Redtail Rise third,

his mate's third pregnancy concluded with a smooth transition into labor pains. mountain boulder kept close, following at new snow's heels, nosing her with soft snuffling, and bringing freshkilled meat to satisfy any cravings she might have.

he was away when she came to the den, and whuffed gently upon his return. new snow had communicated that she felt they would have round large pups, and more than one.

mountain boulder was expectant than, for the same or for change. her tongue lolled, perhaps with the pain and anxiousness of this first stage.

to his belly he reclined, near enough to touch his mate; his vigil began in part now, as he would not rise when she sought the darkness of this chosen whelping place.