Even through all of the pain of loss, and how much she yearned to have Archon beside her again, Belle still felt the loneliness creeping in. There were a few ways to ward it off, and she’d spent more time with her litter, and snuggled them tighter when they slept. She wanted someone to hold onto her for once, someone she could use for their warmth and affection but wouldn’t have to devote herself to emotionally. She’d tried that and was hurt three times over.

Deathbelle quietly made her way to her sister’s den. They hadn’t spoken much since retreating to the Rocks. She knocked softly at the entrance and waited for the dog to come and greet her and invite her in. While she really would have preferred to speak with her sister about this, Bourbon would have to do if she wasn’t around. Though it was odd seeing one without the other. Belle allowed herself to wonder how Lucretia was getting on with the canine, after her business was done she’d ask about her gift.

”Luce?” She called out curiously, feeling herself in desperate need of her Shamyn’s presence and attention.

"Yes?" She croaked, emerging from the den's interior. Lucretia coughed and cleared her throat. The relocation had taken its toll on her, but Bourbon was keeping her grounded. She had just barely clawed her way back to the precipice of "normal," but she would throw it all away again to help the pack. Deathbelle included. Archon's death had been a detached blow - Luce had never formed a tight relationship with him, but had respected the strength he lent to Deathbelle and he was the father of her nieces and nephews. His loss was felt heavily by the immediate family and she longed to carry some of that burden for her sister, but knew it was hers to bear.

She slunk out of the den and shook her fur out, trying to puff out her coat. Putting weight back on, especially in the dead of winter, was slow going. Luce didn't want to add herself to Deathbelle's list of worries; she circled her sister and sat down next to her, shoulder to shoulder. The Shamyn sighed into Belle's neck and nuzzled her head close. "How may I be of service?"

Deathbelle hadn’t realized the full extent of her sister’s downfall after the eruption. She knew that the woman never slept enough, but as she emerged from the den Belle realized how bad she’d gotten. The Empress didn’t let it show on her face as she looked her Shamyn over. She felt her sister’s bony shoulder lean into her form as she came to sit close and asked why it was she’d been summoned.

There were a few things that could be discussed, Luce’s own health, the pup’s progression, or the less important matter on her mind. Deathbelle felt herself grow a little embarrassed about the topic, but if she couldn’t talk to her sister who could she speak to? This was important anyway, for herself and the rest of the family. The Empress leaned over and placed a sad kiss against Lucretia’s muzzle.

”I’d like for you to find me a contraceptive. Something to take until I’m ready to bear more strong Kleins.” So she could better plan for who would father her next litter. If her self destructive wants took over she certainly did not want a surprise pregnancy with someone undeserving. Of course for now she couldn’t think of replacing Archon’s comforting form beside her, but she’d felt the need to be much more spontaneous.

The question surprised her. It wasn't in Belle's nature to give in so easily to carnal impulses; Luce had always known her sister as a calculating woman. In her own struggle to cope with the recent disaster, perhaps she had overlooked her sister's grief. Archon's quiet strength was sorely missed. He would have been a good rock for her sister and other members of the pack, maybe even herself. The pack was lacking in "strong male presence" now that Hannibal was on the lam once again. Sirius had been spending plenty of time with the puppies, which Luce was sure all of the mothers appreciated.

"Yes, I'm sure I can work... something out, but seeing as it's winter..." Lucretia trailed off, her brow furrowed. The kind of thing Belle was looking for would require some specialty ingredients. It wasn't something she could just whip up. "You may have to wait until spring," she said carefully. By then the children would be older and better adjusted. Luce rubbed the top of her head on Belle's shoulder, massaging her skin with the small, sharp nubs that had begun to crown her head. "How are your, ah, blessings coming along?" It was what they had decided to call the puppies' mutations and she figured the label was still appropriate for them. The word certainly soothed her anxious mind. If it was a blessing, well, it could only be a good thing - not some strange foreign body thing that had invaded her body.

Deathbelle didn’t miss the surprise that flashed over her sister’s features. Of course Deathbelle wasn’t about to go out and try to bang all of Boreas’s eligible suitors, but the Empress wanted to be prepared. Only the very best deserved to sire her children, and though she should have held the same standards for conquering her royal body, she wasn’t sure if she wished to maintain them. Luce seemed to know what she needed, and Belle leaned forward as she trailed off. ”You may have to wait until spring.” Pale brows furrowed as Belle took in her answer.

She was well versed in herbs and their uses, and know Luce was good but no miracle worker. The Empress didn’t need to be out galavanting when her family was in crisis anyway. ”That’s not surprising.” She could wait, the Klein wished to be prepared though, she would not bear any imperfect pups. Luce provided a break to their conversation as she rubbed the horn stubs against Belle’s shoulder. It seemed the potion was true, something she hadn’t honestly expected. She loved it though, Ashen was full of intimidating individuals.

”They’ve stopped being painful. I can nearly retract them fully now.” She picked up one dainty paw to show her Shamyn. They were still filed to dullness because of her steps, but soon they would be protected by her paw pads and she could use them like any cat might.

"Oh, fascinating," Lucretia whispered eyeing her paws with delight. "Try and stretch them every day, it will familiarize your muscles with the new movement. It certainly wasn't something you could do before," she laughed quietly. It was important to try and acclimate all of their bodies to these new changes. There wasn't much to be done for her head except endure the aching. Come spring she figured a neat little rack of horns might sit atop her head. By then the puppies may have grown into their own blessings and Ashen would be filled with formidable wolves.

It was a lovely thought. There would be so much to study and observe. "There's plenty of snow drifts about as well, it wouldn't hurt to stop and chill your paws after your stretching exercises." The snow was dirty with ash but was sanitary enough to be used in such a way, she thought. "I apologize I can't immediately help with your request, but with your gift," meaning her helpful little Bourbon, "acquiring the unique properties for consistent usage in the springtime shouldn't be a problem at all. Something to look forward to, yes?"

Luce seemed more than impressed with the new workings of her paws. Deathbelle was pleased as well, she would really give Sirius a run for his money with her extra prowess at her paws. Literally. Her sister was quick to offer suggestions, like to start stretching out her paws unlike anything she was able to do before. Belle tested the action as Lucretia spoke and continued on with another suggestion. There was enough snow that if she placed her paws in the banks after use the cold would ease the aching.

The Empress nodded softly as she contemplated her blessing and Luce returned her words to the request from earlier. Mismatched ears perked at the words, ”It’s certainly not your fault the winter and eruption have stolen away all of our herbs.” She tried to put her sister’s worries to rest. Deathbelle could wait, she had Zee to warm her bed at night and the pack to occupy her thoughts while during wakefulness.

Deathbelle felt herself grow distant at her sister’s last words. The Empress had never been one to give herself easily, Archon was thus far the only man to have been allowed such an intimate experience with her. Looking forward to the spring and her new prescription would change so much.

”You’ve been getting good use out of him then?” She asked curiously, unwilling to linger on what she had to look forward to… Many more years of life without her beloved. ”I wasn’t sure what talents it held, but at least I’m sure your den stays warm.” The dog had a rather thick coat, surely he made for a good heater against the cold.