Shadewood i saw a star burst into life [birth]

it was under duress that kukutux drew close to the birthing den, or so she felt. but had it not been of her own accord to stay? to take up residence in her den once more, to mix the herb with water  and carry a moss soaked in the liquid to gwen’s side? these had all been her choices, not for cry, but for the snowstorm.

pausing outside the shelter, the duck drew in the scent of birth and blood into her nostrils before giving a chuff of announcement and ducking down. ”gwen. it is kukutux. i have brought you something for the pain.”

unsure of how she would be received, or if she would be turned away, the girl hunched outside, a grim expression on her pretty face.