Rambaldi was often awed at how loud his mate’s howls were, and every time he was made to smile by their sheer intensity. This one, however, came with the urgency of knowing Sanshoku was going to give birth. He never traveled far from their den unless he could help it; he made it there in no time at all. A large, plump rat he had caught just before Sanshoku called for him dangled from his maw. There was still some time before the actual birth, the father-to-be saw. “Sanshoku.” He set the rat down. “I am here, my love.”

fade out, fade in

Six! Rambaldi and Sanshoku had six children. They were parents . . . the children were obviously mixes of Sanshoku and himself. Aquatis, Morpha, Phantum. Rambaldi had no doubt that at least one or two may turn out to be Elementals as well. The Elemental blood ran strong in Rambaldi’s family - from both his parents, Irina and Beartooth.
By the light of his gorgeous mate’s glow, Rambaldi examined the children. “What do you think of Aristotle for this boy, Sanshoku?” he breathed, keeping his voice low. “And perhaps Victoria, for this here little girl?”

“I fretted fire but that was long ago.”