To say that the Queen of Seracia was growing uncomfortable would be an understatement. At first, the added weight to her belly in the form of growing children had been merely a hindrance, a slight annoyance -- then it had grown uncomfortable as they had begun to grow even further, kicking around inside her. But it was past this point now, and she merely felt pain. Pain like she had never felt before. She had anticipated the contractions, but finding it next to impossible to place when they would arrive, they were thoroughly unsettling and crippling. For as long as possible, she would bite her tongue, not wanting to show anyone -- Maverick included -- just how much she was beginning to suffer. For her children, however, she was more than willing to endure all of the suffering of the world; not that she had any way to end it, even if she wanted to. A soft whine left Epiphron's lips, echoing through the mostly-empty den. It seems so much larger without her husband here. The woman braced herself as another wave of contractions rippled through, her muscles tensing as she pressed herself into the dirt. It was rare she requested his presence, even she she wanted him badly -- she'd always been too proud to give in. But now, she wasn't sure she wanted to be alone. With all the strength she could manage, she lifted her muzzle to the sky, letting loose a call for Maverick, as well as a healer ... whoever might come. Something told her that her pups would be coming soon, and she didn't want to be unprepared.

I'M GONNA BE THE MAIN EVENT like no king was before To say that he had been hovering lately would have been an understatement, but it was his luck that the precise moment when his wife actually needed him was when he had taken the liberty of checking the farthest borderline from where she was. Her howl went up and he went rigid, his whole frame suddenly forgetting how to function properly. She rarely summoned him, and he knew that the nature of this call was positively urgent. His head shot up to return her call, assuring her that though he was of a great distance away, he would be there as quickly as he could. A second call fell from his muzzle, summoning the healers of Seracia - whoever they may be - to aid in the birth of his children. When this was done his legs seemed to have remembered how to work, and immediately he was off. A distance that normally would have taken him more than an hour to cross at a steady walk, he managed to cover in only a few minutes at a speedy gallop. His heart beat fast as the den they had chosen finally emerged in his lime vision. He was slowing rapidly, unsure if he would be permitted to enter. A bark resounded from his lips, assuring her that he had arrived. When he neared the entrance of the den, he moved so that his head and shoulders were in the opening far enough so that she could see him if she were turned toward it. "My love," he crooned. She looked pained and exhausted already, though no children had yet been purged from her womb. He wished he could help her, but the King knew there was nothing he could do but be present - and perhaps guide a healer inside. He lay down where he was, half inside the den, with his rusty behind and tail on the outside. Maverick knew better than to encroach upon her space, though he did feel he ought to be close enough to assist her in any way if a healer didn't arrive soon. He was at a loss for words and air, as he panted heavily. Eyes frantically roved over her frame, wondering what pain she was going through and wishing he could take it upon himself to spare her. {Table coded by Lu}

Pregnancy affected women in different ways -- she had seen it with her own eyes. Epiphron had been particularly irritable lately, quick to react negatively, particularly to Maverick. And yet her anger never lasted long, always crumbling into nonexistence almost as quickly as it appeared. She had always wondered what the actual act of having children would feel like, and truth be told ... she was looking forward to it all being over. Rather than feeling entirely hostile, she longed for her husband's presence quite badly. Rather quickly she heard the scuffling of paws outside their den, and he announced his arrival softly, not willing to disturb her without asking. Slowly the Queen shifted herself, gaze dancing over the den's entrance, happy to steal a glance at her handsome mate. Another gentle whimper escaped her lips -- she was not happy at showing weakness, but she knew that such a soft admission of her pain was not akin to defeat. She was entitled to this much complaint, surely, was she not? "Come," she demanded simply. Despite the rain that tainted her lyrics, her voice was full of the same kind of fire it normally had -- perhaps even more so. She appreciated his respectful distance, but this birth was as much his as it was hers, though she was the one bearing the pain. Another contraction rolled through, causing what felt like every muscle in her body to tense and her eyes to close as she grimaced silently.

I'M GONNA BE THE MAIN EVENT like no king was before Despite her mood swings that had come with pregnancy, Maverick didn't see his wife much differently than he had before she was pregnant. The only difference, perhaps, was that he saw her now as stronger than he'd ever known her to be. Giving birth - he was coming to realize, by the pain noted in her features - was a difficult thing, and the fact that she was facing it with such strength was awe-inspiring to the King. Despite the obvious amounts of pain she was in, she still seemed happy to see him, and instantly beckoned him in. Glad for the invitation, he did not hesitate in bringing his exterior half into the den. He inched toward her, a sympathetic glean in his eye. He hated that she had to face so much turmoil in bringing their children into the world, but oh what a blessing it would be when the pups were finally here! "You are so brave," he murmured in her crimson-stained ear as he neared her. "I sent out a call for the healers, I'm sure someone will be here soon." He was hoping for Loccian, but at this point he would take anyone competent enough to ensure a safe delivery for both his wife and the pups. He could hardly believe this day had come. He had been looking forward to it since they had been certain of her pregnancy, yet now that it was here Maverick felt anxious and uncertain. What if something went wrong? What if no one came to help them? Maverick had had one healing lesson in his life, and to be quite honest he remembered very little of it. He would be of no service to his wife in the event of an actual problem during the birthing process. An ear flickered back in alarm, followed swiftly by the other. No, you've got to be strong for her. If he was nervous, she would be too. Almost instantly his ears returned to their normal pricked position, head swiveling toward the entrance of the den. Was that someone outside? He hoped it was a healer, but in truth almost anyone would do - if nothing more than to calm the King's nerves. {Table coded by Lu}

Erani

Seracia was a pleasant territory, Erani thought as she wandered along the borders, eyes flicking about as she selected plants that Epiphron would need. She had been pleased to find the amount of Blue Cohosh. She?d dug a few up and stored them near a guest den that wasn?t far from that of her daughter?s. Speaking of? Her head jerked up as Epiphron?s voice, strained, sang out from the direction of the den. She whirled, jaws tightening lightly on her plants, and took off at a swift run. It was her habit to arrive swiftly to a call, no matter what pack she was at. She arrived to her guest den, dropped the plants she had gathered, and grabbed up Motherwort, Cohosh, Crampbark, Peppermint, and Lavender, neatly gathering them up, before she took off at a purposeful lope. She arrived, giving a muffled woof through her load to Maverick?s rump, dipping her head as she waited to be allowed in. At which time, she would lower herself to the entrance, dropping her herbs between her paws. ?Epiphron.? Her voice was warm, gentle, and encouraging. In the dim light, she could see that full whelping hadn?t arrived yet, but they were painful. So she chose a plant from what she had brought. Crampbark. She noted that she?d managed to snag some of the willow bark she?d brought from Valhalla, and added that to what she had picked out. ?Chew on these, swallow the juice. It should ease the pain.? She nudged a sprig of Lavender and Peppermint to Maverick. ?These will help with nerves. I had my mate dose himself with it when my own labor pains began for my litter last year.? Deep blue pools sparkled with amusement. She also gave the same plants over to Epiphron. She was going to be a grandmother. Sort of. That small puzzlement was overrun by joy that life was to be brought into the world soon. She backed up and settled outside, the rain on her fur ignored, and in fact feeling pleasant. She would give the soon to be full fledged parents privacy, while hovering in wait for the full action to begin.

Epiphron would brace herself carefully, preparing for the worst of the pains ... which would come before long, she was sure. Slowly she peered from behind half-parted eyelids, watching as he slid closer. As desperately as she needed help from someone, she felt wary upon considering more than one or two wolves entering her den. Not that it could fit much more than that. However, she was beyond grateful for Maverick's prompt arrival at her side when she requested allowed. "I hope," the Queen whimpered softy, nearly groaning in agony as another wave of pain crashed over her. The contractions were unforgiving, and racked her entire being with pain like she had never known. She noticed Maverick seemed fairly distraught as well, but such was to be expected. So long as he did not abandon her and begin to suffer a mental breakdown, she would be alright. Only the slightest bit of surprise graced her features at Erani's arrival. She had grown accustomed to her daily life, without the woman's presence, but although it was surprising it was not at all unwelcoming. Her blurry gaze fixed itself on Erani as she quietly entered the den, forcing a smile through the pain. She observed as she gave some herbs to Maverick, to calm him -- and some to her, which she claimed would help ease the pain. She had no doubt that the healer's advice was sound. "Thank you, Erani..." Carefully she picked up the herbs, beginning to chew on them. It was hard to focus, with the pain that seemed to only increase as time went by. She hoped desperately that her children would come soon, but they seemed to be taking their dear old time ... perhaps an insight into their behavior later in life, she wondered? Only briefly as she amused, before letting out another whimper of pain as she swallowed some of the juice that had pooled in her mouth from the herbs.

She had been sitting out in the light rain when the howls sliced through the sky, ears perked up, swiveling in the direction they came from. A brow raised as she identified who they belonged to, the first was feminine and though she didn't speak to the woman much since she became Queen Loccian knew it as Epiphron. The deep one was male, Maverick. The shewolf would have left them be but there was something in their voices that summoned her to see what was going on. With a glance in the direction of her new den, deep in the forest, the woman turned and bounded off in the direction the howls came from. Within minutes sh got closer and closer, noticing a den not too far away, a white wolf sitting outside of it. A brow raised in curiosity as she approached, not noticing who this wolf was. Just a few more steps though and she could see Maverick and Epiphron inside, laying on her side. Loccian stood outside the den just a few feet away, eyes wide in surprise. Was this it? Would the Kingdom be getting new members today? The corners of her lips pulled up in a smile, and quickly she moved forward, dipping her head to the white shewolf sitting outside of it. "Epiphron, Maverick... is it time?" She asked gently, looking from the woman then to the boy but then back to the girl, examining her body. "normal. talk. think. you." Awesome image by Canttina <3

I'M GONNA BE THE MAIN EVENT like no king was before Time seemed to be tricking him. It appeared to be moving at a snail's pace, though everything seemed to be happening at a quick blur. How was this possible? He could see her body contracting and tensing, laboring in order to bring the children he'd give her into the world. His face contorted into a mingled mess of anxiety, fear, and just a bit of anticipation. He longed for the pain to be past, for the children to be brought into existence so that their mother wasn't in so much turmoil. He longed to be able to do something, anything, though it seemed that he would forever be at a loss. Another ducked into the den, and a growl rumbled in his trachea. It was soon silenced, however, when he discovered the intruder to be Erani - Epiphron's mother. She was carrying herbs, that's right.. she was a healer! Immediately his tail thumped the earth as she gave some herbs to Epiphron that were supposed to ease the pain. Just in time. She then nudged a few in his direction, urging him to eat them in order to help with the nerves. Was it that obvious that he was very nearly falling apart? He nodded with urgency, taking the sprigs into his jaws and chewing them carefully. "Thank you, he murmured as she promptly exited the den to give them their space. His bride let out a whimper, and instantly he caressed her shoulder with his tongue - remaining seated so that he could move more quickly should she need him to. Loccian's voice then became known, sounding out both of their names and asking if it was time. Maverick remained rooted to the spot he was in - next to his wife - but swiftly gave a response so that she would not have to. "Yes, the children are on their way." And taking their precious time, too. He couldn't help but wonder if this was strange or out of the ordinary - as it seemed to be taking quite a long time for the real birthing process to begin. However, he knew he was probably just being impatient because he wanted his wife out of pain and torment. He turned his attention back to the Queen, giving her another gentle kiss on the shoulder. "You are doing beautifully." He, of course, had nothing to compare it to - but he was certain that she was doing a fabulous job. Certainly better than he could do, that was for sure. The King might go into battle or wage war, but he'd lay down and die before he gave birth to children. {Table coded by Lu}

Loccian arrived then. Only briefly did the woman come into view, as she peered up at her from barely parted lids. Despite how she was somewhat unfamiliar with her, the presence of two healers comforted her immensely. Her children would be brought safely into the world, and she was sure of it. Another whimper left her pursed lips, and she jumped slightly at Maverick's touch. He answered Loccian's question, but she offered a slow nod of her own. The waves of pain were becoming more frequent and unrelenting. All she could do was clench her jaw and tense her body, riding out the contractions as best as she could. Epiphron was beyond grateful for her husband's presence, certain she could not do this without him. 'You are doing beautifully,' he assured her, and she bore her fangs, snarling softly -- not directed at him, but a desperate plea to control the pain that seemed like it might never end. She swore she could feel the pups inside her wriggling, struggling desperately to escape the womb that was no longer large enough for any of them. How long passed, she was not sure. Just when the pain seemed impossible to bear any longer, when the Queen felt certain she would lose consciousness, something amazing began to happen. A cry left her lips, far louder than she had anticipated, as she began to give birth. She readied herself, taking slow, deep breaths, knowing if she began to panic that her children would be suffering just as much as she. Despite the pain, she would be brave for them, and persevere. A large amount of pressure was relieved from her lower half as she felt a single child be born. Another whimper left her throat as she pressed firmly into Maverick, wanting so badly for this to end. A large boy with brown fur and a half-red face, and sea green eyes. Briefly she glanced at him, ensuring he was okay. She felt a surge of emotion, wanting badly to cradle the precious chubby pup and never let him go, but she could feel more pushing and writhing to escape. "Quintus," she murmured into Maverick's fur. The next was considerably smaller ... a girl. A scrawny thing with white fur like her own, with a russet face ... like Maverick. Like her sister, and Azalea too. "Amalia." And the last was the smallest, a pleasant-colored boy with cream and light red fur. All of them were gorgeous -- she could tell, even between gritted teeth and half-parted lids. Exhausted, she sighed and heaved herself slightly closer to Maverick, curling to cradle the babies as they scurried, blind and dumb, to suckle at her belly. Maverick could name the last boy -- she was too tired to utter another word.

I'M GONNA BE THE MAIN EVENT like no king was before He was certain this was the most intensely stressful situation he'd ever been placed into, and yet he wouldn't take away one minute of it for the world. He knew that this anxiety would soon pass (hopefully quickly thanks to Erani's herbs) and that ultimately it would all be worth it. They were fast on their way to being parents - something they had both dreamed of and become really excited about. Granted, they hadn't exactly planned it, but it had happened and they were thrilled because of it. He felt her body continue to tense, and her snarl rip into the quietness of the den. It startled him to the point that his body quaked, but he soon realized she hadn't meant it as a response to him, she was simply in more pain. Altogether he felt his body calming, his mind not surging as quickly as it had been before. It seemed those herbs of Erani's were finally kicking in - and just in time. Finally, after what seemed and felt like hours had passed, he began to notice that her movements were different. Her body tensed differently than when it had just been labor pains. She was giving birth! Immediately he would shift to move himself from anywhere near her haunches, unwilling to accidentally harm a child that had just been born. His body slithered to her front half, gently licking the crown of her head and whispering words that probably weren't even in any sort of language. Suddenly a child slipped from her womb. The child was brown and red. Immediately he moved, instinctively lapping at the sac that covered the child so that he could breathe. When the babe began to squirm and yip, he knew that he was alright. Another came, this one a girl who was creamy like Epiphron, but her face was painted red. He did the same thing with her, and again when the third came. Epiphron gave the first two names, but was either at a loss with the third or intended to let him name it. No matter the case, he uttered each of their names, adding on a middle name for no reason at all. "Quintus Nero," he murmured as his tongue caressed the child gently. "Amalia Jayne," he crooned as he lovingly kissed his daughter. "Cassius Leif, he proclaimed over the third-born son. He nudged them gently as they began to suckle at their mother's bosom. Maverick slithered back around toward the entrance of the den, proclaiming to whoever had gathered. "Seracia welcomes three new lives, two sons and a daughter." He wasn't certain if the healers would want to come and ensure that his children were healthy, but he would let them do as they saw fit. His bodice shifted once more to slither back to his wife's side, carefully laying himself opposite of her, using his body as a shield for his newborn children. Danger would have to face the fury of a brand new father before it could lay a finger on his children. "They are perfect," he whispered to Epiphron, eyes seeking her cerulean gaze. "I love you, and our new family." {Table coded by Lu}

Epiphron would've never expected, merely seasons ago, that she would be giving birth so soon. Quite honestly, children had been somewhat of an afterthought; but she regretted nothing. These children would be perfect, in every way, and she could picture nothing less. A sigh left her lips as Maverick gave the babies middle names, naming the last and smallest Cassius. Exhausted gaze followed him as he sheltered the pups from the world. Someday, they would surely discover the evils of the world, as was expected -- but not now. For some time, she wanted them to know nothing but pleasure and safety and warmth. Briefly Maverick moved to announce the birth of three children, and she found herself drifting off to sleep. "And I love you..." she murmured tiredly, laying her head down on the floor of the den slowly. Only for a moment did she feel nervous at the prospect of falling asleep. What if the three children needed her? What could they possibly need besides milk and warmth and love? They were all available to them, and she was sure Maverick would not even nap -- he would be eagerly watching them. Finally she let her eyes flutter closed at last, drifting off into a deep sleep, hoping she felt much less exhausted upon awakening.

I'M GONNA BE THE MAIN EVENT like no king was before It seemed, for now, they would be left alone. The King was grateful for this, for as paternal pride and protective prowess surged through his veins - he was sure that he would not be entirely comfortable with a crowd around his fragile newborn children. A sigh rang from his lips, contented and blissful in nature as his wife pledged her love to him verbally and then settled herself to drift off to sleep. All was well in the world, and the King was completely, one-hundred-percent pleased with the way things had gone. The herbs that Erani had given him had done wonders to rid the anxiety, but there were no amount of drugs in the world that could dampen his excitement. Eyes restlessly drifted over their tiny wiggling frames. With just three of them they could all easily get nourishment at their mother's breast, but he was watching carefully should the smaller two have any issues. Size didn't much matter to him, they were his children and they were loved unconditionally. Carefully and slowly - so as to not disturb his resting wife - Maverick stood to his paws and meandered toward the entrance of the den. He was far too excited to sit still for long. His head poked out, followed by his neck and shoulders as he gazed at both Erani and Loccian. Erani was probably itching to see her 'grandchildren' and he was almost eager to show them off to the healer. He trusted her around the pups, even despite his protective nature. "Erani, would you like to meet your grandchildren?" Though Epiphron had explained that she was not her biological mother, he knew that the Queen considered her like a mother - and so these pups would be as her grandchildren, even if they didn't share her blood. "Epiphron is sleeping now, but I don't think she'd mind if you came and took a peek." Eyes cast to Loccian. "I'm afraid there's not much room in there for another, but when Erani takes her leave you're welcome to come and see." One could never have enough healers looking after their children. He ducked back into the den when he was through, wondering if his father would come - and hoping that he would. {Table coded by Lu}

I'M A LOVER, I'M A SINNER i sure don't want to hurt no one He had heard the calls, and knew precisely what they were when they split the air. However, neither one of them had been directed at him, and so he remained where he was for the time being. Excitement was blooming in the Kingdom - he could feel it in his weary bones. His grandchildren were on the way, and though they were not blood.. he would love them just the same. A smile inked across his lips, wondering if Maverick would call for him to come and see them when they were born. Regrettably he hadn't seen the russet King since his return to Seracia - and wondered mildly if the boy might possibly be angry with him because of it. He would have every right to be upset, but the former-King had only done what was necessary to keep whatever was left of his sanity. When all was quiet for a while, the Ambassador decided to travel toward Maverick and Epiphron's den site and see if there was anything he could do. He knew nothing of healing, but food or encouragement were both things he could provide if necessary. As he neared the area he noted a blur of red popping in and out of the den, but his words were too quiet to be heard over the gentle rainfall. He drew himself near, brushing lightly against Loccian's side before settling to her right. "Is there any news?" He longed to know.

Erani

Loccian arrived, ad Erani nodded in greeting. ?Good to see you again, Loccian. It?s been a while.? She nodded toward the den, watching the grey blue female. How had her skills grown, since her visit a year ago? An ear tilted to listen to her daughter and Maverick, intently listening. Soon enough, the sounds of labor grew, and her nose caught the scent of birthing blood. Her head turned, and she peered around the opening, watching Epiphron strain. One. Two. Three. Firstborn was male, Quintus Nero. The second, a female, Amalia Jayne. The third, a boy, whom Maverick named Cassius Leif. Erani smiled softly, feeling content, and faintly sad. If only Cairo had made it this far. His first Grandchildren. Maverick approached the opening of the den, announcing the newborns and names. Then returned to his mate?s side, until she slept, before he returned, and spoke to her. Erani?s eyes swept his face, reading the joy, the happiness and excitement in his eyes, before she smiled and rose, firmly shaking the rain from her fur before obliging him and slipping into the den. ?Congratulations Maverick. Your first litter.? She ran her eyes over the newborns. All healthy, suckling vigorously. She lowered her head, gently laying a kiss on Epiphron?s brow. ?Sleep well, Epiphron.? Raising her head she turned and slipped back out into the rain, nodding to Gerhardt, who had arrived, looking anxious. She offered him a soothing smile. ?Three new pups, two boys and a girl. And all healthy. Congratulations, Grandfather. You have grandchildren to tell stories to.? And you?re only three or four. Luna?s teeth, I feel old. ?I?ll have to head back to Valhalla tomorrow, to tell Chrysanthe of her nephews and niece?s arrival, but I?ll wait until Epiphron wakes.? She smiled softly. ?They grow so fast??