The call. The single call. His love was calling for him, willing him to appear in their den. Was it finally time for him to be a father? For them to be forever bound together through the mutual love of their pups? Anxiety filled his chest. "Nibris, it's time!" her voice rang out, as he pushed that anxiety deep down. He was going to be strong for her. After all, she was the one having to go through the pain of the birth. He hoped that all the pups would come out alright, and that Lucaya could make it through this birth without any complications. His feet pounded on the ground as he skidded into the den, quickly dashing over and allowing his cranium to dip, giving her a gentle lick on the cheek. Comforting, supportive. "I'm here, my love. I wouldn't miss this moment. You're going to do amazing.."

Fade in.. Fade out..

Childbirth defintely was something to not be reckoned with. Having seen Lucaya go through that pain, he couldn't imagine how exhausted she was. He gave a gentle chuckle, looking over all his sons and daughters as the squirmed at their mother's belly. "There's so many . . . And they're beautiful . . . " she murmured out to him, causing him to dip his head once again and nuzzle her nape. "I like the name Skade, the red girl looks like a Skade. She reminds me of the color of blood, Skade means hurt. What do you think, my love? And for the rest of them?" Skade. Thier little blood princess. Russet hued, strange against the other black and multi-hued babes they had. "I think it's beautiful, my dear.." he murmured to her. "They're all so beautiful.. our children." his voice was breathless in awe. Taking notice of all the pups separating marks, he gave another gentle chuckle. "Well, that little girl right there. Perfectly matching her mother in color. Except, she's got adorable white spotting around her eyes it seems. And auburn brindles. Those little white spots.. my mother had thoses.." he smiled. "Bellona.. I think that name will fit her." he looked to Lucaya for approval before moving on to the next pup. The next one he came to was obviously the biggest of the bunch. "That little boy looks like he'll be a fighter someday. Helheim.. that name suits well." he nodded. "He'll grow to be an amazing warrior for our pack."

Scanning the pups again, his eyes caught on one who looked like him. "That little girl, multi-hued princess. She looks like the perfect blend of us.. look at her little black tail." he said giddily, a child in a candy-store type. "Lähmer.. I think that name is beautiful." he nuzzled into Lucaya, settling down beside her and wrapping his body around hers gently. Next to Lähmer, another little boy rested. "Now that boy, pure black pelt. His little russet hued tail.. the same coloring as your mother correct? How about Kodlak for him?" he murmured to her. "And lastly, the other multi-hued boy. The black accents fit him well, the brindling too. How about Ruax?" he whispered to Lucaya. "I think they're all beautiful." he told her gently, allowing her if she wished to press her weight into him. She needed all the rest that she could get. "Get some rest, Lucaya. Tomorrow, we will introduce them to our pack. The Hawthorne legacy will reign on. Sleep, my dear. I'll keep watch over our children."