Lucretia couldn't help but return to their old lands now that she was showing fully. There was something about being pregnant (the word still seemed strange) that made her emotions much more acute. The typically analytical, detached female found herself weeping routinely over the silliest of things, among other strange changes. Nostalgia seemed to chase her everywhere she went. Luce was yearning for the comfort of something familiar. Against her own better judgement, she'd asked Bourbon to accompany her on the journey back. It wasn't terribly far but she was wary of excessive exercise. It was already to hard to keep weight on her. 

Once they had arrived, Lucretia set about cleaning out the area where she would eventually restock her herbs. After a few sneezes and much grumbling, the den was back to being in ship shape. Ideally, she would raise her children here. Her children. Luce never thought she'd be here, expecting, with a mate by her side. So much had come to pass since the volcano. "Feels good to be home, yes?" She offered, giving Bourbon an affectionate nuzzle on the cheek. They were both covered in soot and dust, but luckily the lake was nearby. The water would be bracingly cold but that almost sounded pleasant given how filthy she was.

The dog wasn’t thrilled about returning to Ashen’s original lands with his pregnant mate, but she was convincing. Not that Bourbon could tell her no even if he wanted to. Her wish was his command and he would do anything for her, including accompanying her to their once home. When they arrived he worked with her to make sure it was clean again, a task that might have taken her alone five days. They were an excellent team and before long the den looked like it was lived in and not like a hole in the ground.

Luce seemed to relax, her sweet voice was at his ears as she offered him an affectionate nuzzle despite how dirty the pair of them were. He smiled and wagged his tail. ”Anywhere you are is home.” He chuckled as he aimed to steal a quick kiss from her. She was more than half way through the pregnancy, they would have to start making the decision as to where she wanted to give birth.

Her heart grew warm and softened when he spoke. The collie certainly had a way with words, a skill she was sorely lacking. That was why they made such a good team. He made up for her deficits. Luce turned towards the den and surveyed their work, clicking her tongue thoughtfully. "It seems like the ash has been good to the land. With any luck our harvest will be bountiful this summer. It'll have to be." With the health of her own children on the line, Luce would do everything within her power to ensure their prosperity. It would be hard work but she was sure it would be worth it. "Maybe we can see what's growing by the lake...?' she inquired, turning towards the mouth of her waterside cave. Her den was intricate in its scope with many chambers and had been unoccupied for long enough now that the air smelled only of dust and stale herbs. It was time that it was lived in once more.

"We can take a dip while we're at it. I hate grime," she grumbled, giving her shoulders some cursory licks to try and begin the cleaning process. Filth was one of her anxiety's triggers. Luce trotted out of the cave and towards the wide lake and its smaller ponds. Spending the past few months in the desert had given her a newfound appreciation for fresh water. Lucretia couldn't help but smile as she waded into the shallow water. This was home. "The water feels great," she announced, sure that Bourbon would follow her into the lake.

She didn’t deny his kiss, but she didn’t dwell on his words either. He lived to make her smile, and he seemed to manage well enough. He wouldn’t stop trying to keep her happy after the pups arrived, but for now his main concern was keeping her healthy along with the litter growing within her. Lucretia suggested the two of them continue on to the lake, to see if anything started growing around it. ’Of course,” Bourbon offered lovingly as he pressed his side against her swollen belly.

The dog chuckled as she mentioned a dip and how much she despised the grime. ”If there’s anything I know about you, it’s that quality.” He teased her lightly as he followed her out towards the lake. She didn’t hesitate to get into the water, and the dog wouldn’t resist at the shore. His pale paws slipped into the shallow water behind her. ”It does. I’m glad it’s so clear.” He commented as he waded out towards her.

Bourbon didn’t hesitate to continue out into the deeper water, his long fluffy fur was promptly soaked. Feeling a bit mischievous Bourbon suddenly shook himself in the lake, causing water to spray everywhere.