Silvertip Mountain A new phase.

FitzDutiful had tried to be a doting father but he was struggling with the task. This whole situation was still so new for him; despite the fact he had been a father to Mason and June they had raised each other more than he had raised them. It was lucky they had even survived given how young they were when they were left alone. Zaria wasn't in love with motherhood - he could tell that much - but he loved her for staying with them and providing for them. She had kept her end of the bargain that they would do this together. Maybe mother's didn't love their offspring straight away either.

Today he had brought his lover some left over food - he hadn't had time to start a hunt going this week but the last hunt's success was still feeding them; thank the heavens for moose. He didn't ask permission before walking into the den this time, instead he just meandered in and dropped the food, curling around the space to provide warmth for his girl and for his young.

"How are you doing today?" he asked her gently, understanding it wasn't easy and never judging her for it. He didn't notice any of the differences in the children; after all he had only seen them two or three times before.