Sunbeam Lair It’s not so hard now, you’ve got it all

As much as Asterr was restless the night before, so had Ukko been. Nothing he offered seem to help and he couldn't get any sleep either so he did his best to offer comfort until she finally settled. While she'd gotten sleep, Ukko hadn't allowed himself and through the night he lay at the entrance of the den to keep guard. If something were to happen, he would be there, and if she needed her space, he could easily slip out. 

The night had not brought such a thing as they moved into morning. Again, there was little for him to offer and he just remained nearby, diligent and protective as always, ready to do whatever bidding she bestowed upon him. Once more, nothing could be done and so his post remained outside the mouth of the den as they waited the arrival of their young. When a messenger had been sent for some male Ukko didn't know, he felt a twist in his stomach he didn't know how to unknot. The name meant nothing to him, Asterr never speaking of him in their time together, and so a sour taste was left in his mouth as he awaited for whomever this Damien was. 

As the day moves on with nothing to show for it, Ukko now remains at the opening of the den where he paces back and forth. It is her first bearing of children and he knows it is likely to be hard on her, depending on the number of children inside her belly. When he hears a commotion, his ears shoot forward and he glances to the dark opening but does not invade her space. Outside, he waits until she gives him the green light that everything is okay. 

It is only when he hears the uttering of his name that he stops his pacing and immediately draws up to the opening. He swallows a lump in his throat as he crouched down low, inching closer to the mouth of the den but afraid she may not want him near. It is only a peek he wishes for, confirmation with his own eyes that everyone is okay and alive and well, despite Asterr giving him the announcement. In that moment, he does not think of Tavi or the Maplewood or Stark or anyone else. Just his mate and his children, as foreign as the words had sounded prior, everything felt okay now. She is alive, as the children, and he only offers a whine once to know more.