The day had finally come. Archon's first pups had been born and he was now able to take full control of his position. He had asked Belle if he could give a sermon in order to celebrate their children and then to let the pack meet them. She had agreed and in that moment Archon wasn't sure if his heart had ever felt so full. He marched out by the den, body held high. He called for the pack in its entirety. Anyone who wished to get a first look at the pups could come to the sermon. Anyone else could wait till later to meet them.

Obi stood nearby, drawing a variety of markings in the dirt as he said a prayer. He also wished for Archon's sermon to be successful and for his words to reach the hearts of the others. Even just getting general approval would be nice among the mortals. Until then, they would wait to see who would show up.

The newly appointed Daimyo paced gracefully toward the call, his head held high as he approached the ruddy male he had met the night with the strange woman Dea. He approved greatly of his sister’s choice in mates, his tail flagging as he approached him and settled on the ground beneath his feet. “Good to see you again Archon.” He hummed pleasantly although their first meeting had been less than ideal he hoped they could put the past behind them and focus on the future. His eyes glinted at the squirming pile of pups, a thin smile breaking over his features. They were beautiful creatures, carrying the likeness of both their parents well, a fine brood, he could only hope that in time he would have a litter of his own for them to play with. speaking Thinking  you

Zee came to the call as quickly as her small legs would allow. She'd already met the pups once, yes, but she would never turn down extra opportunities to admire their tiny, adorable strength. Her enthusiasm was quite curbed as she saw the other wolf in current attendance, her ears flattening and her head lowering as she ducked away from the Taskmaster in a wide circle to address Archon. Deathbelle was already present, but that didn't mean she was safe from the slave-driver Rosemary. "Archon, a pleasure to see you." She told him warmly, truly thankful for his part in her placement with Deathbelle. "Your children are glorious, thank you for your part in giving them life." The slave said her piece and bowed lowly before skittering off to sit beside Deathbelle to await the ceremony. "Speech"

She didn’t want all of the pack to try and crowd into the palace at one time, so Belle had someone lay out a warm bit of sheepskin over the sunning rocks. Then she had the pups placed beside her on top of the sheepskin, with a final layer of a fox skin blanket made with no less than six of the little canines. She was sure most of the furs were from the market, but her tiny mouse lemur was the one to sew all of them together. Snowberry really was tiny but mighty. She was set up behind Archon, elevated on her favorite perch as the wolves began to arrive. She smiled as Rose first appeared and she smiled at her newly promoted littermate as Zee trotted up to see. She didn’t miss the praise given before her servant hurriedly came to sit close to her mistress. The Empress offered her a quick smile as she offered both her and Rosemary a quick glimpse of the tiny puppies before covering them from the elements once more. Belle was curious to see the reactions and hear the congratulations from her family and pack. This would be the first time Archon spoke to them at large. She wasn’t sure how they would react, but the Empress was still proud to call herself a mother of gods. "speak."

Stock by Ria.P of dawthieves

GOT AN ANGEL ON MY SHOULDER But the devil always won... Smelling of soot Harbringr trotted away from the dark pit where a fire had been. With Ari's help he had managed to stoke a hot fire, as hot as he could but it was still not enough to start working metal. That would've put a damper on his mood but with encouragements from Costanza and a discussion with Ari they had a plan. He would use river clay to make something akin to a kiln and give that a try. Looking to get a snack before starting his new project a howl caught his attention. He knew enough to know that it was Archon, the Daimyo, who called even though he hadn't really met the other man. It wouldn't do for a samurai to ignore his Daimyo and so Harbringr broke his plans for the day and headed to the source of the call with Ari and Costanza hot on heels. A small gathering was there including his siblings and a tangle of pups. Hari grinned. He tried to catch Belle's eye and nod a greeting to her not wishing to crowd himself into her space. "I was wondering when I'd get to meet my nieces and nephews. They look to be a fine brood!"

Obviously Hannibal had already seen Belle's pups. He had attended the birthing as well as frequented the palace. But, it would be only polite to show face at the sermon. Honestly the entire thing was one big eye roll for the albino. He didn't care for religion in the slightest but he knew it'd make Belle pleased to see Hannibal playing nice at the Abraxas ways. Thus, the Hand marched along towards the event with a slight grin and his head held high as always. Upon arrival his pink and blue gaze swept across the attendees as well as the hosting pair. First Hannibal offered a gruff nod to Archon as he trotted forth. "I wish to offer you a formal congratulations. The pups are full of strength and will grow to be pristine examples for our bloodlines." In no way would Hannibal give thanks to their God. With a simple smirk the partially albino serpent moved to pad closer to Belle and the babes. That haunting gaze swept over the whelps before landing upon Belle wit a much softer tone. "They grow every minute." Hannibal offered a warm smile. ""

Although she had been feeling unwell since tending to Dea and Deathbelle's births, she knew it was important to put up a brave face for the pack. The gift of Bourbon had been a welcome distraction - his endless positivity radiated forth like a cleansing balm. She laid beneath Deathbelle's perch, able to smell each individual puppy with how close she was. Lucretia was willing to hear Archon's sermon out, if only for the sake of her sister and her children. It had been days since she'd last eaten and she was looking positively ribby and unwell, but she tried to hide it by grooming and fluffing out her coat. With a soft whine, she buried her nose into Bourbon's shoulder. She was she glad that he was also in attendance, it gave her an excellent shield to hide behind. Luckily, getting him acquainted with the pack rules and her den had given her an excellent excuse to make herself scarce in the public eye aside from private diagnostic visits with her sister. The puppies had begun to develop some... interesting attributes. For now, their growth was unimpeded by the discovery. It would be a game of waiting and seeing, which Lucretia hated, but there were some things you couldn't rush. "lucretia mutters..."

Bourbon didn’t leave Lucretia’s side if he could help it, as he got to know her he realized that she worked just as hard as he was expected to. He worried about his master, like any good dog should do, and he knew she wasn’t eating as much as she should have. He didn’t want to risk speaking out of turn so he head said nothing and only offered his silent support when she needed it. If she waited too much longer he would risk it, she had to take care of herself if she wanted to take care of the pack.

He made himself comfortable beside her, sitting so that the rest of the pack might not notice the deterioration in their Shamyn. Though he was a bit smaller than her she still managed to hide her thrin frame behind his long furred coat. Bourbon leaned into her touch as she nuzzled into his soft fur. He placed his head over hers for only a moment, offering his silent support before his icy blue gaze wandered over the attendees.

Archon welcomed each of the guests in turn. To Rosemary, he gave a firm nod and a hearty smile. The two hadn't met on the best of terms, but he didn't blame Rosemary for it and was more than willing to forget it ever happened. He gave Zee a warm smile and a few words of thanks. He was glad his gift to Belle had been working out so well. Harbringr addressed Belle, not Archon, but Archon assumed the excitement of the pups was simply too much to handle and didn't take it personally. He had answered the call, after all. Hannibal earned a more natural smile, as the man had to be Archon's closest acquaintance here besides Belle. Then Lucretia and someone else. She buried her nose into him and Archon briefly wondered if this was her mate. After waiting a moment longer, Archon turned to Belle with a warm and genuine smile before turning his attention back to the small crowd.

"Thank you everyone, for being in attendance today," he said. He was truly grateful for those that came. Those that didn't... were another issue, but Archon chose to not dwell on that too long. "As you all must be aware by now, we have been blessed with a litter of pups capable of shaping the future, not only of Ashen, but of all Boreas and beyond." Archon turned to allow full view of all the pups. "These pups contain both Klein and Abraxas blood, giving them some of the best traits these lands have to offer. I have no doubt they will carry our lines far and mold the very land with their paws."

He looked around the crowd. Okay, it seemed like everyone was still there so Archon nodded and continued. "These pups carry the blood of a God within them. The very God we derive our name from: Abraxas, the Fallen God. They are all Gods in their own right, although within mortal bodies just as the rest of us," he explained. He expected some eye rolls or some challenges and allowed time for that to pass before speaking again. "It is to be expected that some may have visions, speak to the ancestors or to God directly, or show another manifestation of God's innumerable blessings. Because this pack is their home, and because of the kind souls that help raise them, it is no doubt that Ashen will see abundant blessings as well."

A smile grew on Archon's face. He could talk for ages about God, but this was just a teaser, just a taste of what God had to offer. "With these pups, and with the agreement that led to their conception, the Abraxas and Klein of Ashen will prosper for years to come!"

He tried to keep the focus on the pups and the future they, with their Godly blood, could bring to Ashen and to the Klein family. With that, he stepped back and looked to Belle with a soft expression.

"Is there anything you would like to add?"

Sirius had only seen Archon a few times, and in passing. He only knew that he was the one Deathbelle had decided to produce royal blood with. When the man of equal rank to the titan called out to them, Sirius made sure to show up. He needed to be there to support Deathbelle, and knew it was his duty to attend all pack events. He arrived, and found the wolves congratulating the man. Sirius did not follow them to the father, he would not give his appreciation to the man for sleeping with his childhood friend. As much as he might adore the tiny children he was coming to know. He found himself moving up beside Hannibal after the white Alpha had given his own congratulations. He wondered what the man really thought of all this, he had, after all, heard him express feelings to Deathbelle. As the titan settled down, and listened to the father as he began to speak, realisation slowly dawned on Sirius. Zee had once told him that a god-fart man had given her to Deathbelle. He had never gotten his name from Zee, he had never cared enough to ask. But as Archon went on about the bloodlines of gods, and believing in ‘The God’ or whatever garbage he spoke of, Sirius understood. The same crazy man who believed his ancestors were gods, was the same as the man who had joined with Deathbelle. The titan’s surprise choked him, and he coughed rapidly to clear his throat, his eyes a little wide, before he caught himself, cleared his airways, and fell silent once more. Dear god, what had Deathbelle done? "Speech"

She basked in the attention her family was quick to give them. Congratulations were offered and Belle gave all of them a warm smile as they congregated. She was a little disappointed not to see everyone, but wouldn’t let it disrupt her high spirits. Belle was glad to see her sister had her new companion with her, but she also worried for her Shamyn. She hoped the dog would help bring her back to full health. It seemed to be the last of them had trickled in, but even Sirius made an appearance. She smiled at him as he took at seat and Archon grabbed her attention before starting. She offered a warm grin to the father of her children before he started to speak to her gathered family.

Archon spoke mostly about their pups, and explained eagerly their lineage. Deathbelle lifted her head a little higher, knowing that her brood had unlimited potential. She wasn’t blind though, she knew that most of them couldn’t bring themselves to believe something so far fetched. Archon was convinced though, and so thoroughly that she would proudly call herself mother to godlings. He finished quickly, and looked to her if she had anything to add.

”I present,” she said with a soft voice, loud enough only that those around her would hear and she might not disturb the babies. She moved the fur from covering their tiny bodies at her side and motioned to eat one in turn. ”Venom, Toxicity, Plague, Pestilence, and Calamity.” She smiled brightly as she looked back up, expecting to see adoration. Her lilac gaze fell on Archon.

”Archon, we brought these beautiful lives into the world out of a sense of duty, but now more than ever I feel like I need to be with you.” Her mismatched ears fell to her skull as she paused, and took in the massive wolf she had fallen so heavily in love with. ”Will you marry me, Lord Abraxas?” She asked in front of all of those she was closest to, she had taken in their opinions, Archon’s beliefs were laid out before them. She wanted this for her, for their children and for the two of them.

Archon noticed Sirius didn't greet him, but how could he when he was too enthralled by the beauty of the godlings at Belle's side? Easy, he couldn't. So Archon wouldn't take it personally this time. He was in great spirits and the sermon went on smoothly enough! When he turned to give his beloved a chance to speak, she introduced each pup in turn. Archon found his heart swelling with love and with pride.

She then turned to him and addressed him only, in front of the crowd. He gave her a soft smile as she started, but ash she continued, his reaction turned to shock. His smile grew a little wobbly and silly as his heart hammered harder in his chest than it had ever before. His ears fell back with a gentle eagerness as he closed the gap between them to offer her a soft kiss.

"Deathbelle," he began, his voice a soft murmur just loud enough for those close by to hear. "When I entered into this contract, it was obvious that it would bring abundant blessings but-" His voice cut out briefly as he swallowed back his emotions.

"I never imagined I would come to find the deepest, purest love I have ever experienced. I would marry you a million times over. Yes, of course I will marry you." His smile lingered and he only barely was able to hold himself back from lunging forward and covering her with kisses in front of the entire crowd. Instead, he settled for two more quick, gentle kisses before pulling back. "Yes."

The meeting started in earnest, with Deathbelle gladly giving out the names of her pups, and beaming proudly at the crowd. She deserved it, as she deserved every moment of pride, and Sirius gave her and the pups a grin, his elongated fangs twisting to the side with the gesture. When she turned to the God fart and began to speak to him, and him alone, the titans expression began to fade. He found he had suddenly lost any taste for celebration.

Sirius waited until the couple where clearly and very lost in each other, and all eyes where upon them. He would not embatess the empress by making a scene. When he was certain he was unobserved, the dark wolf then slipped into the shadows, and vanishes from the meeting as through he had never been there at all.

Their announcement was the first thing that caused Lucretia to life her head. Her eyes were still bleary from lack of sleep. A wedding? So Deathbelle had decided to proceed with the idea after all. Luce cracked a wry smile, burying her face back into Bourbon's chest. With the puppies now well on their way to healthy wellness checks all around, Lucretia could hardly object. Ashen was beginning to feel a bit crowded with all of the new litters, but they were still making do.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the hulking shape of Sirius slip out of the gathering. Hm... He wished to wed Zee, but still harbored enough feelings for the Empress that the wedding announcement stung? She thought back on her private conversation with the blue-tinted slave girl, frowning to herself. The relationship Sirius and Deathbelle had forged in their youth was formative. For better or worse, in sickness and in health, they too would be chained together in a different way for all time. Would Zee be able to cope?

"And when will the ceremony take place?" she asked from her place at Bourbon's size, offering her sister and chosen groomsman a celebratory grin.

The sermon was pretty much what Zee had expected from the Abraxas lord and the information and history lesson was something she'd heard before in their walk before Ashen. Regardless, the servant sat politely beside her mistress with a look upon her face that hid how very disinterested she was by the religious nonsense. She daydreamed through most of the service, occasionally looking out at the crowd around to see if any of them appeared as bored as she was. Sirius came in late, seating himself off to the side without a word as to his arrival. Zee's head cocked slightly, a silent question to her mate who appeared... displeased. She remembered their first time meeting, how she'd spoke of the God-loving man who gifted her to Deathbelle and wondered if he'd put two and two together yet. Her attention was brought back to the couple as Deathbelle took over from the Abraxas. Her ears perked with real interest, never bored to listen to her empress speak. She did not expect the proposal to come from her mistress, but couldn't help the smile that broke her neutral expression. She was so pleased to see Deathbelle so happy, especially after she'd given Zee the best gift she could ask for - Sirius. She turned at the thought, seeking her titan's gaze in the crowd to see if he was as overjoyed as she was. This was a remarkable thing, and it meant their relationship could continue with no hard feelings or awkwardness with Deathbelle having her own love. However her smile faded as she saw him turn to leave, catching the moment his own pleased expression abruptly vanished. Zee stiffened, but as much as she wanted to follow she knew she could not. Her place was by her mistress' side, and she did not want to draw attention away from the alpha and her mate nor towards Sirius' departing form. "Congratulations to the both of you." She told them sincerely, doing her best to smile at them both once more. Hopefully they'd soon all be dismissed and Zee could go find Sirius so she could firmly teach him some much needed manners. "Speech"

GOT AN ANGEL ON MY SHOULDER But the devil always won... Harbringr scooted around so he could get a better look at the pups. He wasn't quite sure what his duties as an uncle would be but he was sure he could figure it out. He had experience in fighting, survival and a number of basic navigation skills. He smiled warmly at his sister. It brought joy to his heart to see new life in the pack after the tragedy that had befallen the original Klein Empire. Archon would begin to speak and at first Harbringr was on board but when the man started to speak of the pups having the blood of a god in them he wasn't quite sure what to make of it. Was this man serious? Not that the Kleins didn't sometimes think of themselves as akin to gods but it was never in a literal way. He waited til Archon was looking away then chanced a glance at Deathbelle, quirking an eyebrow. Surely she didn't believe this nonsense? Deathbelle was a shrewd and cunning woman, he could not see her truly believing what the other man was saying unless she sought to use it to manipulate him. That Harbringr could get behind. Besides, if this man were truly a god then Harbringr would be all to happy to take the creature to task for the drought that had befallen them and the misery they had suffered. What god would curse the Klein's so and then immediately sidle up to their queen? He respected Archon's prowess in battle and the fact that he was easy on the eyes, but to Harbringr he was a man like any other. However, if this is what made Deathbelle happy he would not interfere. He only hoped she kept the best interests of her children in mind, knowing what ideas they'd be raised with. Hari worked to commit their names to memory, lowering his head and making a few little faces at them in hopes of seeing their reactions. Such small little things. He nearly choked though when Deathbelle asked the man to marry her. Well, she was certainly serious about this one. Fine, he'd give it a try. Just as long as Archon wasn't expecting to be worshipped or intending to force his religion on those who weren't interested in it. "Well, well, congratulations. Clearly it is a time of new beginnings." Quirking a brow at Archon he grinned mischievously. "Welcome to the family, my dear brother-in-law."