Moonspear our love belongs to the earth, our hearts to the stars

He had hurried to prepare the birthing den as soon as the weather had grown less cold, and it was only in the nick of time that it was all done. Charon had spent most of his time tending to Amekaze -- bringing her food, escorting her while she went for a drink or to relieve herself, keeping her safe. Then when it was time, it was clear to him as much as it was to her; no words needed to be spoken for him to know that it was time to welcome their newest litter into the world.

He took his place outside the den then, simply guarding and waiting, for he knew this was a process that he needed to get through on his own. One ear back to hear how she worked, one ear forward to hear his surroundings should anyone approach.

It felt a long time that he stood there. He'd never get used to the nervous feeling, knowing there was nothing he could do now. Eventually the sounds in the den died down and it was when he heard the soft cooing of newborns that Charon turned around from his spot as guard and chuffed into the den to find out how his mate and the new pups were doing and if it was appropriate to approach and see the new generation yet.