and then the agony set in. Lily felt as if she were going to lose her mind. At first, she thought a few pushes and babies would be there she was met with a gush of water. Nothing more.<br/><br/>Mind too numb to register any more, Lily went through the motions, said the right words and fervently prayed to the Great Mother that a successful birthing took place. The sound of the earth growing around them overpowered the moans. Lily went to the window to see them being entombed by crystal. Her breath caught in her throat as she realized how vulnerable they were.<br/><br/>Lily could now see a fuzzy little head, or at least the top of it.<br/><br/>"Taryn, I can see it, the head, The next time the urge to push comes, don't just blow and breathe." Lily instructed her.<br/><br/>Taryn's hands groped for comfort and a hand to hold but Lily knew that her paws would be crushed if she gave in with sympathy. The Warrior was indeed on the battlefield, fighting for her life, Lily thought. Stomach bulging, knees pulled up to her chest, sweat bathed, hair matted, face as white as Lily's fur, and her mouth set in grim determination.<br/><br/>As if on cue, the agony started again but suddenly the little head slipped out among the earthy grunt of Taryn and the ecstatic squeal of the midwife.<br/><br/>She went to work, supporting the head and easing the lightly furred body into the watery light of morning. His cries, for it was a boy, Lily noticed, were strong and indignant at being disturbed. She cleaned out his mouth and wrapped him in the edge of the cloak.<br/><br/>"Oh not again," she heard Taryn groan. Lily turned to her to see that she was right. This time, the head and body came in a rush.<br/><br/>This one, Lily had to gently smack to help her to breathe and even then, her cries were weak.<br/><br/>"You did it, Taryn, A son and a daughter." Lily whispered. Her tone changed to the take charge nurse,<br/>"Now, put both of them to the breast while I finish up."<br/><br/>~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br/>The door to the van opened after a while, Lily looked out. Her white fur was streaked with blood and her face was weary.<br/><br/>"Lord Raschen, the Goddess has given Taryn two babies, A son and a daughter. Your mate needs you now. Would you like to see  your family ?"