I really did not know exactly what to expect, and part of me wished I had studied more and been involved in other births just to have experience. And yet, I do not mind it being with Aithne, seeing our children being born into this world for the first time. I know she is in birth and I take no offense to any actions towards me in these times. If I were in that much pain, I would probably be grumpy too, and instinct would take over just as she says.

I can sense that she is tried after all of this, and I do not blame her. It is what it is. She had just given birth, of course she was going to be tired, and I just wish I knew the best way to help. I only know that the little boy needed cleaning and perhaps she extra love and stimulation. The little boy was moving and breathing, but he certainly was much smaller than the first born girl. Aithne speaks of what she may have feared before silencing herself. She is probably overwhelmed with emotion from birth- positive or negative, and then the boy came into this world simply...miniature. It would be okay. I would somehow make it okay, with a large grin that can't seem to be even smacked off my face.

"It will be okay," I say with my tail wagging behind me as I lay facing her and the two pups. They were now going to cuddle into her belly and eat, but the boy, Lazarus, was having a bit more trouble. I instinctively, without question, go to nudge him closer, directing his little mouth to where it needed to go to feed as Aithne found it necessary to apologize for...snapping? I had been so wrapped up that I did not even really register or notice such a thing, I mean I am sure that it did happen but I was in such a state of panic and simply wanting to be there and help...I didn't think anything of it. I almost laughed.

"Don't think anything of it, love," I say with my voice still trembling with excitement. I look back down at Lazarus in particular, watching as he does eat but not nearly as energetic and feisty as the larger pup. He knew he would have to keep an eye out on the boy, and of course the girl, but when they are so young and frail...and he is really frail, things could go wrong fast. I look back up at Aithne, she looks tried but at the same time I think the stress of the situation is melting away. I move my head forward to lick her forehead once before looking into her eyes once more.

"It won't last too long, you will be back to normal in no time- but now you will have watch out for when they are big enough to run off and cause trouble!" he says playfully. "She is going to be one to watch," I say as I direct my eyes to Aster, feeling the energy of the pup and her vivid life before us. I look back up to Aithne. "Is there anything you need on this beautiful, perfect day?" I say, perhaps a little corny, but it...simply is that.

Praetor
Eight-Soul of Aithne-Emperor of Iromar