Recluse Ithuriel-Klein Recluse had swelled quite a bit by now, and she felt very tired of it! Her back hurt and it felt distinctly uncomfortable to be so clumsy. But she also knew that within her grew the heirs of her own empire and it was probably well past time she get them checked, what better a test for her eager cousin? Not that she'd take anything he offered her without her aunt signing off on it... she wasn't about to risk her pups like that. She made he awkward way down the side of the mountain from her own den towards the nook where the majority of her pack had made their homes. Then she tipped her head back to call for her young cousin, the moon just blooming over the horizon. "Speech"

Art by Sirinsong

Jigsaw was admittedly not adjusting to the night-life very well. No matter how long he stayed up under the moon, he'd always find himself mysteriously collapsing into sleep and waking with the sun. It would not do, especially as the fighters of Habari were night owls. What would happen if they got themselves hurt or sick, and their best healer was curled up asleep in his den? To try and kick this nasty sunlight habit, Jigsaw had decided to spend the night standing in the shallows of the river. He stood and waited and daydreamed and as soon as sleep threatened to overtake him the cool waters of the river would shock the tiredness right out of him. Recluses' call was almost as shocking as falling headfirst into the river, and Jigsaw had to stumble around on the rocks to regain his footing. "I'm awake!" He shouted to no one in particular, before he realized he was alone. Swallowing his embarassment, the pup lifted a paw and gently swiped off a few specs of mud that had scattered his coat. He had to look presentable for his alpha, and for any patients she may be bringing to him. With his tiny bag of herbs around his neck the pup headed to respond, finding his cousin a few minutes later. "Dr. Klein reporting for duty!" The skinny pup announced with a grin as he arrived, setting his bag down beside him carefully. "Speech" "Thinking" "You."

Recluse’s pregnancy did not go without notice, and when the young alphess called for Jigsaw Deathbelle invited herself along behind. Her pace was slow, but she had no need to move quickly these days. The responsibilities Recluse put on her were nothing compared to what she had been used to as the Empress. Those days were gone now and she did her best to somewhat embrace early retirement. There were things in life besides power she wished to pursue.

Another good reason to talk to her niece. The once Empress held a smirk on her features, a default expression among the Klein. Her dark and splattered fur shining in the moonlight as she navigated the nook and appeared before the Seraphim. She tilted her head curiously, interested to see what the boy had to say. ”Good evening, Recluse.” Belle offered warmly as she eyed the girl’s rounded belly.

Jigsaw was so ready and eager to get to work that he hardly heard his aunt stroll up behind him. He squinted at her, looked back at Recluse, back at Deathbelle, and then his mouth fell open in an expression of sheer betrayal. "No! I was here first, she's my patient!" The lanky pup exclaimed, spinning on Deathbelle and giving to her the best puppy-eyed frown he could manage. Unfortunately if he went too far with the theatrics he knew that it didn't say good things for his professionalism, and so gathering a big breath he puffed up his small chest as proudly as he could manage. "You can consult I guess, but I-" With a single paw he stabbed at his own chest for emphasis. "-make the calls. Right, Recluse?" He still had no idea what his alpha's potential issue was, but whatever it was Jigsaw was calling dibs. He aimed his pleading gaze towards her, waiting for her to confirm to him that he was the number one healer in her heart. "Speech" "Thinking" "You."

Recluse Ithuriel-Klein Recluse hadn't called for her aunt but also had to admit that she was glad when she arrived shortly after her cousin arrived with his little bag of plants. Jigsaw would move to intervene before she could greet her aunt however and Recluse suppressed the desire to roll her eyes. She sighed and took a moment to think carefully about how to respond. "One of the key things I expect of my healers is an ability to work together, to collaborate." She gave Jigsaw a pointed look. "To recognize sometimes someone else might have more knowledge or a better idea of how to treat something." She shuffled slightly, leaning back in such a way that accentuated her growing abdomen but honestly helped to take some of the weight off her already aching hips. "Any healer too wrapped up in their own ego to recognize they may not know something risks my members' health and safety and has no place here." Might as well spook him a little right? Then she'd announce her reason for calling for her cousin. "I figured it was time to get a checkup, make sure these little hellions are growing fine." She gently passed a forepaw over her abdomen. "Speech"

Art by Sirinsong

Before Recluse could return her greeting Jigsaw turned about face to confront the master healer. The once Empress raised her pale brow at the boy with his explosion. She honestly hadn’t expected such a reaction, but Deathbelle didn’t say anything. For such a small pup he had quite the large head. Bright violet eyes turned to their Seraphim as Jigsaw looked for backup. Honestly the pregnant Klein handled him expertly in Deathbelle’s opinion. Her dark lips pulled back slightly in amusement but she did her best to hide the emotion. She didn’t want to offend the boy she wanted to work with him and get his skill level to the place where it could match his confidence.

”Our first priority is the health of the patient,” she said softly but gestured with her pale paw for Jigsaw to take the lead. ”I am here to assist, Doctor.” Deathbelle nodded her head slightly, finding herself fitting into a secondary role much better than she’d once anticipated.