Lion Head Mesa I don't need the world to see

@Serein

When the sun is at it's highest, he comes searching for Serein with a rabbit hanging from his jaws. He knows it's almost time for the birth, and he's determined to ensure that she's comfortable.

Approaching the den, he drops the gift to let out a soft bark. Admittedly, he's still afraid she'll bite him if he enters without explicit permission.

Her ears perked up at the sound of Kemal's voice. Serein only hesitated a moment before she slipped from her den with a soft chuff of greeting. She'd hardly seen Kemal since that day she'd chosen to bear his children, though he left gifts such as this one at times. Bitterness was such an ugly feeling.

Thanks, she mumbled, stepping closer to nibble at the rabbit's fur. It was soft enough for a pelt, she thought. They move now. The puppies. Serein kept her focus on the rabbit even as she spoke, not looking at Kemal. Her heart leapt into her throat as she said it, though, and her breath caught quietly as she waited for his response.

For only a moment, something sad coats his face. He's been here before, in happier times with another woman.

Good. That sounds good. If they were moving, they were alive. Are you well?

He had heard rumours of poor health, more than the usual morning sickness.

No. Her response was flat as she dragged the rabbit closer to her den, leaving it to sit at the entrance. Serein glanced back up at Kemal, her expression a careful mask. She kept her tone level as she went on, too, though her voice kept wanting to rise and crack into sharp shards. You made me fat and sick and left me alone.

Would you be well? She pawed idly at the rabbit, her attention returning to the meal if only to keep herself calm. She wasn't really hungry, but even so, she bent to rip a hole in its underside and scarf the innards. The rest of the meat would be saved.