Only the Beginning

Walk | Talk | Think

She could tell before her little midwife-in-training spoke that everything was well and okay with the litter. It was written plainly and rather enthusiastically across Orica's face, her exuberant expression even drawing the sleepily prideful smile upon Merci's face into fuller life. This was wonderful news. She could hardly believe it herself though she had known with excruciating detail everything that had taken place. She was now the mother of an extensively large litter, each and every one of them healthy and fit and squirming with life. At least those that were still awake. Her dark brown eyes shifted downward to take in the sight of those precious pups as they nursed at her side, a few already having taken their fill and quietly nestling in amongst their siblings to nap. So small and yet so strong, she thought admirably, reaching down to nuzzle and lick at them again with the tenderness and affection of a mother. Oh how she looked forward to the days to come, all the adventures they would have together. It was going to be wonderful.

Only a short pause followed the excited answer of Orica before she posed another question of the mother, the words running absently through her mind as she continued to watch her pups move about in their restful state. Did she need anything? A nap sounded heavenly, the birthing process having taken more out of her than she had realized. Though with six pups it was no wonder. If she thought she was tired now she could only imagine how she would be once they were old enough to walk and wander on their own, doing her best to keep up and make sure they stayed out of trouble. "I think I'll be okay, Orica. Thank you," she offered quietly, sleepily, in response, her lips curving into a vague smile. Shifting a little, she settled herself a little more cozily upon her side, lowering her had too so that her cheek nestled there against the ground, and letting her eyelids gently close Mercianne settled in to rest among her pups with a slow sigh.