Dawnlark Plains speedy gonzales

Shale had kept his distance from the whelping den, instead keeping a close eye on Pema. If it had been right--if she was to be pregnant--she would start exhibiting symptoms soon enough. It filled him with a mingled sense of dread and excitement. To have kids again!--but the fear of losing them, just like the last, was ever-present.

Today, though, he drew close, a rabbit in his jaws for Catori. The pups were still suckling, so she needed all the nutrients she could get. As he was about to deposit the prey by the mouth of the den, a small, gray blur shot out from the entrance, coming to a curious halt.

A pup!

He hadn't seen them properly, yet, and Shale gazed down upon it, setting the kill gently down. He padded over, glancing sideways at the den and wondering whether Catori knew one of the lot had gotten loose. The softest of smiles bloomed over his face, and he sniffed gingerly. One of the boys. Had the Sameth look about him already; would surely grow up strong and healthy. Gods willing.

"Hey there, kid," Shale crooned, sitting down with his tail curled around his paws. "What're you up to, out here?" He knew the kid probably didn't understand a word, but felt it necessary to strike up a conversation, anyway.