When the eternal night had come to an end, Aliana had found herself relieved beyond words. Almost all the wolves she cared for and loved had escaped unscathed, and though they would have to live with the terrors and pain they'd endured, they would grow stronger for it and survive together. When she discovered she was pregnant again, she had been elated and nervous. After the trauma of her first litter, she didn't entirely believe she could carry these puppies to term either. Chimera had been wonderfully loving and supportive throughout her pregnancy though, and even from his quarantine, he provided for her. Siren and Dalila and Ezra had all assisted her as she grew larger with her growing children. When she reached the point she'd lost her first children, she grew terrified and anxious. And when she passed that point with no issue, her hopes soared. She could do this. She could bear her and Chimera's family!

It was early morning in Auster, the golden rays of sunlight peeking through the wooden slats of the blinds into the grand bedchamber Aliana shared with her mate and king. She'd awoken to find he'd already left for his morning patrol, allowing her to continue to rest. Ali intended to do just that, settling back in to sleep—until she felt a sharp pain in her belly that took her breath from her lungs. The clouded queen gasped and gripped her belly, gently shushing her children to get them to settle down. Another sharp pain almost had her doubling over as tensing muscles flexed over her midsection. Then she felt a telltale dampness beneath her tail and she realized what was happening. She'd been showing signs of getting closer to her labor for the last week, but it seemed like now the time had come; Aliana was giving birth!

Half thrilled at the idea that she'd successfully carried her litter to full term and half wrought with pain and anxiety, Aliana sat up in bed as best she could and howled for Chimera, howled for Siren, howled for Dalila. She wanted her mate and her lovers and family here to share this moment with her. The time was now, and the newest litter of princes and princesses was on the way to Fenmyre!

"Aliana"

Though there was work to attend to, Chimera tried not to stray too far. He'd been away for so long while recuperating, that he just didn't want to be parted from the women in his life. Now that his strength had returned and his body was returning to its former strength and luster, he felt comfortable being around them once more. He knew that he wasn't contagious or anything like that, but separating himself from them had been both a precaution and a necessity. It had allowed him to recover more quickly.

Chimera was out in the atrium, clearing away the paths with a wide leaf. He could have asked Erystotle to do it, but he didn't mind the manual labor and it kept him close. So when the call came from Aliana, he was ready for it. Abandoning the leaf and the pile of dust and debris that he'd accumulated, the beast tore towards the massive sleeping chamber.

Pushing inside, he skittered to a halt on the furs beside Aliana. "Are you ready? Is it time? What can I do?" Chimera was beyond nervous. His woman was so small but oh so full of pups. His massive genes had surely made Aliana uncomfortable this entire time. Mismatched eyes kept glancing towards the door, willing Siren and Dalila to arrive. He couldn't do this alone.

The two-toned brute slid down onto the furs beside the clouded woman, nuzzling into the back of her crown. If she needed anything, he was there. If he needed to move during the birth, he wouldn't be far.

"Speech"

With every day that Aliana’s due date grew closer Siren could feel herself tensing. For that reason she had been brief in the last few check ups because she didn’t want her nervous energy affecting poor Ali. She hadn’t wanted it to seem like she was avoiding her either, the other queen had easily weaseled her way into Siren’s heart and hurting her like that would be more detrimental than her clouded energies.

Thankfully her dilemma wouldn’t weigh on her shoulders forever as the call finally came that Aliana was giving birth. She made it to term and now the final test was upon them. Aliana called for her, she called for their little family to come together. Siren wasn’t sure she could handle more sorrow after Ali’s first loss, and watching Viper die in her paws.. Siren shook the thoughts away from her as she entered the royal chambers with her supplies.

She gave a soft smile to Aliana and Chimera as they tried to get comfortable. Siren began to prepare, first arranging the utility cloths and furs to be ready for delivery. She hoped they would be swaddling cloths instead of funeral shrouds. The thoughts crept in but Siren remained pleasant and quiet as she stole glances at the parents to be. "How are you progressing, Ali?” The queen asked as dual toned eyes glanced up from the tincture she was measuring.

"Siren Primrose Klein"

Dalila trotted around the perimeter of the island with one of her dogs trailing behind her, following the path that had become so familiar in the weeks that she had spent as Fenmyre's leader. At first she had been incredibly unsure and uncertain if she was even up for the task, but now she felt more comfortable in the role and the weight of it didn't feel quite as daunting as it first had. She knew it was only armor and that having companions with her couldn't make or break a fight in the grand scheme of things, but she did attribute a good amount of confidence she had built to these gifts that Chimera had given her. She felt more like the warrior she had been trained to be once upon a time and it helped her at least feel like she could play the part a bit better.

However, when Aliana called out for them she immediately stopped and abandoned her patrol, tearing toward the structure they shared to make her way to the chamber the clouded woman shared with Chimera. There wasn't a single thing that could keep her from being there for her friend and lover through this the same way she had been there for her during Rusalka's birth. Ali's presence that day had meant the world to her and Dalila would do the same for her. She skidded and slowed as she reached the door to their room, panting lightly from the mad sprint across the island to get here.

She threw off her armor, passing it off to her companion to take back to her and Siren's chambers, before coming over to join the group while giving Ali an encouraging grin. The more days that passed after Ali's second pregnancy had come to light had made Dalila more and more confident in the hope that this could be a successful birth. She had given Ali a few check ups herself and the movement and strength she felt from these pups encouraged her even more. Now the only worry came from the fact that Ali was such a small woman and there were many, many large pups for her to birth. Dalila quickly gave Aliana a light kiss on her cheek and then took her place behind Ali with the birthing cloths at the ready, prepared to welcome the first of the children into the world.

"Dalila Vista Rocha"

It didn't take long from her call for Chimera to come hauling ass into the bedchamber. Aliana greeted her mate with bright, excited eyes and a loving smile, nodding to his questions. "Yes, my king, it's time! We're going to be parents!" He asked what he could do, the nervousness in his expression both endearing and comforting. It showed his love for her and that he was invested in their family. "Just stay with me. Siren and Dalila will take care of the rest. I just want you here when they arrive." Partly for support through the pain, partly because she was secretly afraid of a repeat performance, and would need his embrace securing her if it came. Siren was the next to arrive, stepping briskly into the room while Chimera settled his bulk around her and Ali reclined into his frame. She greeted her new lover with a warm smile and shimmering eyes. "The contractions are coming a few minutes apart," she said between gritted teeth and groans of pain when she felt her muscles contract again, counting the intervals between them. "They won't be long. I can't wait to meet them!"

Not long after, Dalila came running in as well, completing their little family. Aliana beamed to her lover, positively glowing with excitement while she leaned into Dalila's gentle kiss. With everybody in position, all they had to do now was let her body do its natural work bringing her and Chimera's family into the world. Ali began her deep breathing exercises, trying to focus on each inhale and exhale as the pain intensified while the pups within her squirmed about and got into position, her muscles tensing and contracting to assist their wriggling. There were so many inside her womb and it felt like they were all fighting to be the first one born. Then she felt the first pup make its way to the birth canal and the contractions hit her hard. Aliana cried out and grit her teeth through the pain as she began to push, feeling the immense size of the first pup as it worked its way out of her body. These pups were definitely fully formed, she could tell from the sheer size of them compared to the last litter she'd birthed, and even though it brought her intense pain it also comforted her nerves. Ali clawed at the furs and blankets, leaning into Chimera while she panted and pushed... pushed... pushed!

After a few moments and a scream of agony and relief, the first pup tumbled easily into the swaddling cloths in Dalila's paws. It was a boy, clearly dire by its size, with a coat half black and half blending silvers and grays, with streaks of slate across his back. Aliana panted while she listened with strained ears, her heart pounding in her chest, silently pleading with all her heart and soul to hear him. The pup was quiet for a moment—and then its tiny limbs kicked, and the boy let out a squealing mewl. Tears sprung to Aliana's eyes, spilling down her cheeks with each cry her son made. She barely had time to revel in the birth of her firstborn while Dalila cleaned him and placed him at her belly to feed before her body began to contract and push again, a second pup making its way out. Aliana cried out in pain, trying to keep her body still so she didn't disturb her son at her belly. The second pup came a little easier than the first, though it was still sizable, and once he slid free into the swaddling cloths, it was revealed to be another boy, this one mostly white with his left side a cloudy gray and white and black streaks across him. Much to her delight, Ali heard her second son's cries begin almost immediately, and he was joining his brother at her belly a moment later.

But she wasn't done yet. Inside her, Aliana could feel the hefty weight of more pups moving about inside her. The third began to make its way through her body, Aliana burying her face into the crook of Chimera's shoulder to try and muffle her cries of pain. The third pup was much like the second: smaller than the first, but still significantly larger than an average wolf pup. Her body ached all over and her muscles felt strained and tired, but she had to keep going. Pushing in time with her body's natural rhythms, Aliana birthed the third pup with a keening cry of agony, taking a few moments to try and settle her gasping breath. The pain was unbelievable, but the relief she felt between each pup was like a breath of fresh air after being underwater for too long. She glanced down as Dalila set the third whining pup at her belly, looking at her third son who wore a coat that looked the most blended of hers and Chimera's—a cloudy gray and white base with a black underbelly and ears, with white stripes across his back. Aliana couldn't keep from crying as she gazed at her three perfect sons, looking up to Chimera with unabashed joy pouring from her. Then she glanced down to each of the pups, naming them as they had been born.

"Revenant... Kasos... Orthrus..." Her respite didn't last long, however, as the contractions started up again with a sharp cry from the clouded queen and another pup was fast on its way.

"Aliana"

At Aliana's wish, Chimera settled beside her, supporting her little round body against his bulk. Whatever she needed from him, she would have. If she needed to push against him, she could do so. If the pain became too intense and she needed something to bite, he could be that for her as well. His woman would want for nothing while in labor and after. She held a special place in his little black heart. He was her slave in a way and, oddly enough, that didn't bother him one bit.

Siren entered the room and got to work. Chimera caught his sweet sister's gaze, showing the nervousness within him only to her. He knew that the alabaster fae would do everything in her power to keep Aliana and the pups safe. Knowing Siren so well, he could feel a bit of the tension in her as well and, when she passed close, he placed a kiss upon the minuscule fae's cheek. "Thank you," he whispered softly into her ear before letting her get to work.

Dalila had taken on so much responsibility in his absence though she dropped all of it to join them for the birth. He knew that all of the women were lovers and it didn't bother him at all. Their closeness warmed his soul in a way. To have been such a bastard and then to have forged a family like this? Was he even deserving? He didn't think so, but he wouldn't squander what he had. There was such a change in him. His morals had shifted, his views on the world. No longer was he uncaring and selfish... for the most part. He loved and he loved hard. It still surprised him to this day.

One the contractions began, Chimera's attention was all for Aliana. He was a steadfast wall of flesh behind her to press into as she pushed their children into the world. Three came in succession and the clouded woman bestowed names upon them each. Chimera didn't care what they were called, he only cared that they were healthy and that Aliana remained healthy in turn. The king didn't know how many were inside, but by the gentle roiling in the woman's belly, he could tell that there were more. A dark nose pressed into the panting fae's cheek and he purred low into her ear. "You're doing so well, my queen. Just a little more and you can rest." Then she cried out and it began again.

"Speech"

Chimera caught her attention as she slipped past him, dual toned eyes finding his as he kissed her cheek and offered a thank you. He knew her the best, Dalila was close but Chimera had been at her side since they were bone. He knew she shared his feelings of today. She offered a genuine smile, trying to convince him as much as herself they would make it through. She nuzzled him lightly and returned her attention to the laboring queen.

Aliana gave her any pertinent information, and it felt like Siren was holding onto enough nervous energy for the both of them. The queen was incredibly bright and vivid as she entered into the first stages of labor. Her excitement was contagious and as she offered Ali a smile Siren felt herself relax too. Everything was going to turn out alright, they were here to welcome more bundles of joy not mourn. "I can’t either,” Siren returned with the smile as she started to sort some of the herbs Dalila made her own entrance.

She leaned into her side as the birth progressed, Aliana was the one who was forced to do all of the work. Siren gringed for her when eventually the moment came when the first of many would be born. It felt like everyone held their breath as Dal took him into her possession, and after a moment of clearing mucus off of him fully formed lungs squealed their protest. A collective sigh was heaved and a genuine smile appeared on Siren’s features as she helped coax Aliana into the next step. This was only the beginning.

Two more pups were born much as the first. Huge puppies that were bursting with life and fire until they were placed at their mother’s side. Aliana was grace only a few moments to name them and relax slightly before the next round began. There was little wonder why she had gotten so massive during the pregnancy. Chimera coached her softly and Siren offered a couple more herbs if Ali could handle them. "Almost there.” She echoed her brother as she prepared for more puppies.


"Siren Primrose Klein"

As the contractions began in earnest Dalila sat anxiously waiting to clean the first pup, watching as Aliana's body pushed the large pup steadily from her until eventually she saw the beginning of a dark pup begin to slip free. Excitement and nerves rose up in her chest and as soon as the pup slipped free she went to work rubbing him clean with the cloth, wiping away all of the mess that came with birth and revealing a beautiful boy underneath. "Come on, little guy... Come on..." she muttered very quietly under her breath while she cleaned away anything in front of his mouth and nose and the moment she felt his little chest expand with hat first big breath to let loose a loud squeal she felt relief wash over her so strong she could have fallen backward. She looked up to Ali and the others with a huge grin before she finished up her work and brought the first born to Ali's side to stay warm and comfortable while he waited on his siblings to be born.

The next came a bit more quickly than the first, another boy of cloudy gray and white, and she went through the same procedures again of cleaning and rubbing the boy down until his cries filled the room and they could all rejoice in the fact that these pups were healthy and strong. With the second next to the first she went to wait on the third pup, quietly cheering Aliana on while she struggled and strained through every push to deliver these large boys that very clearly took after their father in that department. Each one was stunningly gorgeous and the third was no exception as he fell into her waiting paws. Three healthy boys, all resting next to their mother and surrounded by wolves that loved each of them already. Each boy got a name while there was a very brief reprieve in the process and Dalila nodded in agreement as Chimera and Siren offered their encouragements. With another scream the process began again and Dalila took her post once more to receive the little bundles of joy.

"Dalila Vista Rocha"

Aliana had never felt more surrounded by love, comfort, and support than she did in this moment. Her mate, holding her close as he encouraged her through the painful tribulation, her lovers and friends working to ease her through the process and welcome her children into the world... It all reminded her of what she had been graced with in her fortunate life. There had been much darkness and struggle in her short life, but if she had to do it all over again, knowing where she'd end up, she would have. Ali grit her teeth and clenched her jaws so hard her cheeks began to hurt as a fourth wave of roiling contractions tore through her. She clawed at the bedspread, trying to remain as still as possible so as not to disturb the trio of pups already suckling at her belly. The fourth pup came easier compared to its first three siblings, slipping into the world, notably the smallest of the bunch so far, but only just a bit. Like his brothers, he was also a near perfect blend of black and white, with splotches of gray throughout. Aliana only barely got a chance to look down at the boy with an exhausted, loving smile before the contractions hit her again. Just how many puppies was she carrying?!

The fifth pup came with a little more difficulty. She could feel he was larger as he slipped from her birth canal, his mostly white and gray fur marred pink and red from the blood seeping from Aliana. There was no surprise she'd have some tearing, given the size of the boys she'd birthed so far, and even as she fifth was received by Dalila and Siren, she could feel the kicking and squirming of yet another inside her womb. The sixth pup didn't give her a moment of reprieve once the fifth son was born, and was eagerly kicking his way out of her belly. Aliana screamed and twisted her head to latch her jaws onto Chimera's foreleg near his shoulder, biting down with all the strength she could muster to keep herself from shrieking in agony. The sixth pup felt like the largest of all as he virtually fought his way out against her contracting muscles. Hot, blinding pain hit Ali, blacking out her vision momentarily until she felt the immense wave of relief that came as the pup's head emerged, followed by the rest of its chunky body. He was by far the largest of the half dozen pups she'd birthed and also the most feisty, kicking and squealing and squirming against the midwives and his own mother.

Aliana released Chimera's arm, exhaling hard. She could taste blood in her mouth and smell it on the air, feel it seeping over her thighs from the difficult birth of six large, healthy boys, but she wouldn't have traded any of the pain. It had been a small price to pay to bring their family of six strapping young lads into the world, all who were currently making little squeaky squealing noises as they tumbled over one another to get their first meal. Exhausted, tear-blurred aqua eyes peered up at Chimera, lost in a hazy blur of pain and euphoria. The biggest, happiest smile the tiny fae had ever worn in her life spread across her face while she gasped for breath, trying not to move, as every little jostle caused pain in her rear end. She wasn't worried though; she had Siren and Dalila to care for her. She trusted both women with her life. "We did it," she whispered with glee up to Chimera, stretching her neck up to run her tongue beneath his chin. Then she turned her gaze back down to their six sons, naming the final three in the order they were born. "Satyr, Quill, Morendo... Our sons."

"Aliana"