I JUST WANT A TASTE

Things felt like they were going well for the male. Eraithus had a new spring in his step and he felt like he was feeling more like himself. Grief sometimes still snuck up on him but it was alright. It was good to have some loss in his life. Somehow Eraithus thought it made him a better wolf. He could understand and in the least empathize with others. Today though he was on a mission. He had caught wind that Deathbelle had given birth to her litter - a little bit of a gift was clamped in his jaws. A nice piece of leg from a deer that he had been so lucky to take down earlier that day was in his jaws. Deathbelle must have been tired and having to babysit all those little paws he could only imagine.

Nearing the den he placed the leg gently down. Moving just near the entrance but being sure not to be too close. "Deathbelle? I brought you something." his heart pounded against his chest for a moment. Heat rushing through his body. He didn't know whether it was excitement or actual nervousness. This would be only his second time seeing a litter of pups close after their birth. Birth was rare in his homeland and he had to admit that it wasn't something he had experience in. He was not a father nor a healer. Regardless he hoped he would be able to see them. Eraithus wanted to be a positive outlook on Deathbelle and her litter's life.

MADE BY MINNIE of BTN

Deathbelle was settling into the rhythm of life again, taking care of the very young puppies that were oh so dependent on her. The newness and innocence of life helped to ease the heartache beneath as she struggled with the absence of her mate. She was too tired to feel the loneliness return, and her whole world revolved around the three puppies at her belly. She slept most of the time, much like the new babies, and was thankful for whoever was making sure she got her meals delivered.

She might have slept a while longer, but was swiftly brought to wakefulness at the sound of a deep voice outside the entrance. For a moment she was startled, hopeful she had heard Magnus. Her hopes were dashed before she could speak as she realized Eraithus was paying her a visit. Deathbelle removed any hint of disappointment before she greeted and invited him inside.

”Come in, Eraithus.” She said softly so she didn’t disturb the sleeping babies too much.

I JUST WANT A TASTE

Eraithus eyes lit up when he saw her come to the entrance of the den. Quietly inviting him in, of course there was plenty of space considering she was now a nursing mother for the time being. Gripping the leg tightly within his jaws he gingerly nosed his way in. Placing the piece of prey in front of her his eyes glanced over the pups. Tiny wiggly little things, Eraithus felt warmth fill in him. They may not have been his own, but the same with Recluses pups, he would be here for them when they needed it. "They're beautiful Deathbelle." his tail twitched mildly as he turned his attention back to her.

"How are you fairing? Everything going okay with you and your pups?" the gentleman gave a tip of his head. His ears perking towards her. Eraithus knew a question like that could be loaded. Of course she could brush it off with everything was fine even if she was in distress. He wasn't an expert on body language, but he wanted to make sure that his support was given when it was needed most. Over all - he certainly hoped that he wasn't an overwhelming or anxious presence.

MADE BY MINNIE of BTN

The blue marked man quietly entered the den so he could swiftly present his gift to her without comment. She didn’t miss how his gaze shifted to the tiny children at her side. They were certainly eye catchers, just as Eraithus mentioned they were absolutely gorgeous. Her heart hurt even more that Magnus was not here. Belle didn’t know where he was or what might of happened, but he was sorely missed as their children grew swiftly everyday. ”Thank you, they were a lot of work.” She smiled, certain they were worth every moment but that didn’t stop her from doubting herself and her actions. ”Please sit down,” She commented with a quick gesture as her attention returned to the pups at her belly. Their soft little mewls hinted to them pushing at wakefulness. She assured them softly as her attention returned to Eraithus.

”I am recovering swiftly.” Belle offered, still feeling sore but healing physically and much quicker than she anticipated. ”The little ones are reaching their milestones on time.” She said with a hint of pride to her voice. They were beautiful and she had no doubt they would grow up strong. Even without their father present. He gave them his strength, and she was beginning to accept that might be all he ever did. Deep down that fact was the most detrimental to her, but she was loathe to admit to herself and out loud.

”Meet Fortune, Voodoo, and Sorcerer.” She told him quietly, nudging each tiny bundle as she introduced them. Attempting to force the attention from her and back towards the innocent puppies.

I JUST WANT A TASTE

He could feel her sadness waving off of her now. Eraithus could only imagine how it felt to try to raise a family without a father. Though Recluse was doing the same with her own children - but somehow it felt so lonely now. His head tilted to one side he was still glad to hear that they were growing how they were meant. This was of course not belle's first litter that was for sure and Eraithus had nothing to say about parenting that was for certain. Fortune, Voodoo, Sorcerer. He took each name in and their appearances in turn. Wondering if he would become a stable figure in their lives.

He smiled to her, nuzzling the leg. "Once the pups are weaned if you ever need anyone to look after them I could. Especially if you need some time to yourself." he was in no way suggesting she couldn't take care of her pups, but even mothers needed a break didn't they. Eraithus half wondered, how did one woo a female and make a family. Something he longed for but patience was key with everything wasn't it. Just as his patience was within the pack too.

MADE BY MINNIE of BTN

Deathbelle didn’t doubt Recluse nor her ability to raise her heirs ‘alone.’ She had the whole pack at her back, as did Belle. However, the one Empress had fully expected to raise these three beautiful children with their father. Knowing he hadn’t even shown up at their birth broke her heart, and of course he had yet to meet them, and might not ever do so. Magnus could very well be dead, and Deathbelle would never know. That fact bothered her the most, and she’d never gotten to say goodbye to the man she;d wanted to build a life with. She shouldn't really have expected to have her happy ending, that wasn’t the path she was destined to take. Deathbelle could only hope all the strife she shouldered now would be kept from her children’s shoulders.

Eraithus beamed at the tiny bundles, he seemed mystified even. The offer that fell from his lips was one that she would eagerly accept too. ”That would be incredibly kind of you.” They had ot be the center of her focus didn’t they? She’d failed so hard with her second litter. These puppies would want for nothing. ”Do you have children of your own?” She asked softly, wondering what kind of history the electric marked man had behind him.

I JUST WANT A TASTE

Deathbelle's appreciation of his offer brought him much joy. The young man was interested in being a family man, even if that meant children that were not biologically his own. Eraithus enjoyed interacting with the whelps, playing and teaching them. Though of course he longed one day for his own, which brought Belle's question to give him a sting of grief. Then again maybe there was still a chance for him and Recluse to get that close.

"No, unfortunately." Eraithus shifted a bit, trying not to seem rude. Was it... bad of him to be interested? He didn't know back at home everyone had been wolves he'd known since he was a child. This new strange place had brought him to meet so many new wolves. Wovles he cared about and that in itself made him happy. "I do hope to raise a large family one day. I'm already trying to get Recluse interested in me." he chuckled lightly. Though he hadn't outwardly told Recluse that he was attracted to her, they had their moments and he wanted the alpha to know he wasn't going anywhere.

MADE BY MINNIE of BTN

Deathbelle knew that she could count on Recluse and her help in raising the beautiful children she brought into the world. She was coming to terms with the fact that she had been abandoned yet again, the father of her pups would never meet his children. Belle tried not to think about losing him, there was nothing she could do to bring him back to her. The once Empress learned this lesson over and over again and yet here she was repeating her mistakes for the third time. Deathbelle had also vowed that these would be the last of her offspring. She was tired of being a single parent, and after the babies at her breast were grown there would be no more. The next generation would be ready and more to continue that duty.

Eraithus spoke up as she asked her question, the man affirming that he was childless. Deathbelle nodded, but hadn’t expected the confession about her niece. Recluse was a beautiful woman, she wore her Klein genes well. ”Is that so?” She asked with an amused chuckle, not trying to be disheartening but she did enjoy the gossip. ”A strong, handsome man like you, surely you won't have to try so hard.” Again the woman chuckled, she found herself enjoying the easy going conversation. Especially with her mind weighing so heavily.

I JUST WANT A TASTE

He found it kind of funny that he had ended in the situation that he was today. Life hadn't entirely gone as he planned but in his middle age he was learning that this was just how living went. He had come to this land to create a family, under his fathers will, but now his fathers and mothers had no control over him. It had been many, many seasons since he was a part of the culture of home. He had become a part of Habari fully and his growing interest in the klein family had become a normal occurence. If one thing was true of the man though was his truth. He could never betray others and leave them? Well he couldn't agree with many other wolves choices but proof enough that he was still rooted here meant he cared about the pack he had chosen to live in.

Eraithus was happy when Deathbelle asked the joking question. For a split second he could see her chest heave in a comfortable stance - happy for a distraction it seemed. It made him chuckle at the comment though, strong and handsome maybe but until recently he hadn't been the most forthcoming. "I've had my fair share of mistakes. Believe it or not but I wasn't the most productive wolf. My punishment is only just beginning to end and while I'm ashamed I'm determined to make up for my laziness where I lacked." warmth flooded him looking at Deathbelle and the pups. "I want to prove I'll support Habari and the klein's with my life. You all have become so important to me it's the least I can do." his eyes glittered with sincereity. He wasn't special but he prided himself in his ability to ease others and make promises that he didn't let fall through.

MADE BY MINNIE of BTN