She took a deep breath as she watched Roman turn the corner to go and find Artorias. Though she would have felt better doing this with him at her side, part of her wondered if it would be better or worse to have him along. Lil could already partially predict Ulric’s reaction. He’d support whatever decision she made, though it was also likely she would get a lot of his worry, it wouldn’t overshadow her own. What she was most worried about was disappointment. He didn’t want her to relive his mistakes, but Lillith couldn’t accept this was wholly a mistake. Yes the pregnancy was unplanned and unexpected, despite their timing Lillith wanted this. She wanted to have a family with Roman.

She wanted Ulric to be a part of their lives. Despite the fear she wanted her father to have the joy they were bringing as much as she wanted it. She saw how much he loved her, and her siblings, she knew that same love would extend to the tiny babies within her. Now that excitement was overtaking her fear Lil walked a bit more confidently towards her father’s rooms. She wasn’t sure when the best time would be, but there was no time like the present. She hoped he wasn’t planning on sleeping in too late today.

Lil approached his rooms, she didn’t hear anything outside. She was reminded quickly of the last time she had a quiet talk with him. She’d apologized for coming home drunk and… well not a girl anymore. She took another steadying breath and knocked on Ulric’s door. ”Dad?” She called out softly. ”I need to talk to you.” Her voice broke, and she steadied herself again.

Lillith Adravendi

After their conversation with Artorias, Ulric had begun preparing everything for their departure, though he still hadn't figured out how to tell his children. He knew he would have to since he refused to disappear from their lives the way Azariah had, but it was going to be hard. He didn't worry too much about Ezra. His son had always been the most independent of them. He was less worried about Lillith now that she had Romulus as a constant at her side, but Jane still hadn't matured the way he would have hoped and Emile... Emile was still a mystery to him. Those two he still worried about a good bit, but they were two years old now. He had to let go of the reins and let them do what they wanted with their lives at some point. When he was their age he had already spent several years as his mother's primary caretaker. As long as they stayed here in The Hallows he knew they would at least have access to plenty of food and shelter. The rest was up to them now.

Eska had gotten up early and had gone out in search of something to carry some necessary supplies in for their travels which left him alone in their room for the time being. He had begun going through some of the stuff that had accumulated in the room over the time that he had spent here, sorting through what they'd take with them and what needed to be given away or disposed of, when he heard a knock at the door. He lifted his head with surprise and listened to Lillith's voice calling from the other side. He smiled a little and went over to open it for her, his smile widening when he saw his daughter. "Lillith, come in," he said as he stood aside for her to join him, walking over to the fur that was spread on the floor in front of the fire place before he turned to face her again and settled onto his haunches. He gave her a curious tilt of his head, asking, "What is it, darling?"

"Speech"

Unfortunately Ulric took a lot less time to answer than she was hoping for, Lilith didn’t have her words in the right order. She didn’t know what to say or how to tell him at all. She knew that her father would forever be supportive and loving no matter what and she shouldn’t have been so nervous. Anxiety raced through her veins. Her smile very likely revealed those feelings as she grinned up at her father and accepted his invitation. Lil followed him inside.

Almost as if she was stalling Lil pawed at the long fur Ulric sat upon as he questioned her brightly. No idea what was coming or what she had done. The smile on his face made her feel so guilty. Again she chastised herself because he’d trusted her to be responsible and despite her best efforts here she was.

She averted her gaze as her face flushed with emotions. ”Well, um…” Did she explain how she had taken every precaution? Did she tell him she was sorry? Tears welled in her eyes as the emotions overwhelmed her, she was sensitive before but now that she was… Lilith swallowed hard and looked up at Ulric, using all of her strength to keep his silver gaze with her own as she spoke simply.

”I’m pregnant.” The tears didn’t quite spill over to her cheeks, but her voice was rough and her heart was pounding heavily against her chest. Lil didn’t know if it was her emotions getting to her or what but even breathing in was difficult and she gasped softly for air all while trying to keep herself together.

Lillith Adravendi

Ulric’s smile faltered a little when he saw the emotion written across his daughter’s face, his brow creasing with concern. He was patient as he waited for her to tell him what’s going on until finally she managed to get the words past her lips. Pregnant. She was pregnant. His silver gaze widened with shock and for a moment he could only sit there with his mouth agape as he tried to process the words and make sense of them. Logically he understood. She was in heat, it was no secret that her and Romulus were very active in their sex lives… It was more so just wrapping his brain around the fact that this was his daughter that was pregnant. His little Lillith.

Slowly though as the words started to sink in and he finally started to grasp the fact that she was going to have children, his grandchildren, the excitement outweighed anything else. He had wanted her to wait and live her life for a bit before she and Romulus began this phase of their relationship, but there was no changing what had happened now. He snapped out of his shock, blinking as he refocused on the tears welling up in her eyes.

"Oh don’t cry, my love,” he said quietly, a smile pulling across his face as he leaned in to gently wipe the tears from her eyes with the back of his paw. "Is this what you want? Is Romulus excited?” He waited for her to confirm these things before he slipped a strong foreleg around her shoulders, pulling her into him for a tight squeeze. "Then that’s all that matters. If you didn’t then we could figure it out, but if you do then I’m happy and excited for you, sweetheart.”

"Speech"

Ulric reassured her softly, telling her not to cry, she knew that she was being silly letting her emotions run away with her. Her father was always there for her, always supportive and loving no matter what, even when she felt like a sack of garbage. Ulric leaned closer and wiped the tears from her eyes, and as he smiled that grin was infectious. Lilith really was excited, she was scared ad nervous too, and those emotions had easily shown themselves in the uncertainty she faced. It was all self made, Ulric was as loving and supportive as he always was.

Was this what she wanted, was Romulus excited? There was absolutely no doubt who the puppies' father would be. ”It is. He’s very excited.” And she was too. Then Ulric was hugging her. All of her worries were gone as he held her tight, just like he used to do. She grinned, closed her eyes and lost herself in nostalgia for a moment. Maybe for the last time she could pretend she was that little pup and her dad was the savior of her whole world.

”Thank you, Dad.” She whispered into his fur and hugged him back tightly. ”I.. Still don’t feel like I”m ready.” She knew that fact could be remedied, and Roman would be learning right there beside her, but she was still nervous. That was obvious in how her breathing was lightly labored.

Lillith Adravendi