The End As We Know It

Around them the rain fell, as if even nature itself knew that a good creature was being reclaimed by the gods. Carletta could feel her own wave of grief growing stronger, knowing the woman’s time was nearing. It was hard, hard to accept this. Sure Serefina had been but a stranger... But... She uttered a soft sigh, partly wishing that Amaia was here with her. Her sister’s support would have been appreciated... But if she did not trail after her Carletta would not be sore with her.

As the second child was born Carletta dutifully moved to her. The same process of carefully moving the little form and cleaning her was made. Carletta could feel tears sting her own eyes. Though she would be a mother to these children at the same time she was not. They were not her babies, but the babies of a mother they wouldn’t have the chance to know. That reality had Carletta weeping for Sere and her little ones... A broken family from the start.

She didn’t mind that Serefina was unable to repay her for her kindness. The chance to raise her little ones would be thanks enough, she thought. Carletta moved the little girl next to her brother, gazing sadly at Serefina as the female made one last request. She wanted to call to her family, if they were here, for one final goodbye. The femme could understand that desire and without a word tilted her head back, howling as loud as she could for the Elementas family. If they were any in the area she prayed the Gods gave them speed. She didn’t know how much longer Serefina would last...

As one more act Carletta lay beside Serefina, the children between them. The silvery-gray female’s blue eyes settled on Serefina’s face, a soft whine given as tears rolled down her cheeks. “I pray they hear... That they come.” Carletta woul set her head on her paws. “Second pup good too. Little girl. Beautiful like Serefina.” She said, her voice cracking with empathy for the she-wolf’s situation.