Arrow Lake ❝—by my blood & bone.❞ (lbr.)

The new father and mother seemed to take well to the task — Olive was no longer worried about the mother, or the pups, or the father with his gruesome wounds. Mahler took his leave and though Olive did truly love relishing the post-birth endorphin glow, she knew this moment was to be enjoyed privately by the new family. Though she was certain no one was listening, the druid mindfully mentioned “We will not be far,” as she bowed her head and made to exit the den, suddenly much more crowded with two new lives. “Enjoy the beauty that is this new part of your life,” still, she could not resist murmuring these sentimentalities as she left and made to follow Mahler, seeking information on his herbal wares and seeking feedback on her particular method of birth coaching. It wasn’t always that she had a fellow expert in the room, and she wished to glean his every insight.