Blacktail Deer Plateau Regrets collect like old friends

Dante sat where he was, quietly observing the deer herd beneath him. He tracked their movements carefully, most of his attention on the stag as well as those on the fringes of his watch. He noted where the stag's attention lay and where it seemed to miss, keeping such things in mind for their next pack hunt. He had no intentions of attempting a hunt now, knowing he would likely only succeed in scaring them off. Even a group of 2 or 3 would not have the odds that the entire pack would. He would wait.

With a heavy breath he lowered his head to the ground. It was, for the first time in a while, not a sound of frustration, but one of release. He was beginning to get it in his mind that every departure, every move, and every action the pack made was not a reflection on him. It would take a while for the constant need to apologize to disappear, but he knew in time it would. Some things would be his fault, and when those came he would accept the consequences. But he needed to stop beating himself up over things he had no control over.

It was slow, but he was learning.

Stealing this if that's okay would like a happy thread between the two had sad one now a happy one?

It wasn't often that Blue Willow moved around a lot, preferring to stay near the den Lasher had made for her or in the center of the pack lands. She hunted when she could, though usually it was a comical thing to watch. She mostly just sat around and sorted herbs and patrolled the borders with a large protruding belly and a mind on babes, but she did her best.

It was one of the rare days that she was out and about, determined to walk until she couldn't anymore. It was healthier for her and the puppies that moved about in her womb. She smiled as she came upon a scent she knew well and chuffing she strode into view quietly, looking for Dante and determined to be silent in case he was hunting. Peregrine had taught her that all those months ago. Gods it hurt to think of him or Atticus so she didn't.

sounds good!!! I'm pulling him in a positive direction so perfect <3

His concentration was broken when he heard someone approach, albeit quietly. Blue Willow was far from an unwelcome distraction so he smiled at her, turning his focus from the creatures a ways off and instead to her. His eyes took in her size with some surprise and a sudden rush of happiness. It had been a while and he had forgotten that soon they would have little ones in their midst.

With one last glance at the deer, he rose carefully, indicating that she should follow should she wish. He did not want to risk startling the herd but did wish to catch up. Once they were out of sight he stopped. "Sorry about that, but I was just scoping for our next pack hunt. How are you?" He felt his eyes being drawn once more to her sides but forced them to behave. It simply fascinated him that she was carrying little lives in there. He couldn't imagine!

Blue Willow returned the smile and added a sweep of blue black plume. Happy to see her friend, one of her very best. No one could nor would she let them take the place of Peregrine who would always remain her best friend. But she could have some that were close to it. A small chuckle came forth from deep within her throat as he took in her large size. To say she was large would be an understatement really.

Blue chuckled after following him and seeing his eyes again take in her sides. I am very good. You can feel them move if you like. Other's can feel them now. They are alive in there and if their movements are to go by, they are extreme fighters or something.

Dante took a timid step forward. "Really!? I mean, I dunno... Wow." He was fascinated, but didn't want to invade her space like that. He couldn't wait. He'd had some interaction with Pura and Junior when they had been somewhat young, but puppies were something he had absolutely zero experience with.

"How long? Do you know?" He was curious. Not only was he excited, but he also was curious for logistics. He wanted to be sure they had enough for when the time came.

Blue Willow watched him start forward and then stop. She laughed, shifting so that one of her sides was closer she motioned with her muzzle. Go ahead Dante they won't bite and neither will I. Now if you were trying to steal my food well then i might snap at you. She smiled at him warmly, her happiness out for all to see.

Blue nodded My body is beginning to prepare already, probably a couple more weeks. They had about 3 weeks to a month left before those babies of hers decided to make their debut.

Dante laughed. "Duly noted." He then cocked his head, approaching slowly and cautiously. Though she said it was fine, his awkwardness was still there. Even so, he lowered his head, pressing one cheek to her side gently. For a moment he remained, and had just been about to remove it, when he felt a small movement. He jerked his head away, eyes widening, and took a couple steps back. "Does it hurt? I mean, when they move like that?"

While he loved the idea of children, he did not envy the mother her place. Carrying such weight looked horribly uncomfortable. He had little doubts Blue Willow thought it worth it, but he couldn't be more glad he'd been born with a little different set of requirements.

Blue gave him a small smile, though in her mind she thought to herself. He thought she was jesting, she really wasn't. Lately her hunger was ravenous and she could not satiated. She did not move as he laid his head to her side. She could tell he was nervous, but she held a smile anyway. She knew that within a few minutes it would be worth it. And the startling look on his face as he jerked away was enough to make her laugh. Sometimes, but not usual. Though now as they get larger it hurts much worse.

It was hard and getting more so as she neared her time. It was more painful now than it had been too, but she was moving doggedly forward. Happy for the life that grew within.

It sounded... rather unpleasant, to have things moving around inside of you like that. "Good thing they'll be out soon," he said happily. He couldn't be as excited as the parents, but he was still rather psyched.

"If you need anything before they come, let me know. I know you and Lasher are more than capable, but I'm here for you guys." He'd help their preparations however he could, if necessary. He didn't doubt Lasher had things pretty well in hand though.

Blue wouldn't say unpleasant it was a thing of wonder to her to have little lives inside her. It was amazing to her, granted yea it hurt towards the end. Especially when one of them would give a real hard quick, but for the most part they didn't hurt, just made her center of gravity shift everytime they moved.

Blue smiled I just need someone to talk with me now and then. It gets lonely when I can't really walk very far, for the simple fact that i'm as big as an elephant. She jested, she didn't mind being so big, and her figure would always be a bit more rotund now, but she wouldn't change it.

Wrap this up and perhaps we can have another soon? :)

"That I can definitely do." He wasn't so busy in his days that he didn't have time to keep up with friends, an activity that he still felt he was sorely lacking in. It was so easy to lose track of individuals in the bustle of life, but it wasn't something he could afford to do anymore.

"In fact, I have some time now. More than enough for a chat, if you have a moment as well." Seating himself, he looked at her questioningly. If she had the time he would stay a while, talking of the Plateau and of random, pleasant things that really had none of the sorrow or weight of their previous conversations.

Blue smiled at his words. It was a strange change to have friends. It was a welcome one, but strange all the same. Going from having no friends, not even allowed to have friends was odd to her. She enjoyed it though, she was glad to have the friends she did.

Blue nodded For you my friend always. She waited and motioned for him to lead the way. She would follow and chat and enjoy the day. As long as he didn't mind a slow amble.