The time that led up to now had felt long and arduous. Her belly had grown huge, the woman unable to remain on her feet for long periods of time as the extra weight made her joints hurt. Her children had been scarce, as was most of the pack which irritated her to no end. Did she work this hard to have a pack full of those who constantly fought, didn't get along and yet still did nothing to try? It was questions like that that made her wonder what Bass and Valentine would do in those kinds of situations, both alphas she highly respected so she was curious.

As she made her away along the border that separated them from Yfir, a sudden sharp pain brought her to cringe, crumpling to the ground. She gasped for air, ears pinning to her head as she struggled to breathe. Tears involuntarily streamed from her eyes as the pain grew, fresh waves hitting every few moments. It was at this moment she knew, her pups were coming. And yet, it wasn't like the first time where it was just a little more gentle, no. This was fierce, painful, it took the breath from her lungs. She needed help, and she needed it now. Forcing herself to lift her head, she uttered a strangled howl for someone, anyone, to come help her. She needed a healer. Else there was no telling what might happen.

He might have been angry - no, more than angry, enraged - at his mother's foolish decision to become pregnant again, but he could not ignore that choked howl of pain. He was already close by, and he arrived in a flurry, to find himself the first one present, upon spotting his mother, he threw back his head and called more strongly than she was able to, not just requesting a healer, but demanding one. She needed one, or so he believed. He knew nothing of the healing arts, but the way she was convulding in pain strongly suggested that one was necessary. It also made him incredibly thankful that he was born male; he would never have to go through that... awfulness that his mother was afflicted with now. He stepped closer to his mother, a silent guardian on alert; disagree or not, he'd not let someone try to come for his mother nor these unborn pups. He would remain to protect; any who came towards them with the intention of harm or tried to make him leave would be met with the righteous, sharp fury of his jaws.

"Speech" | Think

He was glad he had collected herbs through the seasons. The male narrowed his eyes, he was on the job as quick as he could. Grabbing supplies, happy that it was close to where he heard her call. As the male came along the scene he saw Lykos. Oh boy. He hoped the boy didn't cause trouble but right now perhaps they could put their differences aside. This wouldn't be like last time with Athena. He would be here actually aiding in their birth. “Lykos go find the nearest pond and fill these with water.” he gestured towards the cotton. And his voice was demanding, but to the point where he made it clear it was for Avalon. “How are you feeling Avalon?” he asked spreading out his herbs. He needed to know how far along she was. He grabbed honey, poppy seeds, and a few other things. Breathing easily he watched her. There would be other herbs for bleeding as well. These were also his children, he would protect them with his life. This was why he was here. “Vereux” “Avalon”

The pain, it was all so much. And while her body curled in on itself and her ears pinned and eyes squeezed shut, she wondered for a brief moment if her failed call had even been heard. As she thought for a moment to try again, the howl of her son would be heard nearby. She turned to look at him, and while he was the last person she expected to see at a time like this, at this moment on account they were all pissed off at her and seemed to refuse to talk to her, she was glad to see him. Her pregnancy with them hadn't been like this, and she didn't think she could go it alone. Not now, especially so close to another packs border. She knew they were upset about this pregnancy, but she wanted a couple more litters before she got too old considering she had a late start. Not that she minded, because despite their boiling rage towards all the things that she'd done that they thought were so horrible, she was only trying to find happiness for herself, and do everything she could for them too.

Still, pushing that aside she shot him a grateful look before her eyes squeezed shut again. God why did it hurtso much this time? It was then that another voice broke through the air, Vereux asking Lykos to bring water. She hoped he wouldn't argue with it, and just listen to him not as a demanding whatever they thought he was, but as a healer. When Vereux came to her, she winced as another contraction tore through her. "It hurts...it feels. .worse then last time.." She gritted her teeth, heart pounding as she tried to catch her breath.

The hint of a rustle in the woods was met with the sight of Lykos' gleaming, sharp canines as his lips pulled back in a snarl. A low growl warned whoever was approaching - if they were not friendly, they would be ripped in half. Plain as that. He couldn't smell them; the wind was pushing their scent away, and the scent of blood and his mother overpowered his nostrils. Only a second later, Vereux appeared, and Lykos only hesitated a second before his hostility faded, and he regarded the male with a cool, appraising look. He did not like the man, nor did he think he would ever. Unfortunately, he was also a healer - which means Lykos would listen, albeit begrudgingly and only for the sake of his mother. He grasped the cotton in his mouth delicately, huffing as the fibers stuck themselves to his teeth, slipping away to the nearest stream. He winced when he heard his mother's groan of pain, once again grateful that he was not female.

He was in luck; there was a stream nearby that was flowing pretty nicely, so while chilly, it was not frozen. He tried dropping the cotton, only to find it stuck to his mouth, and irritably he swiped his paw at the cotton to get it out of his jaws. That worked, and carefully he lowered his paw in. Within a second, the cotton was plastered to his paw from the force of the current, and absolutely dripping; he grasped it once again in his jaws and headed back, dropping it in front of his mother silently, before resuming his silent guarding.

"Speech" | Think

Vereux would remain calm, as calm as his heart would allow at least. He didn't let it show that his heart was beating against his chest. Remembering every single thing he could. As he pulled out some Trillium he pushed it in front of Avalon the white flowers fresh. “Chew on that, it will help with the pain and contractions. Concentrate on pushing and you'll be fine. Make sure to drink lots of water.” Vereux instructed as he silently dipped his head to Lykos. Whether they would like each other or not, he think he understood that Lykos still felt strongly for his mother. Vereux would resume tending to Avalon as his single emerald eye looked at her. He prayed to the gods but he also softened his look, making it so it would reassure her. He was right here, and there was no way in hell he'd let something bad happen to her during the birth of their children. “Vereux” “Avalon”