Redtail Rise bon-bon

He's tempted to whine in sympathy while she struggles but Ashlar knows that isn't what she needs. So he continues to encourage her with breathing and with his presence, ready to step in if things go wrong when the first of the pups slip forth.

He wasn't expecting them to be so small. He watches Avicus stare at them, hesitant, but when the two are born she doesn't move to help them. Instead she is drawn into more contractions.

Ashlar's ears tip sideways but he moves forward, belly as low and unthreatening as he can make it, to begin grooming warmth and life into the two already here. His attention was split between that job and her soft groans. If something shifted he would immediately be ready to either step away or close in on Avicus instead.

They were beautiful. Ashlar couldn't help staring despite his distraction, eyes full of wonder at what she had created here.