Gyrfalcon's Keep 5,000,000,000 years

As Olive’s due date continually crept closer, she felt more and more restless. Not only did her bladder keep her on the move, always seeking the minimal amount of relief that it allowed her, but the lives within her womb had quickened and moved ceaselessly, dancing tangos upon her ribcage and seemingly hugging her from inside her body. It was uncomfortable and made the normally lithe shewolf feel ungainly, but she ultimately enjoyed the experience of pregnancy. It vitalized her and she relished the closeness to her babies for these last two weeks. Once she gave birth, the relationship she had formed with her pups would change entirely.
 
A thought that continually plagued her was her penchant for travel and wandering. Olive had been worried that her matehood with Dakarai would impede her wayfarer ways, but he proved to be a supporter rather than a hindrance [but she doubted they would leave the confines of the coast for a long while following their escapades in the flatlands].  But, these babies – they needed her within the security of the forest and the domain of her family. They would be so small and so vulnerable, needing the milk and the motherly warmth that only she could provide. Yes, Olive doubted she would even leave her den, nonetheless the forest…. But this truly did not bother her. There was one reason these thoughts plagued her so: she felt a part of herself changing. Scouting would always be part of her soul [and yes, the expansion of Teaghlaigh’s membership meant there were more souls to act as caretaker in her stead], but the proximity and care of the babies – the lives she created from nothing but Dakarai’s seed – proved much more invaluable to her.  They always would.
 
There was another thought that Olive ruminated upon – the matter of birth. The ingénue had never experienced it, had never assisted in a birth, had not seen one before, had never discussed it with another woman – nothing. Her vagrant life prior to Teaglaigh meant she never encountered such a thing, and her pregnancy thus far had been quick and tumultuous.   All she knew of the experience was that it was painful and sometime the mother and her babes died as a result of the struggle. Olive wanted womanly guidance, but didn’t know where to find it within Ravensblood Forest. Both Dakarai and Arturo had sired litters before, but they were men and couldn’t possibly understand the intimate experience she was undergoing – and the delicate sense of uncertainty that came with it.
 
With these thoughts in mind, Olive climbed the heights of Gyrfalcon’s Keep, utilizing the small path that she had located with the man Howl [once upon a time]. Whereas the other side of the diminutive peak was broken, rocky and infested with predatory birds, this side was significantly greener… and continually grew more so, as winter faded into the warmth of spring. The inactivity of living creatures allowed small shrubs and autumn plants to grow around the rocky terrain, holding the earth in place. Not only would the flora provided a sturdy foothold, but was much more scenic. The route would take a deft foot and keen eye to navigate, but was not impossible for the small woman’s nimble paws and proved to be much safer. That’s what Olive desired above all – safety for herself, her babies, her husband and her family. The sylph had risked it all and almost lost, but this second chance would not be wasted.

Olive let out a single, deep exhale as she crested the keep, the stale air of the past rushing from her lungs. Then, she breathed in the fresh air that the elevation provided, enjoying it for the last time in a long while.