Deathbelle had done one last patrol around the Empire’s borders that night before making her way back to the palace in the wee hours of the morning. She was tired, the weight of her stomach was finally taking its toll. As she slipped into the Palace she offered Iolaire and Daedra both an exhausted good night. Her back was screaming at her by the time she made herself as comfortable as possible in the most private chamber of the palace. The plush pile of furs was enough to relax her joints and sleep was soon to find her.

The day was progressing, it was a little before midday when the woman felt the first pains of labor and she was woken from her slumber. Vibrant lavender eyes snapped open as the familiar pain brought her into a fetal position. She groaned heavily as she was suddenly fully awake. ”Hannibal?” There was a bit of panic in her voice, even though this was no new experience every pregnancy was different. Her first thought was the comfort of her mate and the father of her children.

The second was that she needed Iolaire. Lucretia was busy with her young brood so Belle had invited the Armada’s healer into her den. Of course Lucretia was checking on her progress throughout but she was not as involved as she was with the first pregnancy. ”Io?” Likey the woman was already preparing as soon as she heard Hannibal’s name fall from her lips.

Hannibal had been in a light slumber as he heard his own name fall from the lips of an angel. Pink and blue eyes fluttered into view beneath lush lashes. He blinked away the sleepy haze as the male looked around the chambers. As he witnessed Belle breathing heavily on top of her lush furs the male knew what was happening. It was time. Their beautiful bundles of hope would venture into the world for the first time. Taking their first breaths and let forth mewls of wonder. With these thoughts the male got up from his resting space to move closer to his Empress. Sleepy deep vocals fell from his lips, "Has the time truly come?" Hannibal looked to his mate's plump belly before taking a seat towards Belle's head. He leaned down to pepper a cheek with kisses before leaning upward again, "If you need help do inform me of what to do." He had been there for three births in his time but never had to do a thing other then moral support. Hannibal was rather useless with the medical side of things so he figured if he sat out of the way Io would have a better time giving her aid. Hannibal smiled down to Belle with sleepy eyes, "I've never seen such a beautiful sight." Speech

Iolaire had been spending all of her time in Ashen territory. She was never terribly far from Deathbelle's side. Even now, the small healer was settled in a chamber outside of the Empress's private chambers. Her sleep was light and her sense of hearing was always on edge, listening for the lightest call. It was the call for Hannibal that woke her first, but the call for herself is what pulled her to her paws. Sliding into her pack, the little woman shook off the vestiges of sleep and moved into the chamber where her closest friend would soon give birth. Hannibal was already there as she knew he would be. Io shot the man a grin before placing her supplies on the ground. Seating herself at the edge of the furs, she offered Deathbelle a smile of reassurance. "How are you feeling? Are things happening quickly or slowly?" She was here for support, but she needed to know what to expect in order to give that support properly. "Speech"

Her breathing became labored as a short contraction tightened her belly and alerted her to the beginning of the labor process. She thanked her lucky stars that Hannibal was close, and his comforting presence was quick to find her. Deathbelle inhaled sharply at the pain, but it was a little easier with Hannibal beside her. He lowered himself beside her as he offered his astonishment and support, ”yes.” It was time, today they would welcome the newest Kleins into Ashen.

”I just need you beside me.” She panted softly as she squirmed, unable to find a position that was comfortable. She tried to distract herself with a few well placed kisses before Iolaire appeared within the chamber. Deathbelle aimed to shift her attention to the dainty healer who she had come to love so deeply. Were it not for her guidance they might not have been readying for the arrival of these pups.

”Excited.” She answered with a wink as she rested, waiting on the next contraction. ”I think I slept through most of them, but I forgot how painful it all is.” She shuddered slightly and clenched as another contraction raced over her. Deathbelle grit her teeth and leaned heavily into Hannibal’s side as she willed it to end. ”Faster. I hope.” A groan interrupted her quick words as her predictions were true.

Moments after her support arrived things started to get exciting. Her water broke and she started to push. The moments ticked by, and no matter Belle’s efforts there was no progress. She tried not to let fear into her heart as her breathing increased and she looked to Iolaire for guidance. ”I need help.” She stuttered as she struggled, her first born was fighting the process.

Despite the seemingly calm demeanor of the pale man his heart was thudding rapidly within his chest. He felt uneasy with often shifts of his weight and glances between the two ladies. His lovers soft words and experience gave Hannibal confidence that the babe could handle this. Out the three births he had participated in he had the most faith in this one. Deathbelle had a litter previously as well as a good healer at her side. Iolaire was incredibly suited to be assisting with the royal spewing of spawn. As he witnessed the love of his life struggle he couldn't seem to move. Hannibal watched in utter silence as his eyes rapidly flicked from the two. Every now and again he had to remind himself to breath. Which was something that he should be doing for the lady giving birth and not himself. Just barely did the beast hear the words 'I need help'. In a flash he felt his heart rate increase faster then ever before. Faster then he had remembered during his many battles and even when he had been pinned by a boulder up north. In his oxygen deprived mind he thought the worst and felt himself freeze. Hannibal did not faint but he was surely on the brink of doing so. Speech

Nods were given as Belle explained what she was feeling. Soon her water broke and the process began. Deathbelle had given birth before. Not only that, she was a healer in her own right. She knew what was coming and she knew when something wasn't right. At her admission of this, Io moved forward and gently felt around the birthing mothers abdomen. It was tight in there. Whoever was coming out first was throwing a fit and making things difficult. "This might be a bit uncomfortable," She warned before pushing in one direction to spin the locked child into position.

Noting the look on Hannibal's face, Iolaire his her grin, instead handing him a flagon of warm tea. "Drink some of this and give some to Belle. It will calm you both and will help to ease your panicked muscles." Moving to the side, she urged Deathbelle to push again.

Iolaire moved forward, and Deathbelle felt Hannibal’s distance as the tension built and left him breathless. With her attention on Io and the movements her deft paws made at her belly she took a moment to try and bring him back to her. The Empress was warned of the potential discomfort and Belle leaned back against her mate. ”Hannibal,” she cried out his name as the healer shifted the pup manually to kickstart the process.

A tea was given to Hannibal as Io tried to soothe the soon to be parents, and all too soon she was returned to her side. It was time to push for real. Again, a contraction tensed Deathbelle’s body and this time when she pushed the first pup entered the world. His tiny body was a mixture of black and white, Belle could sense her father upon him.

Though this was a joyous moment as Deathbelle shifted to see to him a deep sense of darkness settled over the room. For now it would be ignored as he was freed from his birthing sac and allowed to cry at will. Belle sat back only as he was settled beside her. They weren’t done yet. ”Chimera.” She breathed, aiming to lean back against Hannibal again. ”Chimera Quill Klein.” Her voice was weak with exhaustion, but obvious love as well.

Again her body tensed and the process was started over, already she was tired from the exertion from the first. She hadn’t even been this tired after delivering the whole of her first litter. ”I’m so tired.” Belle whined softly to Iolaire as she pushed with the contraction. Thankfully the second was much more willing to appear, and even with her weak efforts the second whelp was born.

Hannibal was suddenly taken out of his state of shock as Deathbelle cried out for him. Pink and blue eyes fluttered with blinking lids as he came to. The feeling of his mate struggling and pressing herself against him in desperation for comfort made him lean down and kiss her cheek suddenly. Iolaire moved a flagon of tea towards him and the male did as instructed. Ensuring Belle was tended to first, Hannibal tilted the flagon towards her muzzle in aim to allow Belle to take a few laps at the liquid if she desired. As she finished Hannibal moved to take a few laps at the tea himself. He hoped Iolaire was right and it would soothe him even in the slightest. Tingles ran down the beasts spine as he witnessed the sight of their son enter the world. The boy was adorned with black and white fur that represented their mighty bloodline. A small smiled slipped across his lips as it's mother leaned against it's father. Deathbelle panted forth a name which made Hannibal nod gently. A good strong name for a large and seemingly healthy pup. As much as Hannibal wanted to cuddle his Empress and their child he knew their war was not over. Soon, after Belle breathlessly spoke, their second pup came into the world. Beneath the layer of birth was inky black fur with only the slightest bit of white on his tiny face. The smile remained on Hannibal's lips as he awaited for the cry that would come soon after Iolaire did some cleaning. Finally the father had the will to speak and offered a name for the youngling, "Incubus Thorn Klein." Another strong name for their second born. With a palpable sense of pride Hannibal leaned down to press his muzzle against Deathbelle's neck. "You are so incredibly strong, my flower." A pause with a hidden tear running down Hannibal's cheek. "This battle will soon be over and we shall relish in it's rewards." Speech

Palpating Deathbelle's abdomen had worked and soon the first pup had worked its way into the world. The child, when the sac was removed, howled mightily and even bit one of the little healers digits. Iolaire furrowed her brow slightly, but placed the pup beside its mother to begin its first feeding. Deathbelle named the boy and Iolaire nodded once.

While Hannibal did his best to feed the calming tea to his woman, the next pup was coming. This one exited the birth canal with much more ease. Darker than the first, but still large. Another male. Pulling away the sac, Iolaire placed the child next to its sibling so that they could both feed.

Gently, she touched Deathbelle's stomach, prodding to see if she could count the children within. It was a little confusing. "You either have one small pup or a lot of afterbirth. Either way, it's time to push." She was ready for the last bit of birth and resumed her place. "You're doing so well. Just a little further."

Deathbelle leaned back against Hannibal and willed his strength from him, she struggled more than she ever expected but his words were encouragements in her ears. They were nearly through and the rewards were worth it. Iolaire was right there beside her, a guiding light that the Empress used as her lifeline. She ignored the fog and focused on the very last bit. Discomfort obvious as she struggled to push her efforts eventually beared her fruit and the last of her children entered the world.

The difference in size between this tiny girl pup and her brothers was intense, and adding to the contrast her fur of ivory and cream. Deathbelle’s perceptions were lost and she didn’t notice her size or color, only the comforting feeling of her tiny form at her breast. ”Iolaire…” she pleaded softly, unable to even lift her head from where she lay it in rest at Hannibal’s paws.