The thought of her children having a safe, relatively peaceful place to rest pressed her forward. She would walk, ignoring the contractions, and focusing on getting somewhere to birth them. She was close to it, and Hannibal had swooped in just in time to deal with Valkyrie. But her brother’s fate… it was something nagging at the back of her mind. Dutch tried not to visualize Thoren’s face as she walked. Her head was low, tail dragging, and she panted heavily. Her once-proud gaze was lost in the thought of what people had sacrificed for her. A lowly little crafter. Not worth anything but her brother’s servitude and a few measly pelts. but she didn't blame Hannibal. Dutch was just grateful he bargained for their children's sake. she held no delusions about the fact she was just someone to carry his children. if he cared about her, she didn't know. maybe she was blind to it. or maybe it was just the weariness talking. She had done so much for the Hjarrandi – she had gone out of her way to drum up business and make them a success – only for them to let her down. Now Ashen lay before her, and instead of feeling hopeful she felt utterly lost. Hannibal was beside her though, and the fact he was there to make sure they went to Ashen safely was enough for her troubled mind. Sharp pain in her side made Dutch gasp, pausing in her steps. She was almost there, right at the border but she… she had to lie down now. "Hannibal... it's time. they're coming..." Stumbling blindly forward, the dwarf lay right on the scent line. Safe. Hopefully. Someone should smell the birth and come - if Hannibal wanted to remain here. But she wasn’t getting her hopes up after being betrayed by the Hjarrandi. “shit” she snapped as another contraction came. Lying on her side, she began to try and remember what Ma had done. Dutch hadn’t assisted in any of her siblings’ births, but she had seen it enough times to know what it was like. Breathe in, breathe out… lots of breathing. Lots of puffing and huffing. “gaah!” the dwarf finally yelled as more pain shot through her system. ""

After trading in the bits and bobs to Valk, Hannibal and Dutch walked steadily to Ashen. Anxiety struck through his form with each step. They were silent and dutiful in their march. The little viking was full term and ready to pop. The round belly full of his spawn seemed to be all he could focus on. He was alert with erect ears and wide eyes. Taking in each sight and sound as they moved through the wilderness. But, just as they put their paws across the scented border Dutch spoke.

Hannibal whipped his head in her direction with even wider eyes. After one more step they were within Ashen's territory and the smaller femme laid down on her side. That big belly raising and lowering with her heavy breaths. The male took a step closer to her, "Focus on your breathing. I will call for help." With that the male tossed his head into the air and let forth a strong howl into the air. It was a song of summons for Ashen's healers as well as any high ranking Wolves that may offer them protection in such a dire situation. - As the call ended the albino leaned his head down and attempted to plant a sweet lick upon Dutch's brow. "You got this, Dutch."

""

If it was Hannibal calling for help, Archon would be there. Besides Belle, he was the closest thing to a friend Archon cared to have. The man didn't make requests of the pack lightly, so Archon was prompt in his attendance. As he came to the border, he found Hannibal and a woman who was very obviously not a part of the pack. Archon thought maybe Hannibal had gotten himself a slave, but she was heavily pregnant. Good God how many pups were they going to have in the pack? Archon came near to the two without invading their personal space. "Hannibal," Archon said, his fur still slightly on end. "What's going on? What do you need me to do?"

Lucretia arrived quickly on the scene, not sure what to expect from Hannibal's call. Was he injured? Did he spend too long in the sun, even with the chill in the air? She narrowed her eyes in curiosity as she approached, the scent of birth strong in the air. What had her brother gotten himself into? Luce approached cautiously, circling the stranger as she laid prone. "focus on your breathing. try to keep it even, don't grunt and gasp quite as much. in, out... in, out..." she instructed in a somewhat distracted tone. This had not been what she expected. Feverfew, her albino raccoon companion, circled the edges of the clearing awkwardly. Her beady red eyes peered up at Luce, waiting for instruction. "ah, Few, head back to my den and bring some motherwort, lavender, and chamomile... and one of those gingseng-soaked moss balls." The raccoon turned wordlessly and trundled away. "what is the meaning of this?" she hissed to Hannibal under her breath. Hadn't he and Circe had a pact? Ashen was practically drowning in puppies. The tender kiss he had placed on Dutch's forehead was unlike him. Had he fathered two litters this season? What a mess. "lucretia mutters..."

Banshee had been made aware of the fact that her father had two litters coming to Ashen. But, she was also aware that both of the females who were pregnant were missing. So, nothing really came as a shock to the almost-yearling as she wandered into the scent. In her jaws was a small deer-hide pouch of various herbs and a leaf lathered in honey. It was not a 'birth care package' but it was more of less a first aid kit. She assumed some of the herbs inside including chamomile, meadowsweet, and bonset could assist Lucerita while her companion dashes off to get more herbs. The youngling dropped the bag next to Luce as her emotionless blue eyes took in the sight of the heaving viking. As her teacher spoke to her father Banshee couldn't help but to sneer. Now is not the time for drama. She began to open the pouch of herbs and spread out their options. "I am here to help if needed." Banshee would allow herself to be of use if needed but try not to get in the way. ""

if she were in a right state of mind, Dutch would have snapped at every fucking person here except for Hannibal and his daughter. it really wasn't their business why she was here - he was their father and as such he had a right to see her birth their kids. as much as it was their pack and their land, she remained cross. she had tried to keep the contractions controlled until he asssured a safe place, and Ashen had been that safe place. ignoring the looks of disapproval and whispers, she tried to focus on her breathing. luckily Deathbelle wasn't here yet - the dwarf felt awful that Valkyrie had taken her lovingly crafted armor. hell, she just felt awful. a white-black woman would crouch down, with a young girl nearby. the healer folk, Dutch suspected. she was told to control her breathing, and she gave a weak nod before closing her eyes. "t-thanks" she gasped as another contraction made her grit her teeth. she could feel the end of her body begin to push something - one of the pups - out against her will. a large man was with Hannibal that she could see, but Dutch did call softly to the not-so-new father to go see his child as it entered the world. she wanted him to be there to make sure the pup was breathing. she didn't trust the healers. it was hard to trust much of anyone after the wool had been pulled from her eyes. but Hannibal had rescued their kids, and she was forced to trust him. ""

The Wolves came at once. First came Archon who rushed into the clearing eager to help. Hannibal offered the giant a firm nod and flicked his nose in the direction of the border. "Stand watch, if you would. We are in the open and Dutch here is about to give birth." As time went on of course the birth fact was extremely clear. But, Archon would honestly be of most help being their eyes in such a dire situation.

Next came Lucerita and that odd Raccoon of hers. First she assessed the situation and Hannibal stepped back slightly to give the healer some space. But, as the white and black fae turned her attention onto the alpha the male offered nothing but a swift snarl. Teeth bared and lips curled as he stared at his bold sister. "Your only concern here is ensuring the health and well being of my pups." Hannibal flicked his nose back towards Dutch who was deep into labor. "Focus." His tones left no room for if ands or buts. If Luce wanted to speak out anymore he would send her away and do everything himself. He had done it before with Nephthys.

Hannibal could hear his heart beat as he stood watching the situation pan out. He was pleased to see Banshee arriving with a pouch of herbs. The albino offered his eldest daughter a nod before turning his eyes back to the mother of his soon to be pups. Dutch called out for him as a little blob of a pup was pushed from her form. The male leaned down and took a long look at the creature, almost scared to touch it. He witnessed as the little thing took it's first few breaths and its tiny belly moved up and down. He was sure Luce would move in to do what was needed but if not he would act on it. "A boy." He raised his head and flicked a glance of joy towards Dutch. He was eager for what would come next.

""

"excellent to see you prepared," Luce murmured to Banshee, dipping her head in appreciation. Her niece, although prickly and difficult, was an intelligent girl. Just as a Klein should be. Lucretia glibly ignored Hannibal's threat. Once the birth was complete, he would be so wrapped up in his new children that she doubted he would remember any perceived infraction. Luce was less concerned about the origins of the litter than she was about the fact that no one had told her to expect yet another litter. Fools. This would change her entire gathering regimen over the next few weeks as she prepared for winter. Didn't they understand that this took hard, concerted effort? She couldn't just wish herbs into existence. On cue, Feverfew returned at a jog, her portly belly swaying as she went. A fat bundle of motherwort was clutched in her mouth. Since she had been so concerned for Deathbelle, she had perhaps over accumulated the plant, for which she was now supremely grateful. Lavender and chamomile were clutched firmly in Few's left paw, along with the damp moss ball. Luce collected them all together and offered the moss ball, covered with flower petals and herbs, to Dutch. "chew this thoroughly, it will relieve some of the labor pains and soothe your mind. Feel free to spit out the moss once you've sucked all the liquid out," Lucretia said. Feverfew presented the ball to Dutch in an extended paw. It was fat and dripping with gingseng water. "lucretia mutters..."

Banshee observed as Lucerita worked. The older lady was what the young Klein aspired to be. Strong and dutiful, as well as intelligent. She seemed to know exactly what to do and when to do it. Banshee took in every action, word, and movement to harvest such for her own memory. She decidedly ignored the little tiff with her own father. He was an alpha and was allowed to exert his own dominance. Neither party was wrong and she was sure it would all pass over. As the first pup made it's way into the world her eyes were wide. She had never seen a pup born and it was both horrifying and beautiful in a sense. She didn't mean the sight but the fact that a new life form had been delivered to their world before her eyes. The pup was a russet and black coloration that was muted by gunk. She observed as her father reacted. ""

this was the worst pain she had ever felt in her life and she didn't need people bickering about her presence here while experiencing it. Hannibal shot back at one of the women, the one helping her birth, with a note of finality. she breathed a sigh of relief - but probably knew shit would go down later - and shot him a grateful look. the healer lady pushed something toward her to chew on, and the dwarf took it in her mouth. but she soon grit her teeth and let out a loud gasp as another pup slid out. she heard the first was a boy, but she didn't know what this one would be. how many pups would she be birthing, even? it wasn't like the Hjarrandi had access to a healer during her time in captivity. hell, they hadn't even checked on her until Hannibal and Thoren bargained her freedom. so if the band had access, Dutch admitted that they hadn't even cared what happened to her or her children. it was still a fresh, open sore to her that would take some time to heal. the pups were crying by now, covered in the wetness of their birth still. she felt another contraction, but she hissed and prepared herself before the last one would reveal itself. and with mighty sharp pain, the last pup slid to the earth. there was immediate release as she rolled her head back and panted heavily. done. it was all done now. spitting out the herbal bundle now that it was done, she'd turn to try and look at her pups. "g...give them here" they felt so far away right now, on the other end of her small body. unfurling her stomach, she lay flat out of instinct so her kids could be taken to her for feeding and cleaning. ""

With so many births in such a short time, Lucretia was infinitely greatful for the surprising ease of each one. Mother Nature was an awe-inspiring thing; for once, they were reaping its bounty and not the shocking pain of her misfortune. As Dutch birthed her last puppy, Lucretia wasted no time in nudging them towards her. "here you go, mother. congratulations," Lucretia said warmly. Although her bedside manner was notoriously harsh, it was easy to be kind with new life before them. Dutch had worked hard to bring them forth and it was something to be celebrated, regardless of their mother's heritage. Luce would get her answers later. "a father twice over. you are blessed," she said to Hannibal. "they will surely be strong and smart, just like their older sister." Luce bumped her cheek against Banshee's, the first physical affection she'd shown the young girl. The Shamyn was typically more reserved, but the birth had her overcome with pride at the younger generation of Kleins. "lucretia mutters..."

Banshee remained relatively quiet while watching the women work. Her father lingered with pride as they witnessed the last two pups come forth. Covered in gunk and grime it wasn't a pretyt picture. But, Banshee was able to understand the joy of pups. The new potential for greatness within each and every one. She wasn't excited to deal with tiny twerps stealing the small amount of attention she got but they had the opportunity to turn into mighty Kleins. The now big sister snapped out of her thoughts as Luce nudged her gently. A tiny grin met her features as she nodded to the new mother who likely didn't care about Banshee in the slightest. "Congratulations." Her baby blue eyes flicked to her father before the babe looked to Luce. Her voice was now low as she spoke directly to the lead medic, "Do you need anything from me now?" Either Banshee could stay and monitor the well being of the new borns or leave for the time being. ""