Verdigris Ravine Some people watch, some people pray

Outing for the babies!! All welcome <3

@Zoug gave more of his time to @Sari and her litter than Candle had expected. She did not think he had sired them, and would not have cared if he had. But this — she could not deny her jealousy, the feeling that he had soiled the promise made between them by sharing it with another. The priestess had withdrawn from her mate. He was still welcomed within the den and at her side, but Candle was distant now. Less affectionate; contemplative; the tired look of a wife half-planning her exit.

She was no less devoted to their children, however. At first Candle had favored her daughters, but as the days passed and her children grew into themselves, she found that the concept of a favorite child simply didn't hold up to reality. There was no choosing. She wanted equally to protect fierce little @Gaara and shy @Ebra; her heart ached just as much whether it was @Aylah babbling to her or @Brac slipping beneath her foreleg for a nap. They were still so new to the world, but already Candle found she couldn't picture it without them.

Naturally, it was with an abundance of caution that she finally brought them forth from the den. She'd called to the rest of The Tribe first, extending her invitation not only to those closest to her but to @Koa and @Hazelnut as well. Candle still did not know that @Kusuma had returned.

Then, after a thorough scope of the ravine, she finally began to lead them from the den. Today they would be allowed to explore further, see more of their home, meet their kin. Candle would hover obsessively the entire time.