awake my soul.

Her devotion to her husband, to Maverick was pure -- even if their relationship had been strained in the last few weeks. She had never lost the loyalty that had been embedded so deeply in her heart, for her father's lessons had permanently changed her into a woman that would never betray one of her own. Another whimper would escape her lips, and she would shift to seek more of Maverick's warmth, unimpressed by the gentle nudge of his nose against her shoulder.

"It's time," she told him softly, not wanting to wake her children, though she knew they would awaken eventually. If they were even in the den. They were growing older now, and some of them seemed content to wander the nights, even scout the borders and explore; but her attention was, instead, focused on Maverick. "I am certain."

She didn't know what to expect. Would she have one child, or five? She'd been given few cues ... occasional kicks here and there, but nothing certain. Part of her feared they would be stillborn, but her concerns would not be voiced. Her somber and vaguely irritable facade had said more than her words ever could. Another contraction would rip through her body, making her convulse slightly where she lay. She was grateful for the darkness of the den, as she was certain her expression, contorted with pain, was anything but lovely. "Please... call someone." Anything to help with the pain; it seemed Loccian was the best option.