Chimera Fields burn

He'd intended to let Hokulani go through this on her own, as he felt every mother deserved the chance to. But her cry of alarm concerned him enough that he pressed forward anyway, even if it was a normal enough sentiment for a first-timer. He wondered often what it truly felt like, and wished that he could experience it for himself. He'd feel better providing care if he could better understand the tactile process.

"You're doing well," he said as he tentatively entered the den. He knew from the the degree of blood scent that she was not currently hemorrhaging, and the rest was nearly incidental. First, the mother must survive the birth — that was always his priority.

But he was quick to check on the babe as well. No immediate concerns jumped out at him, aside from the fact that Hokulani had not yet tended to it.

"He seems perfectly formed," he informed her in low, steady tones. He coached her in the same voice: "You must clean him, and then place him at your belly. If you are unable, I can help."

It was always best that the mother perform this task. Perhaps the father, if he was available. Aureli was aware that this might be him — but he was acting in his capacity as healer and midwife in this moment. Hokulani had chosen to do this herself, and he would not steal that from her in her moment of vulnerability. It would need to be her choice, and he would reaffirm her previous decision on the matter until asked explicitly to do otherwise.