[deleteduser.]

that top left though!! so cute!

[Ethulai]

I've been a little in awe which is why I haven't gotten to this yet (also it's the week from hell). Bless high noon for this batch!

This is my very first batch of kiddos across any closed species I've been involved in and for that reason they will always hold a special place in my heart. With Red's blessing, I will be keeping all three of these children.

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Top Right (F): Nerium "Neri"
Top Left (M): Solanaceae "Sola"
Bottom Left (M): Trichosanthe "Tric"

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A few weeks after their birth, at the dawn of a new moon Dhak and Teki had invited the local witch Drew to view and bless their children.

At the moment they were a bundle of sleepy fur with not much thought beyond feeding and sleeping, but the couple knew this would soon change and as was custom in their land, they wanted to gain insight into their kit's personalities and ensure they each received a suited name. It was said those wrongly named would never truly belong and always feel the pain of loss beyond their understanding and in their culture this was a fate that was worse than death.

Seeing that Teki was anxious, Drew grasped her paws, gave them a little squeeze and smiled reassuringly. They had been friends for years now, Teki understanding that Drew was not the 'fraud sorceress' she played at in the village but in reality a formidable and powerful witch. Known widely for her success at nurturing all flora (and Drew suspected this was partially due to diluted green magic being passed down in Teki's family) Teki had cultivated a witch's garden brimming with various plants, shrubs, flowers, herbs and trees essential to Drew's spell-work for his own private use. In return, Drew ensured that Teki's inn and surrounding gardens had the best magical wards and protection, something Teki was appreciating more and more since learning of her lover's true profession.

Dhak settled her paws on Teki's shoulders and looked at Drew with cautious admiration.
"Well met Mistress Drucilla," she rasped, knowing Drew preferred to remain incognito out of the privacy of his own home.
"Thrice blessed I see," Drew responded in an amused tone.
Teki became uncomfortable at Drew's knowing gaze and blushed prettily. Dhak tucked her into her side protectively and said;
"Entirely too early and unplanned but never regretted or rejected."
Drew, always one to push boundaries said; "...and the third party in this arrangement?"
"Been and gone and probably never to be seen again," Dhak replied coolly.
Drew tilted his head gracefully in acceptance and moved on from the subject, "Shall we begin?"

The three kalons surrounded the first hanging bassinet and peered at the blood-red bundle within. Drew placed her paw on the kit's chest gently and closed her eyes whilst whispering a quiet incantation. A gust of wind surrounded the witch and the small kalon for a few minutes, then vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Drew chuckled and caught Dhak's eye;
"Your heir," she announced to the Queen of Thieves "and he'll prove to be more skilled in pick pocketing and sleight of paw. He will be as stubborn as you, as protective of his loved ones, as ruthless to his enemies. However, far more balanced and excuse me for saying so, with more charisma," Drew laughed as Dhak let out a low snarl.

They moved to the second bassinet, which cradled the kit with two sets of ears. Drew repeated the ritual. Seeing both parents radiating anxiety he was quick to share his insight.
"Aztekia, your heart's desire lies within. A kit with the gift you possess, don't argue, but thrice as powerful. As passionate and nurturing a botanist as yourself, but also a skilled herbalist. Friend to both beast and plant and determined to learn all he can from both. Quietly spoken, gentle and kind, completely underrated by most. He will use this to his advantage. Though he's the middle kit, he will take on the responsibility of looking after his siblings." Teki felt a tear trickle down her cheek and wiped it away hurriedly.

The three kalons approached the third kit, who was sleeping restlessly. Drew repeated the ritual again and frowned thoughtfully when he had finished. Dhak and Teki glanced at each other worriedly as they saw Drew attempting to gather his thoughts.
"A difficult daughter," he sighed finally. "Clever, manipulative, outspoken and feeling the absence of her father but not being able to grasp the significance. Using her good looks to get her way - not narcissistic but acutely aware of how to wield beauty as a tool. She will rebel, in ways that will give you countless restless nights. Poison to others and sometimes poison to herself. You'll have to handle her carefully". Aztekia turned into Dhakiya's shoulder and burst into tears. Drew allowed her a few minutes of grief before he spoke again. "If there's ever a time when it all becomes too much, send her to me." The couple nodded consent miserably.

It was up to Aztekia to name all of her children, since she had borne them all. That was the sacred responsibility and honor of the mother. After Drew had left, they had circled around to the first born again, pondering on all they had learnt.
"Well my love?" Dhak asked quietly.
"Trichosanthe," Teki replied "a family of vines known for both their medicinal and poisonous properties. He must have a layer of protection, if he is to take up your mantle but I can not let him lose the balance between right and wrong."
"A good name," Dhak said with satisfaction, "Tric to his family. Excellent word play" she concluded with satisfaction.

They moved together to the double-eared kit.
"What will you name your protégé?" Dhak enquired.
"Solanaceae," Teki responded. "After the nightshade family. Incorporating crops, medicinal plants, weeds, spices, ornamentals. If he is to follow in my pawsteps, then he should be named for one of the most important plant families,"
"Sola," Dhak said. "Another fine name."

They approached the hanging bassinet carrying their only daughter.
"Remember, as much as you may not wish it, she needs a true name" Dhak cautioned Teki.
"I know," Teki snapped, her usual mild demeanor shattered by her worry.
"Nerium," Teki whispered a few minutes later. "Also known as Oleander, one of the most poisonous plants. Every single part is toxic, no matter whether green or dried."
"Neri," Dhak said. "So must it be." she concluded, stroking the infant's cheek softly.

[pees]

Congrats on these precious™ kids Eth! I know you'll look after them well and may them grow up to be strong and healthy