Morningside Cuesta I seek those who sought

Sven did not know what had happened to the wolf @Easy or her friend @Milan. But he followed her scent and left meals nearby. He did not linger and he did not intrude. It was not his place. He had offered her a home if she wished of it. She simply had to tell him. 

Sven brought another rabbit this day. His catch dripping upon his legs and paws. His fur grew ruffled and he felt unease to be leaving the circle so far behind. But he would return sooner rather than later. And this woman needed sustenance.

Milan too had left the Stonce Circle behind when Easy went into labour. She'd had a duty to fulfill, and that took precedent.

She had seen the carcasses, most went to Easy, others went untouched. They had Searchlight to help now, between the two of them everyone was kept relatively healthy.

She was on her way out of the territory when she spotted him. Milan pushed out a breath before allowing herself to approach. ..Sven.

He was on his way back to the circle, when he was caught off guard by his name. He turned around again, a tilt of his ear. Grey eyes zeroing in on the she wolf that had been with the wolf Easy. A small smile and a dip of his head in greeting. 

Hello. Milan.

She was hesitant as any wolf who had been hurt so often would be, but Milan did her best to speak with a level of confidence that showed she was being earnest. I'm sorry we haven't returned to the Stone Circle. You were kind to offer us shelter. Eyeing the cuesta behind her momentarily, she avoided settling her gaze on the den. Easy had her pups, so we're anchored here until they can travel.

After that, she wasn't sure. Would Easy still want to return the Round Valley with pups so young?

At the sound of voices, and the scent of Sven on the wind, Easy left Searchlight with the pups to seek out the conversation.

After days of alternately sleeping too hard and getting not enough sleep, she was a little breathless when she arrived.

"Sven," she greeted him, looking him over and eyeing the rabbit in particular. They'd been keeping themselves fed well enough, but she was always hungry, lately. "As you can see," she said, showing off her significantly slimmed figure, "My day trip turned into quite the ordeal."

She offered Milan a grateful look, feeling sentimental about how the more timid woman had still come to be the first line of defence. She admired her spirit, certainly.

"Would you like to take a look at them?" she asked. She was less eager to show off the children to a near-stranger, but Easy still believed that this young man was a sort of kin to her. Certainly, he was about to become that, if they were still welcomed at the Stone Circle. She would have to broach that topic today.

Sven did not know the damage that Milan carried. But he knew from sight alone, her life had not been an easy one. His heart went out to her. He was not a man that hadn't had his own trials and tribulations. Heartache and pain. 

A small little shrug. A boyish smile. Showing his own youthfulness. No need to apologize. Life happens sometimes. My existence is not for everyone. The offer still stands though. Just so you know.

Before he could answer or ask after the health of the babies, Easy was there. A soft chuckle. I would say so, but a blessing despite the ordeal. I hope it went well for you. You had support, i'm glad for it.

The next question took him off guard and he froze. His ears ticking back and forth, confusion, hesitation, but delight on his face in equal measure. 

If you're sure that's okay. I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable. I know that sometimes most wolves don't see the little's until they are much older.

When Easy put out the offer for Sven to meet the puppies, she immediately switched from mediator to midwife. You aren't sick at all, right? Her expression went from soft to serious, her own eyes inspecting Sven for any sign that something was off. No sniffles, coughs, or otherwise out of the ordinary symptoms would get by her while the pups were so young. Illness was a ruthless killer.

Easy was strong, and surely her children would be too, but their immune systems were just too sensitive at this age. She wanted to be sure that Sven was clean.

Milan's interjection earned a fond smile from Easy, who gladly allowed the younger woman to vet Sven as she saw fit. "As long as Milan thinks you're fit enough," she agreed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "There are four of them. Baby, Danger, and Mission, and a little girl named Hellcat. All very healthy — though one is rather larger than average. Much like I was, when I was a girl."

She was well pleased by this, even if her darling son had left her body somewhat worse for wear.

"Do you like children, Sven?" she asked.

Sven froze surprised as Milan interjected and looked him over. He shook his head no. No I'm not sick. Healthy as possible.

That wasn't entirely true. He was lean and rangy from hunting and being alone for so long. But his health despite that was good. He was still stocky, despite his lack of sustenance proper. 

He tilted his head and looked down. I don't know. I've never been around any. And he hadn't. He had been young himself when his father had left him to return to the gods. And his family had scattered.

For one final check, Milan leaned forward for a sniff. Finally, a nod of approval.

Her brows raised, had he really never been around puppies? Ever? Well then I think you have to meet them! Puppies were a magical thing - it was practically a crime to deprive someone of that. He needed to be able to experience the little things bouncing around at least once. You'll love them, they're so sweet.

She could do with seeing them again today, too. A chance to recharge.

When Sven was given the all-clear, Easy was happy to lead him to the puppies. He wasn't allowed to touch them just yet, but Easy allowed him to poke his head into the den while she named each one in turn for him.

Sven, after all, was going to be family. Perhaps it would be some time before they really felt that way to each other — but the pups would grow up knowing his face.