Redhawk Caldera Die young.

Ruenna's emotions had been through the wringer since the children had been born. They were all so beautiful, so precious, and so absolutely perfect that Rue struggled to understand how Towhee could bear to share them with Reyes, much less herself. Even though the Hobbit Hole was cramped and did little to soothe her aching spine, Rue could hardly stand to allow the pups out of her sight. 

Harder still was the rooting and suckling behavior that inevitably occurred, at some point or another, when Ruenna joined the family. It was distressing to the would-be caregiver to see and feel the pups sniffing at her belly for food where there was none to be had. For all the love Ruenna had to give the pups, the one thing she could not provide them was milk. 

So it was these still moments that Ruenna cherished-- those in which the little ones slept soundly, and no one wanted for anything other than snuggles. She was often awake and watchful during these times, as the pain in her back prevented her from enjoying truly restful and restorative sleep. 

Something about this morning was different, though Rue could not put her paw on exactly what. It was normal for Towhee to stir in the wee hours, and to sniff or lick the children briefly. But there was something-- a hitch in her breath, or a stiffening of her body, perhaps-- that sounded alarm bells for Rue. 

"Towhee..?" she whispered, voice catching a bit as her heart jumped into her throat. Something was very, very wrong..