When the Stars Align [birth]
Solveiga let out a soft whimper of relief as her mate nestled closer, promising to stay by her side through all of this. She thought she had prepared herself, physically and emotionally, for this. But maybe it was impossible to truly prepare for something like birth. Still, she focused on the things she knew to do, like deep breathing. She knew enough about birthing to know that she was nearing the end of the first stage and that the pain was about to get a lot worse. So she obediently took the medicinal plants offered to her, hoping they wouldn't take long to kick in. And then Paladin began to speak to them and she looked up, allowing the bit of conversation to distract her from the worry and the pain.
He was asking how they felt about having other healers observe the process. It took a moment of thought for Solveiga to decide what would be best, but in the end she gave a nod to express her assent. Of course, it was up to Regulus as well, so she looked back at him. "I think it would be a good learning experience," she said softly, taking another deep breath as another twinge of pain ran through her body. "I don't think I'd mind the intrusion... but after the birth is over I think we'd like to be alone, to..." another wince of pain, another deep breath before continuing "...to rest and have a moment alone with our newborn children."
She had a feeling Regulus would agree. If he didn't, she wouldn't be upset. After all, it would be a bit embarrassing to have an audience while she was in pain like this. But she was willing to go through that extra bit of discomfort in order to give Dómari and Justice the opportunity. What she meant to say was, she was fine one way or the other. Audience or no audience, she was focused on bringing these pups into the world. And, speaking of which, she had a feeling that second stage was underway. Those last few contractions had seemed awfully close together. This was really happening. It wouldn't be long now before their children were here, cradled safely in the warmth of their mother and father.
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