Redhawk Caldera and a happy new year [birth]

Eljay didn't even know how much time had to have passed when it was all said and done. He helped support Fox' body, thinking about how he should've helped prepare her better, learned more about birth-giving herbs from Raven, talked to her to prevent this grim fate. He wasn't sure he could've done anything, but he should've done something, as caregiver and aspiring midwife.

Eljay numbly helped dig the hole, wishing he were with the pups all the way, and eventually they were done and were able to bury Fox' body into the ground. He nosed Raven's shoulder when she quietly said good-bye to her mother, offering her a silent show of support while Aunt Fox joined Uncle P underneath the ground for good.

Once it was all said and done, Eljay followed the others back to the puppy den, wondering what this new chapter in their lives would bring — baby siblings, in a way, and way too soon after he had regained his mommy...