Blackfeather Woods sinnasaik

permission granted to skip Shivali

her brother arrived first, loud as a herd of musk oxen, followed soon by Takiyok. they both hurled words at her, and Tahani shushed them, eyes flashing toward the den. it did no good to cause commotion around a new mother and her first litter; things had already not gone one hundred percent right, and she didn't want any changes in the atmosphere to spoil things further.

"yes, she's having the babies," Tahani explained quietly, nodding at Takiyok. her eyes moved to Sia's face. "she is fine. two pups so far, both boys, nursing well. it's not over yet, i believe." her thoughts turned to the dead pup, something she didn't--and would not--have to share with the others. that pup would be only remembered by Shivali and Tahani, and any others that Shivali chose to tell.

she settled down on her haunches, knowing Shivali would call for her if any other problems occurred. if for some reason she became incapacitated, Tahani had good enough hearing to ascertain if things within the den went awry.

she firmed her lips, looking at her siblings. "now we wait," Tahani whispered.