Her pregnancy had been very much enjoyable, she didn’t think she had ever been closer to Solor, nor this happy. She only wished her own mother might have been there to see her through it. Maybe if she had settled down with Solor all those years ago she might have gotten her wish. Shaye had also been with her the entire time though, and having her sister’s support was invaluable. She was getting to know Twig, Solor’s niece. She was a nice girl, though she had been surprised to know how much they looked alike. She couldn’t tell herself, but had taken amusement when she was told.

She lay at the rapids now, the day was growing old but Vail wanted to soak up as much sun as she could. She had been a bit cold and with the end of her pregnancy so close being cooped up in a den was the last thing she wanted. There would be enough of that in the coming weeks. Vail yawned and stretched over the ground, the sound of the rapids soothing her. The pregnant she wolf was the happiest she had ever been, but there was an odd feeling of worry that settled in the pit of her stomach. She had enjoyed an easy pregnancy, there was no reason to think the birth would be difficult. However much she tried to convince herself, the knot remained.

Vails’s pregnancy made Shaye anxious, thinking about her tiny, beloved sister. She remembered brin concern to Rhythm once a long time ago, mentioning how worried the idea of Vail pregnant would make her, and that was when they had only just gotten married.

She had to admit the white girl glowed with her pregnancy, and she seemed content and happy in life. Shaye’s attention was split between the growing thickets, training Theory, and her worry for Vail.

She found her sister by the rapids, lying in the heat of the sun, and moved herself beside her sister, immediately settling down against her, stretching out with a yawn and a smile. “Hey Sis” she said happily.

Vail lay undisturbed until the sound of paw steps reached her. The winter rose shifted, her poor eyesight enough to take in Shaye’s familiar shape. The pregnant she wolf smiled and didn’t hesitate to lean into Shaye and offer a bit of affection. She nuzzled her cheek lovingly, silently begging forgiveness for the resentment she’d felt before all of this. She missed when the two of them had been inseparable, back hen it had only been them and the hermit. Things had been so much simpler and easier then.

”Hello, Shaye.” Vail offered her sister warmly as she leaned against her much larger form. ”Come to check in on me?” She asked with a teasing giggle. This pregnancy had been perfect, and no one would be able to say the pups weren’t developing well.

She curled into her smaller sisters side, trying not to feel the gaps that had sprung up between them since she had become Alpha. She knew it was her fault, for taking on responsibilities, for giving alphaship to Rhyme and not to Vail. she had created this bridge between them, and she sorely missed how things had been before. She should have been giving Vail more of her time. She vowed in that moment to do exactly that.

“and to see you” Shaye promised, but yes, checking in on her sister was definitely a large part of it. Well before Vail had gotten pregnant, SHaye had felt a fear for her sister at the very idea of the dangers of childbirth. She still felt the desire to get Rhythm, and have their Auntie here for this.

She knew Shaye was worried for her, despite how well she was hiding her own insecurities. Everything had been so easy and perfect so far, it was almost like living through the calm before the storm. Something.. something was coming and she didn’t know when or what it would be. She couldn’t do anything about it though, and relaxed into her sister’s side. ”Well, I always enjoy having you around.” She offered affectionately. ”I feel pretty huge, am I pretty huge?” She asked with mock concern as she looked back over her abdomen. Hiding her nervous emotions with her amusing quip.

She looked fondly at her sister, keeping her close, feeling the warmth of her coat beside her, and felt herself reminded of her childhood, of times spent curled up with Vail and their parents. Times so long gone, and yet still left an ache in her heart whenever she considered them. Oh Shai Motif, I hope your happy, wherever you are. I hope you can look down, and see Vail’s beautiful children she thought softly.

Feeling unexpected tears in her eyes as she pulled Vail even closer, and gave her sister a teary, proud smile. “Absolutely ginormous” she promised her sister. It was kinda true too, easily visible against the white woman's small frame. “Your going to make the most amazing mother.” she promised.