Whitebark Stream Rose garden filled with thorns

if takiyok had any doubts in his words, she hid them well. stigmata would have taken great care to reassure the tundra valkyrie, and let her know that it was because this was her first litter, he felt especially sure she would be excellent at the task set before her. he certainly didn't expect that she would get it all right the first time around, but to him, that was almost the point.

her mistakes would make for a hardy litter. those that survived her mistakes, anyway.

he accepted her affection with an appreciative groan and firmer wags from his tail, but otherwise seemed distracted. he was looking towards her snow-capped glacier. "do i have you much longer, this afternoon?" he asked her quietly, turning his long muzzle back towards her.