from the other side

Athena breathed in the cool air and let it out with a contented sigh. It had only been a few days since the birth of their daughters, but they had eaten and were sleeping under Amalia's watchful eye so Athena was quick to take advantage of the spare moment and get out of the den for a few moments. She couldn't have asked for an easier pregnancy or an easier birth. She had been praying for daughters, if only for Amalia's sake, and now they had two little girls that were going to be smothered with love from their entire family. She couldn't help but chuckle at that thought. Oh if only her girls knew what they had gotten themselves into. They were going to be the most closely watched litter on the entire planet.

Suddenly a voice would cut through the air and her thoughts and it would bring her to a dead stop. It was a voice she hadn't heard in so, so long... One of the many that she had begun to believe that she would never hear again. Her paws would start moving again, heading toward the howl, slowly at first and then at a sprint. She knew Amalia would fuss at her if she found out she had been running so soon after giving birth, but she couldn't contain herself. She raced forward toward her son until his slate blue and white splattered form came into view.

Her run would slow to a lope then, hurrying toward him while she tried to hold back the tears that threatened to run down her face. "Bacchus..." she said softly, relief washing over her like a title wave as she said his name to more than just empty air. Her ruby and emerald gaze quickly scanned his body and was happy to see him no worse for wear- save for a pretty significant scar on his face. She went to press her face into the side of his neck, nuzzling him affectionately while her tail wagged behind her. "Oh, Bacchus, I've been so worried! I never thought you'd be gone this long... I never would have let you leave if I had known."

She took a step back then so she could look him over once more, still having a hard time making herself believe he was really here. They were still short two boys, but two out of four was better odds than they have had in quite a while. She chuckled softly, adding, "I guess boys will be boys, hm? I can't keep all of you in one place no matter how hard I try."

"Burn Baby Burn"