Neverwinter Forest light years

This had never been his favorite process.
 
He had come to check up on his mate, only to hear the struggles within the den. Determination egged him to move forward, the worry beating in his chest only spurned by her cries, and yet it was instinct that kept him rooted to the spot outside of the birthing den.  He had been through this twice before now with his ex-mate -- Bazi had been fiercely insistent that he not step foot within, and while he felt he could test Eshe's softness on the matter, it was her well-being and stress levels that finally stirred him to sit firmly upon the ground, maintaining watch.
 
He heard her cries then -- requesting him. He would lift to his paws to go to her, only to be instantly told not to. Cowed, the dark agouti wolf sprawled further out in the darkness, his own gentle whines the only encouragement he could offer her as the minutes turned to hours.
 
And the hours continued to tick by. His worry only escalated -- the very real thought that he might not only lose the pups she carried, but herself now as well. He did not stir from position -- did not sleep, could not eat. He waited, in rising panic, and when Eshe's silent cries confirmed but two things for him -- she was alive.. but their children were dead.
 
He remained still for the moment, uncertain to go to her, or if he should leave her for now. He began to scoot closer to the den, crawling forward, with his ivory belly upon the forest floor, as his nose began to poke in. "Eshe?" His call was uncertain, his voice laced with worry.