fleeting innocence

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."