Secrets of the Heart

The pale healer seemed in good spirits on that morning also. Gargoyle knew her to be a shy sort, so he made himself comfortable at a speaking distance of a yard or so. From the tender plants in her maw, Gargoyle concluded that he had not been the only one tending to duties this morning. Good. It was Mercianne's healing abilities that he had come for. But, not for himself. His packmate was quick to inquire how he felt, but no, no that wasn't it. His wounds were all healing just fine. Thanks to the changing of coats in this warmer weather, it looked like he wouldn't even have to deal with fur loss, save on the inside of his leftfore. If someone had ever been insane enough to shave the brute, they would've found a maze of scars criss crossing his form - most of them the result of the ambush that had left him near death when he was but a yearling, but plenty earned in the wars he fought for The Mob. But he wasn't dwelling on that. It wasn't about himself that he had come.

The Chief lowered his head slightly to bring their eye levels a little closer into line. "I feel as fine as ever," he rumbled out. And indeed, even if the words left any question, his tone was assurance. Usually so lackluster and without feeling, this morning there was some sort of lightness to it. 'Afterglow' was what an experienced wolf would've muttered, giving a knowing look. "In fact," Gargoyle said, continuing. "I bring some good news." A nice change of pace that. "Ocena and I are to be expecting another litter of pups." Even under the usual authority and bluntness, there was a something to be seen. A tinge of pride in the way the male's chest swelled ever so slightly. Even if he'd been trying to hide it, it was likely he wouldn't have managed. Ocena, and the family they already had together, were the only ones known to elicit such responses. And it seemed that the very thought of them could do the same. The Chief was in a better mood than he'd been in a long while. "As you, Mercianne, are the most experienced healer we've got, I'd like to ask you to attend to my mate, and, if it's not asking too much, to be midwife, when she gives birth." It was his protectiveness that urged him to ask such a thing. He and Ocena had discussed having a healer there, for Gargoyle was all too aware of the size difference between them and how that could lead to complications, should the pups be large or late or many. The worry had almost kept him from trying for another litter, but his angel... she could ask for the world and he would give it to her.