Redtail Rise Spirit of Tara

The term “pups” certainly elicited a reaction. New Snow’s tail broke into a wag as a happy whine eked out of her throat. Another noise followed it, along with a cock of the woman’s head. Masquerade watched these shifts, heart lifting, the fur on her forehead cool and damp from New Snow’s touch.

I want to help, Masque said. I want to help with the pups when they’re born. But more than that, I want to help… She paused, trying to remember the correct word, expecting mothers. I want to hunt for them, she continued, pointing her ruddy snout at the dead rabbit, but do anything else they need too.

She drew in a breath, wondering if New Snow would be open to an apprentice midwife. Her tail remained low, the tip flicking tentatively hither and thither.