Absinth woke with a start. A low growl climbing out of her throat as she tossed and turned. Frustration eked out of her, lips curled upwards as she sneered in distaste. She’d finally managed to drift into a restless sleep, after a day filled with immense discomfort. More so than the past few weeks at least. Exponentially so.

The moon hung low in the night sky, casting its pale glow over the winter expanse of the sound. She lay nestled in the safety of her bedding, the monochromatic fur along her disciplined framework, save for the swell of babes in her belly, glistening faintly in the dim light. Her breath came in shallow, labored pants as the first waves of labor washed over her. “Ugh.” She heaved herself up onto four paws, and began to pace in the spacious underground den.

Each contraction was a reminder of the life she carried, the culmination of months of anticipation and pride. The cold night air seeped into the den, mingling with the scent of earth and fur, but Absinth paid it no mind. Her world had narrowed to the rhythmic pulsing of her pain and the beating of her heart. “Fuckkk.” Despite the agony coursing through her, her emerald eyes shone with hardy determination. This was it, a moment of truth, her fucking reckoning.

wormwood

Aresenn stirred at her side, instincts snapping him instantly awake. He roused, eyeing Absinth's writhing form with a frown etched deep into his features. It was not the first night she had been restless- not anywhere close. But tonight it seemed different- her discomfort taking on a more visceral and guttural attack. He shifted, his large, muscled form stretching out in the den as he turned his attention to her. He stood, having no need for words as he observed the scene unfolding before him. The sight of her was one of both beauty and dread; Absinth, pregnant with their offspring and laboring under the weight of her own resolve.

Initially, Aresenn remained silent, not sure of what he could say or do. His eyes swept over her in a calculating manner, noting the grimace of pain that flashed across her features with each contraction. Brows furrowed in frustration at his own helplessness, he paced alongside the edges of the den to ensure he wasn’t in her way, his heavy footfalls echoing in the enclosed space as he tried to shove the lingering sleep aside. “Do you need Caedes?” He asked lowly, breaking the tense silence with his growl-like voice, offering to fetch the healer on their behalf. He knew Absinth was strong, but childbirth was uncharted territory for both of them, and he didn't want to take any risks.

"Aresenn Praetor"

As each contraction wracked her frame, Absinth summoned every ounce of strength she possessed, pushing through the pain with resolve. The little lives within her depended on her, and she was determined to bring them into the world with the same fierceness that had defined her entire life.

Her muscles strained with each agonizing pulse, her body a taut wire of defiance. This would not best her, and she was treating it the same as a battle. Both were bloody, both were feats of endurance. The den echoed with the sounds of her struggle, sharp breaths and muted growls merging with the night. Amidst the turmoil, she cast fleeting glances at Aresenn. Her emerald eyes flashed with intensity, of pain and distorted confidence, as she hissed through every painful throb of her hips. Her world had shrunk to the rhythm of labor, and little else.

Aresenn's presence was a solid anchor in the storm, but she remained in her own realm of suffering and strength until his voice cut through the fog of her struggle. “Do you need Caedes?” He asked, his tone laced with concern that she grit her teeth at.

Absinth shook her head vehemently, her gaze locking onto his with an ebb and flow of ferocity. “I can do this.” She breathed out, each word a testament to her indomitable spirit. She knew that if she couldn't, he would do what was needed. But for now, it was her battle to fight, her victory to claim.

The contractions came faster and harder, but she refused to falter. With every wave of pain, she pushed harder, drawing on reserves of strength she hadn't known she possessed. Her determination was a living thing, a fire that burned brightly in the depths of her soul. This warrior, and her greatest battle.


wormwood

Aresenn watched Absinth with a mixture of dread and admiration. Her refusal to accept aid, even in the face of such a grueling challenge, was hardly surprising. It was a testament to her …. and her unwavering stubbornness. Despite his initial offer to retrieve Caedes, he could tell from just one look into her fierce emerald eyes that she didn't want anyone else's assistance, especially not now. Aresenn knew her well enough to recognize that look; it was the same unyielding determination she exhibited on the battlefield.

"Alright," he responded after a moment of silence, settling down near her. His tone carried a note of reluctant agreement, but he was far from convinced. His eyes remained trained on Absinth, keenly aware of every grimace that crossed her face and the escalating rhythm of her labored breaths. Despite his acceptance of her decision, a gnawing worry nestled itself in his chest, its weight heavy against his otherwise apathetic demeanor. He knew there was little he could do, just as with a battle, it was hers to fight. And if she needed something of him, he knew she would ask.

The best he could offer was his presence and trust in her strength. And that he certainly did.

"Aresenn Praetor"

Time stretched and contracted in a haze of agony and determination. Each wave of pain seemed to last an eternity, yet Absinth remained steadfast, her resolve unbroken. Her breath came in ragged gasps, sweat mingling with the glistening sheen of her fur. As the night deepened, the moon's light remained bright and constant, until the moment finally arrived.

With a screaming snarl, Absinth felt the first pup slip into the world. She collapsed momentarily, her body trembling from the exertion, but her eyes, filled with fierce ambition and relief, focused on the tiny whelp before her. It was a mostly red boy, touched with patches of ivory, a perfect blend of herself and Aresenn. The pup wriggled, its small cries filling the den with a new, precious sound. Absinth nudged it closer, licking it clean with tender care.

The respite was brief. Another contraction seized her, and she bore down once more, her body a vessel of life and struggle. The second pup followed soon after, another little bundle of red and black, its small form a near mirror of the first, but a girl. Both carried her wing-like markings upon their tiny shoulders, which brought a grin to her inky lips as she worked. She repeated the ritual, cleaning and comforting the newborn.

A third pup came into the world with more ease than the first two, as if it too was eager to join the others. This one, unlike its siblings, bore a frame of split heritage. Russet and cream, and albino, a trait that brought about her father’s image in her mind. But she paid it no mind, continuing her care of the babe. Absinth gathered the three tiny whelps close, their combined warmth so small and strange to her weary body. But she knew in her gut she was not done yet. There were more to come, this was just a small reprieve.

She looked at Aresenn, a tiredness to her features, but eyes the same stubborn determination. “Not finished. You lucky bastard, I wish you had to share the pain. Fucker.” Her voice was a low growl, mind muddled by her labors.

wormwood

Aresenn watched the scene unfold with an expression that was stoic and unreadable, his mind racing through a whirlwind of emotions. He felt a knot of undesired sympathy in his chest as Absinth endured each contraction with such tenacity. Despite her strength, he could see each of the contractions as they racked her body. Each cry of pain that echoed in their close quarters caused an ache of regret in his chest.

But the introduction of new life into their world pushed any disquieting thoughts aside. As each pup emerged, he felt a surge of unexpected warmth creeping into his demeanor. The sight of the squirming whelps stoked a feeling within him that was as foreign as it was welcome - a sense of belonging to something greater than himself, the powerful bond of family. This was a side to Absinth he had not seen before, her ferocious warrior exterior replaced with a nurturing, motherly tenderness. A sight that stirred something deep within him. There was something raw and visceral about the way she brought life into the world, a strength that surpassed even the mightiest of battles.

His eyes met hers as she cursed at him between labors. A smirk played on his lips at her harsh words, a glimmer of amusement flashing in his eyes. "Me too,” he retorted back lowly, his voice carrying an undertone of worry beneath the impertinence. The words were a jarring contrast to the intense moment, yet somehow fitting given their subtle, but very passionate connection. He watched as she readied herself for the next strain, his hand sliding unintentionally to cover hers, giving it a supportive squeeze. A tender gesture from him - one that conveyed more than any words could ever express.

"Aresenn Praetor"

More time stretched on, the den echoing with the sounds of Absinth's exertion begun anew. One by one, three more pups emerged into the world, small and vulnerable, but full of life and vigor. She carried on through it without fear, because she was Absinth.

As the monochromatic woman endured, each subsequent birth somehow got easier. The fourth pup, a boy, emerged mostly charcoal with orange accents. The fifth pup was a girl and she was a near-exact replica of Aresenn himself, only with a darker face reminiscent of Absinth’s, with golden brows. And finally, the sixth pup, a massive boy with striking markings, and vibrant crimson fur.

As the last pup entered the world, a triumphant cry escaped Absinth's lips. Her chest heaving with the deep breaths she was taking, muscles straining with the exertion and the pain that now ebbed away. She gathered her newborns close, cradling them in the warmth of her embrace. Taking a moment to herself, eyes closed as she pointed her muzzle to the ceiling of the den.

If this was childbirth, then why had her mother treated her like a parasite? This was not the horrid, life-destroying experience Sufri had spoken of. This was no great torture, nor the end of her beauty. What a fucking lie on top of a lie, from a worthless whore bitch

Despite the exhaustion that weighed heavily on her, there was a sparkle of mischief in her eyes as she returned her gaze down to survey her new brood. She peered at Aresenn, exhaustion clear on her features as she gave a weak, wide grin.

wormwood

Aresenn had watched the entire process in a humbled silence. From the smallest, delicate pup to the final, massive one, each one a testament to the tenacity and strength of the woman who bore them. As he gazed upon each squirming bundle, something stirred within him - a mix of emotions that he had never experienced before. The sight was almost otherworldly in its rawness, filling him with a sense of wonder and humility. And when things finally settled, he met Absinth's weak grin with a subtle one of his own. "You are so beautiful," he managed to gruffly voice out, his gaze fixed on her every movement and expression. His words were more than just a crude compliment; they held a wealth of unspoken affection and respect for her bravery and endurance. Each moment with her was etched into his memory, cherished and treasured forevermore.

As his gaze slid to their offspring, a wave of protectiveness swept over him, causing his heart to flutter with an unfamiliar emotion. He moved closer, drawn in by the vibrant fur of each newborn, the subtle twitching of their tiny noses, and the soft whimpers that filled the den with life. For Aresenn, this was a new and foreign experience, one that he couldn't help but feel curious about as he studied each precious creature before him. The warmth emanating from the cozy den enveloped him, and the scent of new life lingered in the air like a sweet perfume.

His gaze flickered back to Absinth, his paw reaching out to gently stroke her cheek. He had never seen her so drained, yet so content, a tired smile still playing on her lips. As his paw swept across her cheek, he murmured gently, "Well done, warrior." The words, although thinly veiled were meant of intimacy.

"Aresenn Praetor"