She had followed with little complaint, content to let the more enthusiastic members of their company announce themselves while she familiarized herself with the land — and her new body. There was a certain satisfaction in watching the beginnings of something take shape, particularly when that something involved claiming territory others might have considered too dangerous to possess. Joxer and Fairytale had gathered an interesting collection of individuals beneath their command, and Liora had found herself quite comfortable among them. There was little expectation of goodness here.

The watering hole however, presented a rather personal inconvenience.

She disliked water. More specifically, she disliked the uncertainty of what waited beneath it, the unpleasant sensation of losing her footing and the knowledge that should she find herself submerged, there would be very little she could do about it.

Naturally none of these concerns showed upon her face as she selected a particularly inviting tree overlooking the shoreline. Its broad canopy offered some welcome relief from the savannah's relentless heat, and she wasted little time settling herself beneath it, stretching her forelegs comfortably before her and allowing her tail to curl loosely against her flank.

From here, she could observe the comings and goings of her new companions without feeling particularly obligated to participate in their endeavors.

---

Princess Fairytale

Liora had been enjoying an agreeable afternoon beneath the sprawling acacia, watching the occasional disturbance ripple across the water while the worst of the summer heat passed overhead. The shade was generous, breeze pleasantly warm and she had found herself content to do absolutely nothing. A rare luxury, and one she intended to enjoy for as long as she was permitted.

Her attention shifted at the sound of approaching footsteps and she lifted her head to discover Fairytale making her way toward the tree. Oh, goodness. The woman seemed to have grown considerably since Liora had last taken a good look at her. Her gaze traveled briefly over the enormous swell of her belly, noting the effort required for what should have been a rather ordinary walk.

Pregnancy was a fascinating business, though she couldn't imagine finding much enjoyment in surrendering to the whims of one's own body. To be rendered helpless by something growing inside you, dependent upon the mercy of those around you? How terrible.

Still, she rather liked Fairytale. Their acquaintance was relatively young but the woman had proven entertaining enough and Liora found her company more agreeable than that of many others.

Oh, of course. Come, make yourself comfortable her expression brightened as she gathered her legs beneath her and shifted to one side surrendering a good portion of her chosen resting place. You poor thing....and in this heat, too there was genuine sympathy in her voice, joined by a small affectionate laugh. I imagine you're beginning to understand why some mothers are inclined to eat their young, it was an amusing thought. A dark humor she was all too comfortable with.

---

Princess Fairytale

Liora watched as Fairytale settled with mild amusement, pale lips curving into an affectionate smile as she recounted the lengths Joxer had gone to keep her comfortable. There was something endearing about a man so devoted to his wife, especially one who otherwise seemed comfortable surrounding himself with violence. But she supposed even the most unpleasant creatures were capable of tenderness when motivated.

Well, isn't he just darling? she remarked, Though I should hope he's taking good care of you. After all, you've done more of the work thus far — haven't you? Her eyes drifted toward the enormous swell of Fairytale's stomach lingering with unconcealed curiosity. She had never been particularly interested in motherhood herself. The thought of surrendering her body to something beyond her control held little appeal, and witnessing the transformation occur before her had done nothing to change that.

Still, she could appreciate her enthusiasm, she was glowing — whether that was from maternal joy of the effects of the heat was anyones guess.

I just watched you undertake a rather exhausting battle with the ground. I think you're entitled to a little more credit than that, she mused as she stretched beneath the tree rearranging herself so she could better face her.

Have you any idea how many you're expecting? she inquired, tilting her head. Animals delivered more at once than people did, and while she didn't assume anyone had access to an ultrasound machine, maybe there was some other way to tell in this...what had Fairytale called it?

Dogworld.

She wondered also; if Fairytale would have any help other than Joxer when she had a miniature army running around.

---

Princess Fairytale

Her attention lingered upon the enormous swell of the womans belly thoughtfully. More than four, apparently and considerably more was likely. There was something fascinating about not knowing what was happening beneath the skin, only being able to watch the evidence of it grow larger by the day. A body quietly constructing several new lives within itself, rearranging itself to accommodate them.

Messy business, life.

Death had always been simpler.

Well I suppose there's something charming about the surprise, she would muse, resting her cheek against one of her forepaws. Fairytale’s affection for the unborn pups was hard to miss. Every absent little stroke of her paw over her stomach, every proud glance spoke of something Liora had never particularly understood. The instinct to love someone before they had even drawn breath seemed almost absurdly trusting.

I am curious what they’ll be like, she hummed, Between you and Joxer, I imagine Sanguine is about to be overrun by little creatures with no sense of self preservation her eyes brightened faintly. She stretched one foreleg lazily through the shade before settling again, her attention remaining on Fairytale. It would hardly do to let the woman struggle unnecessarily, especially when offering a little kindness cost Liora next to nothing.

If you need anything, do tell me. Water, something to eat, someone to fetch Joxer before you attempt the perilous journey back to your den. her tone remained light, almost teasing. I’d hate to watch our Domina roll herself into the watering hole when I could have prevented it, there was genuine warmth in the offer, even if she was aware of the value in being remembered as useful. Fairytale was pleasant company, but pleasant company with influence was even better.

---

Princess Fairytale