The Sentinels They say bad things happen for a reason

"It's not an entirely happy story," Osprey looked the young fellow in the eyes briefly, as if saying "I have warned you", "but it made believe that... loved ones never really leave you and are there, when you need them the most."

"I..." she paused, trying to find, where to begin the story. From the very start, when she had unsuccesfully tried to charm Dante or, where her state had caused a turmoil in the pack or... how it all had ended. Even a year later she could not think about these events without feeling guilt about, what had happened. 

"I was about to have puppies last spring. It was a very difficult time for me, I was afraid, confused and at odds with many pack-members. I also fell very ill along the way," she shuddered thinking about that time and was glad that she did not have to go in great detail. "And, when they were born... not one was breathing or living," she fell silent there for a bit.

"I was alone at that moment and my despair was beyond... anything. And then... I sort of had a feeling that my mother was there. She had been a tough and strong wolf during her life and - I can't be sure - but I believe that she was there, when I needed her the most. And... I asked her to keep those little souls safe. It felt so important at that moment and after that... it got a little easier. Knowing that she would keep a promise and take care of them," she looked at Mason, not expecting him to understand the depth of emotional pain. 

"My point is - whatever happens after we die, if a person has been close to you during your life a piece of it's soul always stays with you. That way you never really lose each other," she explained. "So, even though life seems like shit at the moment, remember that your father is still with you."

They spent the rest of the hours, wandering around Donnelaith, Osprey showing her favorite places and trying to cheer the boy up with stories - old and new - passed on by others or made up on the spot. And at the end of the day they parted as friends and the elder prayed that the fate would be gentle with the young wolf and that he may never be struck by a tragedy of similar kind ever again.