Duskfire Glacier one heart going both directions

When Lane's labor began, Tzila had already been tucked in her own den. The end of her pregnancy was near. The pups would be coming any day now. Her lithe form was a thing of the past, her tummy bloated with the new life inside her. Squirming, kicking, pushing. Itching to get out, but not just yet. Unlike last year, during the final week of her pregnancy, she was taking it easy. She kept herself close to her den, just in case of any surprises. She spent her time adding the final touches to the spacious chamber carved deep in the stone walls.

Nosing at the multiple layers of furs and skins she had accumulated over the weeks, she was finicky in her decorating. These were Duskfire's children. Wintersbane's children. Maybe even Rye's. She felt a warm swelling of pride in her chest at just such a thought. They would want for nothing, having only but the finest. She had not been so selfish to hog all the skins and meat for herself. Frequently, she checked in on Lane, whose personal den was close by, but far enough from hers to offer personal space.

When she heard the groans and snarls of the agouti female, her dark ears pricked up. She instantly knew it was Lane's time. Yet she had not been the one to approach her, or to call out. Tzila was too uncomfortable to move a lot, much less get close. Besides, any laboring mother was to be given their respectable distance. The most she did was clamber to her feet to navigate the short tunnel to the entrance. There, she poked her obsidian head out into the open. Her face was riddled with intent concern, ever watchful. Lane was a first time mother. Tzila was not. All she could do was offer her silent support in her vigil from where she was, crooning lowly from time to time. Even when Wintersbane arrived, she did not rouse. Only sent him a soft, sweet nod of encouragement. Eventually, the smell of blood, afterbirth and new life filled the air. Followed by the mewling cries of a newborn. She smiled, tail tapping the ground, happy for Lane.