Blacktail Deer Plateau On the borderline

He tipped his head in gratitude at her assurance, his worries not eased but grateful for the words all the same.  He was sure if he spoke with her truly, she would do much to help, but still he could not bring himself to do so and likely never would.  It was too much a habit, hoarding his troubles for himself and sharing with no one.  And it was one that he did not regret he had, unhealthy as it may be.

He agreed, it was likely that some may leave.  "You are right, some may not be happy.  Though by rights, if she had a mate, it would be her right more than theirs to have children.  It doesn't make it right, but it does help in that case."  Even without a mate, he would not say that she wronged Koda and Kesuk in getting pregnant.  He would have preferred no one breed while Blue's own litter grew, so Osprey's surprise pregnancy hadn't really put them out any.  And if Kesuk had accidentally gotten pregnant, likely it would have been handled the same way.  So long as they had the resources, they would not be cast out.

"Perhaps she just needs a push.  Not a large one.  But maybe there are herbs that could ease some of her burden?"  He wasn't speaking of anything that would harm the pups, but medicines that would make the pregnancy easier and more bearable.