be as you've always been

Walking was a little uncomfortable these days, or a lot actually. Her hips ached and her spine twisted with every waddle, but each step was better than laying sloth in the den. She was going to ‘patrol’ every day she was able up until she gave birth. Which was practically any day. Her belly was gigantic, there was no question to her current state. Poem looked and felt like she was about to pop. Despite the difficulties in growing them, excitement resided with them in her belly. Any day now she and Sparhawk would welcome their new little bundles into the world.

Her husband might have been more excited about their impending parenthood than she was, he kept her well fed and cared for. She was more pampered than she had ever been in her life. Happiness was an aura around her. Poem faced multiple hardships throughout her young life but the lows made these highs feel like she was soaring.

Her pale paws carried her slowly as she waddled into the thicket, the day was bright and the snow covered the landscape. Poem was eager for spring. They were late into the winter, hopefully the pups would come late enough the cold wouldn’t be too worrisome. There would be no limit to wolves that would volunteer to warm a chilly puppy she was sure. The thought brought a smile to her features as the sound of an almost unfamiliar voice reached her ears.

Poem’s expression twisted, thoughts and memories she’d finally put behind her returned to the forefront full force. She pushed down the terrible feelings inside and just raced towards Epitaph. Tears were already running down her cheeks by the time she took her first labored step. He’d called for Shaye. ”Uncle Taphy!” Her voice was pained and relieved as she called out for him, blue and lavender eyes searching for his frail form.