Swiftcurrent Creek Women and Children First

((Last round? ^__^ ))

Tuwawi could barely see Maera's saffron head in the darkness of the den, two bright and gleaming little eyes peering out into the daylight. There was concern in her gaze, even at this young age, for her brother (though she appeared to think he could handle whatever spooked him). Tuwawi wondered what their relationship would be like in the future as the quartet grew up together. Her own family had been fragmented; a missing mother and estranged sister. Tuwawi — previously known as Fauve — had known no pack before Kindred, and only hazy memories of her birth family remained.

Even two parents and a pack were no guarantee their family unit would stay intact. There was bound to be squabbles, weren't there? Would they fight? Would her children someday detest her? Would she raise them right? As a first-time mother, Tuwawi did not know these answers - she could only speculate the future; but she knew she had life, love, and loyalty.

Quickly, her children shuffled to her side. Valtyr first, Maera second, and the other two were soon to join. They nursed voraciously, pushing against her tummy as they jostled for the best spot at the milk bar. Tiny puppy teeth made the whole ordeal nearly unbearable, yet Tuwawi was a doting mother, and not even the pain from four sets of needle-point fangs could keep her from nursing. Their first real meal will have to be soon, Tuwawi thought as she shifted uncomfortably. Surely, Njal would not want to miss that milestone.