Chimera Fields burn

To his relief, Hokulani heeded his words, or perhaps just her instincts, and began grooming the pup. Aureli looked on from a short distance, content to remain on standby unless he was needed again. But, at her comment, he could not help but respond, a twitch of his lips betraying his amusement.

"That's how they all look," he assured her. "I see no defect. He will grow very fast, and his features will change to be more like yours."

But the next crisis was at hand. Hokulani bore down again, and Aureli held his breath while the next pup took its time coming. He was relieved when it turned out to be a whole and healthy little girl, not at all weak or smothered by her slightly prolonged stay in the birth canal. He tested the scents of Hokulani and her children once more, and again, found nothing terribly amiss.

"You're doing well," he told her, his voice hushed in respect to the moment between mother and children. "The first few are usually the hardest. Tell me if you feel a significant difference in pain or difficulty."

But he was fairly sure she would come out of this perfectly.