Her body was, much too slowly in her opinion, returning to normal after the birth. Her teats were still obviously swollen, but her stomch (at lest behind her giant milk sacs) was regaining its leanness. She didn't feel as sore anymore, and soon she'd be thinking about taking Rhyme and Rhys from the den. Their eyes were just opening in the last few days and they were beginning to focus on the world around them. Both had startling bright eyes, Rhys from her father and Rhyme's like a brighter version of her own. She couldn't even describe their beauty, Rhythm was completely in love with the pair of them. She didn't often leave them, especially because they fed so often, but as they grew the intervals between meals would grow greater. She was sleeping better (but not great yet) and they were okay on their own for longer. Rhythm wouldn't even consider leaving the Knolls, but she did have to take a walk to get a drink. Her current mission was that. Stretching as she emerged from the entrance of the den the slender chocolate woman would find her way towards the large pool that lingered a couple of hills away. Her pace was steady but her hesitation was obvious. It was hard to keep walking away from her newborns. The bond that tied her to them was incredibly strong, her need to protect them more vigorous than that of her own life. They quickly took over her whole world, and she didn't have a complaint in the world. Rhythm was just happy to have them, for the first few days she hadn't even been sure they'd make it past their first week and here they were nearing the day they were weaned. The little smile that lingered on her features could not be removed, even as she leaned over the water to take her sip. Her heart was happy with the state of her little family, and life was good. ""

She'd roped Vana into watching Chaos again today, which was less than ideal because he was sick and cranky and demanding, but he had been sick and cranky and demanding for two days now and she really needed to have a moment to herself, even if it was just long enough to get a drink of water and maybe get in a quick hunt. She immediately considered turning around and returning to the den, though, she she grumped up to the pool only to find Rhythm there already serenely lapping away at the water. Really? Really? Of course, she should have thought before about how her relatively close proximity to Valen's den when Imperium had first been created would mean a relatively close proximity to Rhythm since he'd given her his den, but it hadn't really come up before. It was a lot easier to not care when she wasn't exhausted, irritable, and really, really wanting to bite something - and she hardly thought their alpha would approve if she took a snap at Rhythm. But it was hardly Rhythm's fault that Cascade had gotten pregnant, and besides that it was her job as Et Uxor to be keeping track of Valen's consocia and any pups. She certainly hadn't been doing a very good job of it, since she hadn't been there when Rhythm gave birth or even gone to check in on the new batch of midgets in the weeks since then. So instead of turning and leaving, after a long moment of standing across the pool staring in Rhythm's direction she gave an irritable sigh, forced a very crooked halfsmile, and trudged around to where Rhythm was drinking. "Rhythm," she greeted casually, leaning forward to drink greedily of the clear water. Ah that felt good. Chaos was back at the den probably whining at Vana and vomiting everywhere, but she put that thought aside for now - Vana was to be a healer and could take care of it. She just desperately, desperately needed this break and this water and would deal with Rhythm... and then Chaos... after she finished enjoying it. "Talk" "You" Think

She wouldn't hear Cascade's foot steps over the sound of the disturbed water, her drink would drown out the noise and only as the dark woman sighed heavily would Rhythm find her attention captured. Brilliant blue and purple eyes would be diverted from the pool as Cascade drew more near, Rhythm's cream marked ears would perk forward in the Et Uxor's direction as she lifted her muzzle from the surface of the water. Cas offered a greeting in the form of her name as she dipped her head to consume the fresh water as well. "Hello, Cascade." She hadn't really seen the Saxe woman since before Rhys and Rhyme were born. Rhythm would lean back onto her haunches as Cas took her drink, her gaze lingering on the other woman's form as she was distracted. Valentine had mentioned the other woman's unexpected pregnancy as well as the odd child it had produced. "Ah, Congratulations. How's little Chaos?" She had to ask. Eventually she'd get to meet him, but she doubted that today would be that day. ""