Redsand Canyon When I first saw you, the end was soon

Kallik had no idea what kind of state Aquene would be in when she returned to the den. He was hoping tired but proud and happy. What he got was alarming. He immediately tensed when she entered—more than he had been just a second before. She moved past the rabbits and wordlessly pushed herself into his embrace. He held her silently, not needing any words to know that she wanted support and comfort. 

When her whine reached his ears, he could no longer stay quiet; he was worried and he had no idea what had happened. Was the matrona okay? Were the pups okay? Was she okay?

Aquene, he murmured against her fur where he had been nuzzling her. What happened? His tone was soft but a little pleading; he needed to try and fix whatever was wrong.