Bearclaw Valley and fire coming out of the monkey's head

if merrick didn't like it, astara liked it even less.

she licked her lips nervously, a low fluttering growl given in answer as merrick crept close.

to kill what was inside of her would be to kill her; she was already so compromised that any further shock to her system would surely result in death -- and while somedays she wished for the suffering to be over, today was one of the few better days and if she was to lose her children, she would lose her life protecting them in the process.

the growl faded almost weakly away; astara lifted her head and attempted to reassure her rook with a lick to his scar-crossed muzzle. this was but a phase -- soon her body would be rid of its fever and her children and merrick would prosper.