The beating of young hearts

It was time, already. The weeks had flown by for her, elated at a new chance to start over, with someone she trusted beside her. She would love these babies, as she had always loved her children, but this time something felt so much different... she had wanted this, really, truly wanted this so badly. Bright Moon, normally lithe and graceful, now waddled as she made her way to the place she had chosen to whelp the pups. It was a in a dry place, far from where any water would reach, but still protected by the strange trees and their tangled roots. Not even the wind would be able to rush through - it would be warm and cozy, and well-secluded. Curling up, the silvery, fox-coated woman prepared herself, knowing from experience what she was to expect. She knew she would still have to wait, and bear through her contractions with courage. For now, she tilted her head back and called to the pups' father, Quelt.