Heavy is the Burden

A soft sound tugged at the white maidens ears, bidding her to look in a different direction. She did, it was only natural to follow the sound. A female, nearly twin to herself, approached her. Erani. She smiled easily at the other wolf. They were friends, not close but still friends. The two were passionate healers and both mothers. Soleil's mind sidetracked for a millisecond, taking into consideration the similarities she held with Erani.

?I didn?t get to give my congratulations to you at the wedding. You look ready to pop here and now.? The girl turned her rich blue eyes to Erani, looking her over. "That's quite alright, I was not the one due for congratulations anyway. And thank you... as for looking ready to pop, yes, I am very nearly due and they are very ready to be out, I think!" Her eyes were wide as she spoke, a show of her good mood.

?Are you excited?? Soleil nodded but was unable to keep the discomfort from her gaze. She was excited but since her den was low lying, it was submerged. "Of course... but my den is underwater. Once again I will have to give birth somewhere unfamiliar." She looked genuinely worried now.

"Ma'am." Soleil heard the word spoken from somewhat familiar tones. She waved it off, mentally marking the voice off as that of some Valhallan she knew but was not too familiar with. She barely turned to look, assuming the greeting was for Erani as she was far more vital to the pack.

"Mom?" It was a single word that had the power to bring her to her knees, if only she were standing. Soleil looked now, her eyes glimmering with recognition. Could it really be? Her second born? Gael. Last she had seen him he was merely a pup, off to explore the world. She had given him his freedom, Soleon as well. Azalea had chosen to stay in Valhalla, not following her brothers into the unknown.

She let out a choked sound, almost like a yelp, as she jumped up and waddled toward him. Her balance was off and her viciously wagging tail did not help. "My baby boy! Oh, how you've grown! Like a weed." She fussed over him, her eyes surveying every inch of him. Her paws moved, weight shifting from paw to paw as she tried to contain her excitement.