Redtail Rise to the river—

not one draws her brows together for a moment as she ponders 'less than one,' before realizing what he means. more. her breath comes short, and her heart pounds.

Avicus curves against him at his touch in a half-embrace, the most she's ever let the two of them meet.

one—or more—could have been his.

but Ashlar will help her through the process, and that, perhaps, is more valuable than his genetic contribution to the litter. after all, Tulimaq is gone. . .

how make 'em 'hhrong? she asks. herb, foodh, p-prayer. . .? 

her voice breaks on the last bit. she does not want the bear here, nor any other superstition that had so plagued her family. but if it were to help the pups—