. In this moment Vexation couldn't be prouder of Lucretia.