Blackfeather Woods sinnasaik

she was sleeping when the call rang out. part of her hadn't expected Shivali to go into labor for a few days yet; it always seemed like there wasn't enough time to prepare. nevertheless, one made plans and then the gods laughed at them, and so when the howl shivered through her dreams, she knew it was the day. Tahani rose without stretching, racing the short distance to the whelping den.

when she arrived, she found her sister already nursing one pup, healthy and strong. her eyes lit with wonder as she took in the sight, her heart melting. "Shivali," she greeted warmly, nuzzling her sister's cheek. it wasn't over; her belly was still distended, rippling with life inside.

"you took the raspberry leaves i gave you?" Tahani asked, keeping her voice low and gentle. "that will help with the pain. here. . ." she stepped away, nosing around in the cache she kept just outside the whelping den, coming back with a mouthful of fresh greenery. she set it close by, just far enough away that it wouldn't be a bother. "these are borage leaves. when your pups are all born, eat these; they will help with your milk flow."

some first-time mothers had trouble producing, but the pup had latched on and was suckling fine, which was encouraging. Tahani sat close, a silent presence, waiting for her sister's next contraction.