"And how is that an inconvenience to me?" Varnado asked.
"It's your private space that I'd be invading." I said, turning my head and looking up at him.
"Yes, but it's also the safest place here. And since our goal is to keep you safe, it just makes sense." Varnado said.
"Alright. I've heard humans enjoy their pet cats anyways." I said, jokingly.
"I suppose that's true." He said. "They are normally lap cats."
"I do fit in your lap well." I said, smiling. "Is that what you want?"
"I certainly wouldn't mind." He said.
I stood up and snuggled into his lap. I soon started lightly snoozing, since my nap had been interrupted. He let me sleep, just holding me. I woke when my son did. He made a fussy sound, and I kissed Varnado's cheek before moving to picking up my son. While tending to him, I contacted Dirthin to let him know I went to the palace with our son at Varnado's insistence until Traxigor finishes adding protection to the Villa.
"Well, that's probably for the best. Not that it isn't fun murdering shitty little nobles. Just not a fan of having to do their entire existing line." Dirthin said.
"Sorry, it is the most common punishment for high treason. I can understand your feelings on it." I said.
"It is typically an executioners job as well." Dirthin said.
"You're right. I apologize for that order. I'll be sure he issues you less commands." I said.
"He got lucky with one, let's make it not a habit to give more. I am the Empress' Champion, not his." Dirthin said.
"Shall I tell you when we come home?" I asked.
"That would be much appreciated." He said.
"I'll see you soon, Kitten." I said.
"I certainly hope so." He replied.
We dined with Pyla. The next day after paperwork in the morning, Varnado and I stole away to the Southern Empire to take a peek at our child in the Night Market. After a brief explanation and payment, they set up the room, and smeared the gooey stuff on my stomach while Varnado held the sleepy Dask.
The artificer started pointing out what we were seeing, then as the wand thing moved a little further, the Artificer said, "And here is.. a second baby."
"A second?!" Varnado asked, shocked.
"Yes. Hm.. This is baby one, they are a little larger than baby two, which is over here." The artificer said. "I would recommend checking on them again when they are a bit bigger, but they look fine."
"Are there things we should be looking out for?" Varnado asked.
"Well, twins tend to be a bit difficult on women's bodies. They also tend to try to come early. Smaller, more frequent meals are suggested. It could be that one of the twins will absorb the other, it does happen.." The artificer paused, then said, "It may be likely to happen with this one. Baby two isn't just smaller, but also looks different from baby one. That is why I suggested checking again when they are bigger. They are small enough currently that the difference may just be because they will be identical."
"This technology is amazing." Varnado said.
"It is." I said, "Can you show the babies faces again?" The artificer did so. "They do look a little different. But not much at this stage. Will you bring Pyla some time, Varnado?"
"I suppose I could. It would be an interesting experience for her." Varnado said.
After the scan was complete, I got Varnado to try some street foods, and picked out some for Pyla. I also got Dirthin's favorites to give to him I stored them in my bag of holding for freshness. We went home and did a bit more work, before dinner and bedtime. Varnado and I had sex while Dask slept peacefully.
It was three more days of being in the palace with Varnado, until Traxigor came and collected some of my blood to place within special lockets that would be used as keys for those who possess them to access Wellspring. There were enough of them for my people, Dirthin, Dask, Varnado and I. As long as they had the locket, they could use the Port Keys to enter still.
So I headed home with Dask and our things after giving one of the lockets to Varnado. Once home, I contacted Dirthin, "Hullo, we've come home. Use your door, the Port Key won't be able to bring you to us until I give you the locket that will allow you entry."
"That's easy enough. I am glad Traxigor was able to get it done so quick." Dirthin said.
"See you when you come." I said.
"I'll be able to stop by tomorrow. How's Dask?" He asked.
"He's fine.. just quieter and watchful." I said. It wasn't our son's usual self. He was a chatty cub while he was awake.
"That sounds odd." Dirthin said.
"I'm sure he doesn't recall the incident, but I think the 'something scary happened' is sticking in his mind." I said.
"Eh, we'll just have to give him something else to remember." Dirthin said.
I agreed. And started playing with our son. The celebration for my pregnancy was due to be held in three days. I settled into being home again. Oddly, it felt emptier than it ever had. This is when I realized I'd begun growing accustomed to either Varnado or Dirthin being close by. It put me in a foul mood, so I took Dask up to the tree dome for the day.
We spent the night up there, Dask loved seeing the view from up there. I woke super late with Dask nursing. Once I sat up, I realized the external dome was covered in snow. I settled Dask against me and began to climb down. Bout the time we were near the bottom, I was grabbed off the tree. I looked to see Dirthin.
Dask had opened his eyes at the abrupt movement, stopped nursing, and seemed to say, "Da!" While waving a hand towards Dirthin.
"And how are we doing this fine morning, hmm?" He set me down and put his finger in Dask's hand. Then looked at me. "Did he just say what I think he said?"
"I haven't heard of cubs or baby speaking at two months old.. but it definitely did sound like an attempt to say Dada or Daddy." I said. "I haven't heard him make that sound any other time."
Dask was squeezing his Dad's finger. He pulled a couple of faces at him, the smiled, and repeated the "Da!" sound.
Dirthin smiled and made faces back. "I'll take it as a intentional word. How was your time at the palace?"
I smiled, too, "Guess you're his favorite. We had a fine time in the palace. Invading everyone's space and making the nobility nervous. Dask got fanned over by the women, and may have stolen Pyla's heart."
"I bet you're glad to be home, then. Away from all that attention." Dirthin said.
"Yeah, definitely. Varnado has been more nervous about my health since I got him to go to the Empire to peek at the cub. Turns out it is twins and one appears to be forming differently." I said. "Maybe it was all the attention bothering Dask."
"That's possible. Twins, huh. That can be dangerous as well, I hear. Well, we will just have to hold you together, again." He gave little laugh.
I wrapped one arm around him, "Don't worry, Kitten. I will be fine and stay around for Dask and you. Twins are small-usually. If they both survive. The Artificer thinks the smaller twin will be absorbed, it happens, they said."
"Huh, well survival of the fittest, I guess." Dirthin said.
I shrugged. "I hope it doesn't happen. I think I'd be a little sad. That said, Dask definitely loves you the most."
"Well, it's easy to love Dad the most when he's never around. Can't fuck up if I'm not here." Dirthin said.
"You've been here for him a lot. Just because you aren't at stagnant in placement as James, doesn't mean you aren't here. You've been gone only twelve days of the almost two months he's been born." I said, glaring at him.
"Alright, no need to glare." Dirthin said defensively putting up a hand. "Was just feeling a little.. useless. I am never there immediately when you're attacked."
My expression softened. "I'm sorry, Kitten. I understand it's hard on you. It's not your fault, and I am mostly capable of defending Dask and I." I petted his cheek. "You're a great daddy."
"I cannot judge that for myself, so I will take you at your word." Dirthin said.
I smiled at him and said, "You'll see, Daddy the Greatest. Right Dask?"
He made a cooing sound, that seemed like he agreed. He also clamped the other hand around his dad's finger. Then he pulled his hand towards his mouth and bit him.
"Ah.. patently I make the best chew toy, too." Dirthin said.
".... He's not teething already is he? Oh gods, my nipples if he is..." I said.
"You might be in trouble, then." Dirthin said.
I sulked. "Haah. Well, if he's developing teeth, I can introduce him to soft foods, and frozen teethers."
"Eh, we'll see. I'm just feeling some bumps right now, but they could be teeth real quick." He said.
I sighed. "Dask, nyuuji, be sure to chew Daddy and not Mommy's nipples ok? We like milk, right?" Dask made a grr sound.
"I'm not sure he agrees." Dirthin said.
"Well, I've not had breakfast yet. What bout you? Oh!" I took out the locket thing and gave it to him, "Here ya go."
"Oh, is this the new key?" He asked.
"Yeah, it has my blood to bind it's permission." I said. "I wonder if that's tempting for Plight and Nia."
"I couldn't say, but.. I don't know." Dirthin said.
"Breakfast? No?" I asked.
"No, I have not had breakfast. Let's get something to eat." Dirthin said.
"Yup. I got to eat to feed Dask.. and the twins. Mm. Maybe as long as I pay attention to the proper nutrients I'll be able to keep both twins." I commented, letting Dirthin carry Dask, and heading to the mansion.
"Well, let's go get some breakfast, little boy." Dirthin said, talking to his son.
"Oh, Dirthin." I said teasingly, taking a treat out of my bag, and holding it up for him to see.
"Ooh, brought that just for little ol' me?" He asked.
I grinned. "Who said I got it for you?"
"Ah, true, true. Could be for yourself and you are just trying to tease me with it." Dirthin said.
We went inside and I set up his treat, and took out the treats and set them up on the table. Then I made us some eggs, toast and jam, bringing it all to the table and setting it up, too. "Food time." I said, cheerfully.
"Yeah, let's dig in." Dirthin said.
"The treats are all yours." I said.
He gave a big grin, "Ha ha!" He took some treats, eating them along with his breakfast.
I was glad I made him so happy so easily. After breakfast, I nursed Dask some more. Glad he didn't seem to want to chew me. I did some paperwork, and went for a swim with Dirthin, while Nia sat near the water watching Dask. I was a much better swimmer than Dirthin, much to my pleasure.
The rest of the day, and the next day passed quickly. The day of the Celebration, my dress was set up for me at the palace, along with Dask's outfit. Pyla's baby bump, and mine, were pretty much the same size, even though she was two months further along than me. It was an extravagant event, as one would expect.
Nobles, and merchants of note were all invited. James even made an appearance. Varnado later told me that Pyla's scan showed one healthy baby boy. I congratulated them. Dask took an interest in his uncle James during the Celebration. James joked about Dask being Dirthin's because he seemed far to smart.
Which I pouted over and told him he's already saying 'da'. And James admitted his own son's first word was mama. He held him briefly after I asked if he wanted to. Dask seemed to like his uncle, playing with his mane. Shortly after James returned him to me, he left to go home. I didn't blame him. Dask had enough of the people and noise, though, so I called Dirthin and sent them home together.
Dirthin enthusiastically took the opportunity. Which amused me. Later, I returned home, utterly knackered. Within the following month, Dask began calling Dirthin Dada. And I was a purred Mm-mm. Varnado was Baba. And Anais was Is. Dirthin gloated over having the 'right' name. Varnado didn't mind Dask's calling him.
After two and half more months, we hadn't gone back for another scan yet. And at five months pregnant, and my belly being larger than when I carried Dask, I wasn't really planning on doing it. The twins seemed to be constantly battling within me. Unfortunately, Inwas pretty much restricted to my bed now.
Both Varnado and Dirthin were adament that I rest. Dask was sitting on his own and eating soft foods now. But also still nursing. I told Dirthin that Dask and the newborn cubs would get no less than what they each needed from me. And I meant it. I'd nurse them all until they didn't want to anymore.
Dask could reliably say seven different words. Dada, Papa, Mama, Izzy, bite, no, and yeah. The rest of the time, he spoke in Tigrine and Leonin. Which was reliant on non verbal with a series of feline sounds. It communicated simple things, enough so that he was effective in getting across what he wants.
A week later, as I was getting out of a bath, assisted by Anais, my water broke. Chaos broke loose. Dirthin was alerted so he could manage our son, Varnado was alerted because they were his cubs, Plight and Nia and other healers were alerted to help through the process and ensure the cubs and I survived it.
It took nine hours for the first cub to be born. He was beautiful, with his torso, right arm and left leg being silver, like me, with black stripes, while his head, half his tail, left arm and right leg were black with blue-ish grey stripes. He had nearly golden honey eyes. Another five hours passed and his twin was born.. human. Tawny skinned with dark hair, like her father, and my blue eyes.
I was confused when the healer laid the baby girl on my chest. "Is that my child?" I asked. But I fell asleep. When I woke, I could hear Dask pitching an absolute fit. My newborns were with me still. Varnado was also still with me.
"Welcome back, sleepy head." Varnado said.
"Mm. Why is Dask fussy?" I asked, confused. I looked down at my new babies. "Did you hold them?"
"Even in your sleeping state you stayed adament that they stayed with you. And Dask is fussy because he hasn't been with you." Varnado said.
"Ah. Sorry." I said, looking at the human baby. "How did I birth a human baby..?" I stroked the child's face. "Would you like to hold your nyuuji?" I looked over towards Anais, "I'd like Dask brought to me."
Varnado picked up his babies gently, while Anais slipped out of the room, and a moment later, Dirthin brought Dask in. The moment Dask saw me, he nearly flung himself out of his Dad's arms. Dirthin managed to hold onto him, and set him on my chest. I smiled, snuggling my cub. His fussing had died down to a whimper.
"He's been at that for a little while now." Dirthin said.
"My poor cub. What should I do with you?" I asked. Stroking his small back. He settled and fell asleep. "Did he eat alright?"
"He ate a little, but no where near as much as usual." Dirthin said.
"Mm. He'll be hungry when he wakes, then. Varnado, you are holding them well." I said.
"I feel as if I'm holding small, invaluable treasures, and I have no idea what to do with them." Varnado said.
Dirthin chuckled. "Yeah, you'll learn.. or you won't, and then where would you be?"
"He'll be a father of three newborns shortly, he'll manage. He hasn't even dropped Dask." I said.
"Well, that's good. He's a wiggler. You ought to be just fine then." Dirthin said.
"I appreciate the vote of confidence." Varnado said sincerely.
"Speaking of, I did think of names, if you'd like to hear, My Lord." I said.
"By all means, what did you have in mind?" Varnado asked.
"Sevine and Varan." I said.
"Let me guess, Sevine?" He asked, raising up the human girl, "Varan?" He raised up the Tigrine boy.
"I hadn't thought past names, so it'll that is how you like it, that will be the case." I replied.
"Alright, you need to rest now, the healers will be checking in on you every little while. They say you're healing nicely." Varnado said.
I nodded and said, "If you keep them nearby I will be able to feed them easily. They will be mostly eating and sleeping for a month or so."
"They and I will be nearby." Varnado said.
"Sevine is fine? Healthy?" I worried. Three weeks was early by Tigrine standards, humans usually took nine months..
"A little small, but healthy. Everyone is fine." Varnado said.
I nodded once more, accepting his words. Then I fell asleep. I roused only briefly a few times, to adjust my nyuuji as they needed to nurse. I woke when the sun was shining brightly into my room. I looked to my left to see Dask sitting up and staring at his nursing little siblings.
Having noticed I'd looked at him, he said, "Mama, what?"
"Little brother, and little sister. They are Mama's cubs, too." I answered.
"No, Mama." Dask said.
"Yes, Mama's Sevi and Vari, like Mama's Dask." I said, nodding towards each.
He frowned slowly. "Mama's Sebi and Bari."
"Yes. And Mama's Dask." I replied.
"Okay." He said. Looking at them again.
"I swear it looks like he is going to give them a good bop on the head." Varnado said.
I raised my hand and stroked my son's head affectionately. "He may try to. He's just a cub, it's difficult for cubs to understand such things. I can say he hasn't shown a violent inclination, except for to his Father's hands."
"Dirthin had mentioned biting, yes. Hopefully we will not need to pull them off each other." Varnado said.
"Probably will as they get older. At least the boys." I replied.
"Yes, they will probably want to test each other. Well, that's a future problem, for now. How are you feeling?" Varnado asked.
"Tired, and hungry. A little stiff." I said.
"I can take them, if you wish to try and stand. We can also ask for some food to be brought to us." Varnado said.
"Did you get any rest, Anata?" I asked.
"Some here and there, I will be fine. Food does sound like a wonderful idea, now that I think about it, though." Varnado said.
"Yes. Did Dirthin leave?" I asked, curious.
"Yes, he had to head off for something. He said he would be back tomorrow." Varnado said.
I hummed and used a bell to summon Anais. Once she came, I asked her for specific meals, and she went to put in the requests to the kitchens. I hummed lightly while waiting on our meals to come. Once our meals got to us, I fed myself and Dask.
"How did we have a human child? I realize you're human.. but.." My voice trailed off.
"Unfortunately, I am not sure. I'm not certain how these things work." Varnado said.
"Mm. Alright." I said. But my curiosity was getting to me. "Will you hand me the black stone from over there?"
"Sure thing." He said, doing so.
I smiled at him, then contacted Bibs with my stone, "Hey, Bibs, got a sec?"
"Ah, Vexie, good to hear from you. Yes, I have a moment." Bibs said.
"I just birthed twins, and one baby is definitely human.. has that been heard of?" I asked.
"It is an obscenely rare thing. But yes." Bibs said.
"..Will it impact her life?" I asked, worried.
"No, no. Well, she will be stronger than the average human, but other than that, she will be fine." Bibs said.
I sighed, relaxing. "Thank you, Bibs. I was very worried."
"Perfectly understandable. I am glad I could ease your mind." Bibs said.
"I'll have to introduce my cubs and baby to Kershka properly some time. I bet he'd like that." I said. "I'll talk to you later, Bibs. Thank you again."
"We will see you later." Bibs said.
I set the stone aside and said, "Bibs told me it's an obscenely rare occurrence, but that she should be healthy, just stronger than typical humans."
"That sounds good to me." Varnado said.
Dask touched Varan's fur, trying to wipe off the different fur color. "Diry?" He asked.
"Not dirty. Just fur." I replied.
Dask tilted his head. I was sure he was feeling displaced by the new babies. He was trying to understand them and the situation in his own way. Dask then said, "Papa, that?" Pointing at Sevine.
"What does he mean by that?" Varnado asked.
"I don't know. He may be asked for her, or asking what she is." I shrugged.
"That's your sister." Varnado said, looking at Dask.
He started looking scrunched his face up, and reached for me, so I tucked him under my chin. He took a big breath, releasing it. "Ah, he's upset." I noted. I carefully shifted the little ones around, so that I could rock all three at once. "Why don't you take a nap, Anata?"
"Yes, I believe sleep would be a good idea." Varnado said.
He got into my bed near me and the cubs, and fell asleep quickly. Dask saw him asleep and crawled over to him, napping with him. I smiled at them, minding the newborns. They'd nursed, then slept. I didn't bother checking their nappies, I just used Prestidigitation to clean them. When they woke, I coaxed them to nurse, and when they were done, Dask did some nursing.
Dask was curled up on Varnado, again, when Varnado woke up, past four in the evening. He'd looked at me and said he was trapped. Varnado briefly returned to his palace before returning and holding his children. With my body fatigued, I only walked around my room some before dinner. And Dirthin returned the next day as he said he would. With his and Varnado's help, things went smoother.
Over the next few days we learned that Sevine was an unfussy and quiet.. baby, and Varan was a hungry baby. He ate twice what his twin did, and when Sevine was done and being held by her father, Dask nursed. An unexpected result of this, was I was consistently hungry and eating nearly twice what I normally ate. Not that anyone remarked on that.
After around a week, of Varnado just visiting the palace for an hour a day, he returned to the palace. I took it upon myself to bring the kids to see him at least every other day. With armed escort. However, when Pyla had her baby, a son, I kept the kids away for two weeks.
When all three babies were over a month and half old, Varnado hosted a huge celebration for his babies. They recieved many useless gifts that babies would not be interested in. Oh well. I carried on with the every other day visits, occasionally staying over to warm Varnado's bed.. I knew it was wrong of me, due to not speaking with my husband and being royal, but I went ahead and got a amulet to keep me from getting pregnant again for a while.
I'd gotten a report after the twins were a year old that Pyla was no longer doing anything with Varnado, besides dining with him once a week. I felt bad for him. But there was nothing I could do about it. I was already affectionate towards him, and supported him in every way possible. I was pretty content, though Dirthin and I were more of room mates by now.
Which was fine. We were great as friends. Perhaps even more so than when we were lovers. It just wasn't feasible to keep our relationship as lovers anymore. When our Dask turned two, I mentioned to Dirthin about our relationship. He'd noted it had probably been over, but he was also ok with just having the friendship we had, and the cuddles.
All my babies were weaned by two years old. They also spoke well. Being able to casually have conversations with adults, albeit the discussions were very simplistic. No one seemed to mind. Even the ones who didn't like my being a Tigrine respected little Varan. And he carried himself like a proper prince. Sevine tended to be mischievous and playful. Climbing on her Father, or Dirthin, and running through the halls.
Dask was rough and tumble, getting into tussles with his cousin Jasper and little sister. Varan was much more book invested and interested in ranged combat. Pyla's son, Relian was a much more normal child. A whole month and half younger than my twins, he was a handful of a child, though I rarely interacted with him, and he didn't act spoiled with me.
This is also when I carried out my plans and struck the Southern Empire. Taking it over, after murdering the Emporer. It took some doing, but I was able to rework the government to allow me to do the barest minimum to keep it going and safe.
Varnado eventually came to me and asked if I thought it was odd that I hadn't gotten pregnant again in so long. I explained about how I'd gotten the amulet to prevent it, so I'd have time for our kids and my duties. He actually laughed and said it was understandable. He suggested we go for another one, and that we may be done after that one.
I agreed to it, saying I was happy to be a mother. He joked that I was a skilled mother, and could handle another six. I replied I was fine with it, and he backed down saying two more would be good. However, we had four more. Two daughters, Miryam and Elia, and two sons Acher and Barak.
We decided to indefinitely stop having children after Barak, because while he was being born, he clawed me internally, and I about bled to death. The healers had trouble stopping the bleeding, and I had quickly become very sick from the blood building up in my body. After a hard recovery, we decided more children weren't worth it.
Over time, Varnado and I eventually confessed our feelings for eachother. We'd become very smitten with one another over time, especially with the way our children loved us. It led to me being in the palace more, just to be around him and our kids, though I didn't give up Wellspring. Still, we were happy. Isn't that worth the world?