A New Song

The time had finally arrived. She, Regulus, and Zuriel had been gathering grasses and mosses and piling the materials in the very den that had seen her own birth since three days past. A thick, comfortable padding of the materials now layered the furthest point from the alcove mouth, at a point where she could see directly into the main entrance chamber. She was lounging in the wide area of the ravine when the first cramps rippled through her insides. Faint, and inconsistent at first, then beginning to gain strength and becoming more predictable. She smiled, waiting until the newest contraction had passed before pulling herself to her paws. She lifted her head and sang a call for her children and mate, before climbing the natural stone steps into the main chamber and taking a right into her alcove. She settled comfortably, counting the time between the contractions, gladly anticipating the moment when she’d see her newest brood.

By the time her family arrived, she was in full blown labor. She rode out the pain with deep breaths, her mind fully centered on her task. And at last, the firstborn crowned. Unlike with Regulus’ birth, this firstborn came with moderate ease. In very little time, the dark male slipped free with a final push. Surreal rose and took the male pup in her jaws, transporting him gently to her side before working him over with her tongue until he squeaked vigorously. A smile bloomed on Surreals face as she leaned back, her side against the wall, resting until it would be time to get to work again. Her eyes lifted to her mates face. “A healthy male.”

Soon enough, the contractions returned, and she sank into her task with single minded intensity. The next pup came swiftly, slipping free. She turned to greet the new life and paused as she caught her first glimpse of her new daughter. Hm. Her head cocked slightly, then she took the little female and cleaned her thoroughly, tongue rasping until she drew a squeal that assured a strong life. She smiled, pleased, and nudged the newest born to her side before leaning back once more. She rested a few minutes, then called out to the older siblings, warmth thick on her voice. “Regulus, Zuriel. You can come see them now. Come meet your new brother and sister.” She had wanted to keep their new siblings as much of a visual surprise as she could, but would have called her daughter for help had something felt wrong. But she had wanted them to view the new pups at the same time. As Regulus’ big head poked into the alcove, and his sapphires landed on his new siblings, Surreal watched those eyes pop wide as they landed on his little sister. And then the exclamation popped out of her dear, wonderfully sweet, wonderfully innocent, eldest son. “SHE’S PINK!”

Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think