"I would like to receive the foal now," Theia sighed. "If it's not too much trouble, sir."
"No trouble at all," Mikhail replied with a nod. "It was really my hope that you would choose that option, as it suits both our needs quite well. I would like to breed her as soon as possible."
Theia smiled in relief. It seemed that Mikhail was more to-the-point than his brothers. Besides, she was curious about the whole process, having only heard of it previously.
With great efficiency, the stablehands moved Aurora to a clean stall and began casting the cluster of spells for an accelerated pregnancy. It was a delicate procedure, not to mention expensive, one that would have rendered the foal too costly for her income under other circumstances.
Aurora neighed in discomfort as her belly swelled before their eyes. However, the soothing spells kept her from doing much more. Soon, within the hour, all was ready. At this point, Mikhail finally stepped in and applied his own prepared spells, inducing the birthing process.
The mare whinnied in distress before being subdued once again. No sense letting her panic put the foal at risk. Contractions came fast and strong with many hands guiding every step. Then, with one final push, the golden form of a Witch's Pony filly slid out onto the ground.
Theia gasped at the tiny form. She was beautiful!
"Now, start the separation," Mikhail ordered. Already prepared, a stablehand threw a cloth over Aurora's eyes before chanting another spell. The mare ceased struggling almost instantly, entering a trance.
"Separation?" Theia asked, watching this in confusion.
"It would be cruel to let the mother experience anxiety at losing her foal right after birth. So, we extract her maternal bond and transfer it to the foal's new mother. You."
"Oh," Theia responded, stunned. "Is it safe?"
"Quite, provided we do the transfer before the mare sees her foal for the first time. I would recommend taking on your horse form."
Swallowing her nervousness, Theia switched forms and stood waiting. The stablehand stood up from Aurora before running over to her and placing his hands over her eyes. "Brace yourself, miss."
The Horse Witch jerked as she was suddenly flooded with a flurry of emotions, distress, relief, but most of all, eagerness to see her new foal. Then, the scent hit her, the scent of a newborn filly. Looking over, she focused on the little wet form, and motherly instincts seized her. Rushing over, she licked the filly clean, feeling her own body tingle with joy and...swelling in her udder region. Suddenly, she knew she could now nurse her new foal.
"Congratulations, Theia. You are a mother, now."