Blackfeather Woods sinnasaik

permission from Shivali to go now

she didn't answer, gripped by contractions--but the look that bloomed on her face at mention of Kove was clear. she would not send for him. instead, she would stay here. . .and a good thing, too, for Shivali soon began to struggle. sucking in a careful breath, Tahani licked the top of Aningan's head in a soothing manner before turning back to her sister, trying to assess what's wrong.

Shivali was tiring; how could she not? labor was a frightfully tiring process, and she'd never done it before. even the strongest of wolves found it a daunting task. there was still life to be born, and Tahani circled around, placing one paw against her sister's womb, the other bracing her against the ground.

"i know you're tired, Shivali," Tahani murmured, looking over at her sister, eyes heavy-lidded as the den filled with the heady smells of birth. "i will help you, try to massage your womb so the pup can come. but you need to push as much as you can. it's almost over."

with gentle, sure strokes, she began to knead her paw against Shivali's abdomen, knowing that the last of the placenta still was there. if she could encourage the afterbirth out, the pup would come shortly before. she was so close. . .all she needed was a couple more good pushes, and the job would be done.