doctor's orders

"Then you have my gratitude," she said earnestly. Luce offered him a tentative smile. Their alliance was an unlikely one, but she hoped it would guarantee the safety of Deathbelle's litter and the Empress herself. It was paramount that good fortune be brought to the wolves of Ashen, and the best sign of success was that of a squalling, thriving litter of puppies.

"I hope that you will come to enjoy our visits," Luce offered hopefully. There was a flicker of her younger self in her voice; as a pup, Luce wanted nothing more than to be included in Belle and Sirius' playtime. Now that the Empress was so preoccupied with her new life - pack, litter, a passel of new, strange suitors... where did that leave Sirius? Did he still fit into Deathbelle's life? Lucretia had known her sister to be selfish, but privately she thought that perhaps the tusked warrior deserved more. "I'd like to know more about your teeth, as well," she added, gesturing vaguely to his mouth. At what rate did they grow? Did they cause him any discomfort? Her questions were many.

"But consider yourself dismissed, if you wish to leave," Luce said. There was always more to be done, and another set of paws would never go to waste near the healer's den.