Take up your new name

It was odd how somehow after her first litter she found comfort in knowing that it was at least a familiar pain she faced with those that followed. Even now, with her age hanging over her, Caelum at least was glad she knew what she was doing here. Had she not had children before this would have been a terrifying experience, but as things were with Zephyr by her side Cae was not nearly as worried as she'd expected to be when the time came. The pup by her side seemed content, nosing about weakly as newly born creatures do, emitting the occasional grunt or squeal that sent a pang straight to her heart. She didn't have much time to fawn over the babe before she was distracted by the continuing contractions.

It took longer than she would have liked, this second birth threatening at times to become an issue but she soldiered on, face tense with concentration and breathing labored. Something about the first pup was nagging at her, though she did not have the time - nor the ability in her present state - to figure out what. By the time the next child made it's way into the world she was certain something was amiss. The second child did not react to her touch, even with much prompting and licking. She knew it was an exercise in futility but still she persisted for a while on the off chance she could do something, anything, to help the little one she knew deep down would not be moving now or ever. Leaning back into Zephyr she was wracked with sobs that she thought would destroy her lungs. It was then that she realized what was concerning her about the first child. It wasn't really nursing anymore. At first it had attempted several times and succeeded but now it would lay there weakly and Caelum was all but certain it was not long for this world. She remained wordless, pressing herself as close to Zephyr as physically possible, wishing to bury herself in his warmth and familiar presence and escape the harshness of this reality if only for a moment.

There had been a pause, a fairly normal span of time between births, one that appeared to be ending as that oh so familiar pain returned for another round and Caelum found herself wondering why two hadn't been enough and if she could bear losing anyone else. Even someone who only existed for a few minutes. Taking in a sharp breath, she steeled herself for what she knew lay ahead, muscles tensing slightly and expression growing more determined. As she came out the other side of this first wave of pain Caelum had decided the answer was no. She couldn't lose anyone else. So she wouldn't. This one was going to be fine. It was going to be healthy. It was going to live. Live a long and happy life, and she'd be damned if she let any other possibility come to pass. When at last the final pup was born Caelum relaxed, breathing heavily and laying against Zephyr for a minute to regain some energy spent on this birth. Turning to look at the last of her offspring, Caelum found a little brown girl, with what appeared to be a faintly black head though she couldn't be sure at this time, and small white markings. Pulling the little girl to her belly Caelum sighed heavily, exhaling the tension from within and lay her head down for a while after washing the child quite thoroughly. Softly she murmured, "What... What do we name her?"