Redhawk Caldera They're just little bundles of fluff

Amalia sat and watched the little ones Lyric and Carolina move about the floor of the den. They weren't super mobile yet, but she caught herself eyeing them. They were almost 2 weeks old. Their eyes would be opening soon and soon Killdeer could help her with feeding them. Thank god, because her nipples hurt. Like they felt raw sometimes and sore. But she wouldn't trade it for the world.

She smiled down at them. Occasionally throwing in a small yip or a nose boop, a paw scoop. Playing with them as she could so far.

Cinar had never gotten the chance to formally meet the Redhawk Matriarch before her birth, and after the fact continued to put it off with reason that she likely did not want a strange man around her children too early. However lately he had grown to worry that she might take his lack of effort as disrespect, later coming to the conclusion that he probably just wasn't very good with women in postions of authority, not unless they were old as dirt. It just wasn't what he was raised with - his mother had power but it was silent, a snake waiting to strike. But Cinar understood well that Redhawk Caldera was far different from his first home, and just as he would have expected an outsider to respect the traditions of Siena he would respect the Caldera's the best he could. Picking himself up to face his obvious nerves, he had left that morning to catch something he could bring as a gift.

A fat rabbit clung loosely in his jaws, Cinar made his way to where Amalia and the newest Redhawks rested to finally give his proper greeting. Children were awake and playing, so he dropped his gift at the entrance before speaking up. Amalia? He called, lowering his head to peek. We have not had the chance to properly meet, my name is Cinar. I brought a gift along as well.

Amalia had not thought m7ch on Cinar of the Caldera. Not for lack of caring, but simply because her pregnancy had been rough with a capital R.

So it was with Wariness, but an open gaze that she met him. Green eyes studying and waiting. She dipped her head.

You can put it in a cache by the door there. It can be their first meal. They can have regurgitate meat here soon.

A twitch ofher tail. And she pressed her nose to each fluff. This is Carolina and this is Lyric.

Cinar nodded, adding the rabbit carcass to the cache. Amalia made to introduce each babe, the boy she called Lyric letting out a squeal that sent the newcomers head reeling back; Cinar had never really been around puppies, so these two were his first. His idea of them being silent, wriggling lumps was immediately shattered.

Quick to come back from his startled demeanour, he managed a smile for the young puppies. Are they your first litter, or have you had others? He asked. You seem so comfortable.

Amalia chuckled quietly when Lyric let the entire world know that his name suited him. She wondered if he would be a singer like her brother. Or was just loud in his babyhood, to let the world know he existed. Perhaps he would grow quiet in time. She hoped not honestly. The world was not a quiet place, and often when you were quiet it left you in it's dust.

These are my first ones. I was a late bloomer if you will. Never really sought out relationships for more than friends. Killer sort of caught me adn I didn't realize it until I was. And it is wonderful of course. Trust me I'm not comfortable, but I am trying to be. It is a learning experience for sure.

Waiting is never a bad thing, I don't think so anyways. He mused, settling into a sit on his haunches. You're more likely to find the wolf for you that way. After all, his mother had rushed and what did she get? One dead family, the cost of leaving with the one who was truly right for her.

Amalia corrected him, Cinar nodding with a gentle care. It made sense that a new mother wouldn't yet be completely comfortable, he could imagine that it was a difficult learning curve. Puppies aren't my area of expertise, my parents were the only breeding pair in our pack. This is my first time seeing any up close. He hummed, glancing back to the pudgy babes. But is there anything I can do to help you? That I might be better at.

Amalia shook her head. We can agree on that. I didn't mind waiting. It was worth it. She stared at the babies. And it was. No matter what happened here on forward. She had them and she had felt love at least. She didn't think anything would happen, but Amalia had learned not all things were permanent.

They aren't mine either. But i have a lot of support. She laughed happily, green eyes bright with joy. She had towhee and killer and Alivia and who ever else. Towhee especially had made this much easier than she had anticipated.

Just keep the caches stocked and as they get older an eye on them and help them learn.

I'll do my best. He promised, though he found himself silently wondering if he could keep it.

Offering a final smile, he left the den to give the matriarch and her new fledglings some privacy. Maybe he would go see what Alivia was up to.