Long Waited Arrival

[Twi]

Alek paced back and forth before the healers den. His paws just didn't seem to be able to stop. He was the most nervous he'd ever been in his two years of life. He was going to be a father and soon. The first signs Athena had shown that the pups were ready to be born, his mind had gone blank, heart racing at the moment he thought would never come.

It was almost midnight at this point and every passing moment seemed longer than the last in the quiet night. He'd finally managed to set himself to sit, outside the entrance of the small cave. Trying to block some of the cool night air from his mate, fidgeting horribly. His back was to her and he was so tempted to turn and look at the sounds that were coming from the den behind him, but he'd talked himself into keeping guard until otherwise needed, giving something, even if it was only a little task, to do to try and keep himself from going insane and blurting out his question again, not wanting to stress out Athena any more than possible.

[courtney]

Athena was inside the den, with Alek just outside. She wasn't letting him inside till all their pups had entered the world. No male needed see a female give birth and she certainly wouldn't allow Alek to see. Whimpers and growls could be heard from outside the den as one by one each pup came into the world. One never took its first breath though. It was so much smaller then the other pups, making it obvious that the tiny pup was never meant to survive, even if it was alive when it was born.

All but the stillborn pup were up against her side as she called Alek inside. Looking between him and the unmoving pup in front of her paws. There wasn't anything I could do. He was already gone when he was born. The other three are all healthy though. The dark grey and the white one are both male and the silver is a girl. I like the name Amira for the girl. It means "little princess". What names do you like for our boys dear?

[Twi]

He jumped at her voice, moving into the den, excitedly. Spotting the tiny little beings near Athena's belly. Moving close he grinned, sniffing at them each. They were so tiny. Looking towards Athena he noticed her looking down at one more little body, but it was obvious the difference between them and the ones he'd just sniffed. Frowning he moved closer to Athena licking her cheek gently before looking down at the lifeless body. "Its alright. We still have three." He smiled reassuringly. "And for our sons... The eldest male should be named Kinjo and the second Nathaniel."

Slowly reaching his muzzle down, he watched Athena in case she wasn't ready for it to be taken. Picking the stillborn up carefully, even if it was dead, it was still his child. Bumping her cheek with his nose before moving to the exit. He had to get them away lest they attract anything. He'd bury them and return to his mate's side. He felt pride bubble up even with the loss. Three beautiful offspring, and Athena was alright.

(Amira should be a daddy's girl. Just sayin'.)

[courtney]

(haha yes she should. We need someone to play her though.)

Smiling up at her loving mate, Athena nodded as she spoke. Those names are perfect love. Amira, Kinjo, and Nathaniel. Three strong, healthy pups. Athena watched as Alek picked up their stillborn pup and carried it out of the den, no doubt to bury it. It was alright though, the pup probably wouldn't have made it very long if it was alive so at least he didn't have to suffer or feel any pain. She did still have three pups to care for as well and there was no doubt in her mind that they would become strong member of the pack when they were older. With Alek's return to the den, Athena leaned up to lick his muzzle and cheek. I love you Alek.

[Twi]

He smiled as Athena licked his muzzle and neck. "I love you too Athena. I will never let anything hurt you or our pups. Ever."

[courtney]

Athena smiled and nuzzled into his neck, burying her muzzle in his fur. A thought stuck in her mind and she looked up at him, a little worried. Do you think we will be alright through the winter though? What if we arn't able to catch enough for all of us and the pups? There are only five of us as it is and I wouln't be able to hunt since I'll be looking after the pups. What if something happens and we can't get enough food for them? She was rambling on, only worrying herself more and more. She couldn't help it though, she was a new mother and bound to worry even if everything would be alright.

[Twi]

Alek just laughed. "I have this tradition when pups are born, the pack hunts for the mother and the pups. Just to make sure you have enough milk. After you have been fed, we hunt for ourselves."

[courtney]

Thank you love, but what if there isn't enough food after you feed me and the pups? I don't want you going hungry. She licked his cheek before licking the top of each pups head.