Worst In Me

Félicien had lingered close by after his talks with Mara and Ruthger. He felt… needed again. The old Mercenary certainly wasn’t going to admit it out loud but he was glad to be around a familiar face again. Mara was… almost like a daughter to him after all. He’d trained her, and before long he’d get her man into proper shape too. He’d not tolerate a weakling with her even if they were raising a litter together. Of course… he couldn’t quite argue with Ruthger about the fact when he undoubtedly fathered litters and walked away before finding out if his seed grew or not. At least the man was sticking around for his children… Féli respected that about him… and so he’d been willing to give all this a chance.

Félicien returned to the densite with a duck in his jaws. It had been a lucky catch, for the creature probably would not have normally stopped to rest in the area. A mistake on it’s part since, well, now it was dead. Félicien grunted around the meal, the smell of blood tempting, but the man would not eat from this bird. It was for Mara alone… for soon, soon she’d have her little ones and the little warriors would need to be fed as well. She’d have to keep her strength up.

Hearing Mara’s call the man quickened his pace. Had she birthed already?

Sure enough, when he arrived at the den Ruthger was sitting outside and Félicien approached the other male, setting the duck down once he was next to him. He spoke in a quiet tone, not knowing what state Mara was in and certainly not wanting to disturb her if she was resting after a hard birth. “Congratulations on your children.” The French man rumbled. “Now the real fun begins.” His silver eyes shifted over the other brute, seriousness in his gaze.

“We’re going to need to step our game now. We can’t slack now that they’re here.” Then, with a chuckle he added; “No doubt Mara will be yearning for a spar or two herself once she’s rested. Think you’ll be able to keep up with us?” His words, while spoken in a level tone, could have been taken as playful. At least for this old man anyway.