and the reason is you

Something about the shift in her voice made Nox settle, if but slightly. Not once throughout the entire process had she vexed or raised her voice. Perhaps that was to not disturb the writhing newborns pressed into their mothers’ breast, or simply because birth had taken the strength from her. It was hard to tell between them who was older, but it was clear who was more mature. Nox listened intently, content to store the information that was given. She learned then that just because something was strange or unheard-of, did not necessarily mean it impossible. Maybe it was bold to assume that canines were the only intelligent species capable of cooperation and civility. She took the time to take-in the fox’s demeanor, amber eyes flickering up to peer into the smaller creatures with not prejudice but curiosity. "Good to hear." Nox sighed a breath of relief at the flame-touched lady’s soothing words and then proceeded to ask another question. “Mutually beneficial? How-so?” There were a few ideas that came to mind. For instance, certain species of birds and wolves had found use in another’s company. And again, with species of bird and prey-animals. Did they hunt together, or maybe the fox hunted and she provided protection?

It was only then when she managed the courage to look up, did she notice those steel-gray orbs were not intently focused on her, but the pups. A sliver of a smile crept across the corners of her face, bittersweet in nature. Nox recognized the expression of maternal love in the woman’s eyes. There surely was nothing purer than a mother’s love for her child. “It’s good to cherish these first moments. They grow up quick, far too quick for their own good sometimes.” Nox thought back to her own children and how swiftly they had grown in those first few months. Diaval had practically been out the door when he was old enough to walk. He always had been independent, and his sisters even more so. It was for that reason that she had a shred of hope they were still alive. Though she was most worried about Astraea, as she had never truly grown up. Her eyes flickered between the mother and the meal politely laid before her. Nox took a step-back then, reading the signs. “I wouldn’t want to get in the way of your meal. Thank you for being so understanding.” She craned her head down and back up again in a polite nod.