Redtail Rise Dial Back The Time

Surprise thread for momma @Avicus and baby siblings!

Much had transpired in the weeks gone by. His challenge with Ancelin, the bonding with Lilia and most of all, the addition of his new brothers and sisters. Relic had been kept busy, to say the least. This bright and sunny afternoon, he took a break from relentlessly patrolling the borders. On his way home, his nose had led him to a trail of death and blood. Awaiting him was a gift. A young doe white tail, whose life had been cut short. A first time mother, the labor gone horribly wrong for her and her unborn calf. Motherhood could be a dangerous thing, when gone wrong.

With the loss of one life, he would give to others. The first born son extracted the heart from the chest cavity, the most coveted part of the carcass. The rest, he scraped dirt and leaves over, to hide it from any passing thieves. His lingering scent identified the leftovers as rightful property to any Redtail wolf.

His protein rich prize in his grasp, the scarred boy approached the whelping den. He did so slowly, whuffing softly to announce himself, so as not to startle his mother. Relic was just as protective over her and the newborns as she was. Hackles quick to raise, lips ready to flash a snarl. But as always, with her, he transformed. As he got as close as he dared, he slunk down, practically crawling on his belly. Tail tucked, ears flattened. Submissive, gentle whines coming from his throat. He dropped his gift down at the entrance and edged back.

one heart dead, the other alive. but it's as if the doe's heart still beat as Relic approached with it; Avicus perked up, head lifting, finding her son's scent mixed with blood on the wind.

she's leaning out of the den as he emerges, and snatches the meaty organ in her jaws.

and devours

'hhank you, she tells Relic, beginning to lick the blood from her chops. she shifts, opening the den entrance slightly. you wanna 'hhee 'em? 

a quartet, dark and perfect, at her belly.

her indigo eyes search for her firstborn son's warrior visage, approving, welcoming.

"Course." He said, watching happily as his mother gobbled down the heart he had brought her. "There's more. Saved an' hid rest of the carcass ah' found." He was just a single call away, for when her hunger may strike again. 

He fidgeted on his haunches, struck by the question...no, the invitation she offered. To see his four little siblings. His eyes widened, growing slightly moist. "Yes, yes. Please..." He whined plaintively. His butt wiggling furiously on the ground, wild furred tail whipping a mile a minute.

He lowered himself, ready to inch closer when Avicus made room. His heart beating like the hooves of many deer, hammering at his ribs.

good hunter. her stomach grumbles approvingly, happy at the thought of more food on demand.

speaking of demand. . . Avicus gives him a look that borders reproachful at his silliness, whimpering and wriggling like a puppy. she's grown used to his grown savagery and the sight of him like this is disconcerting.

nevertheless, she beckons him closer, shifting to better show off the pups. they're sleeping now, though one is stirring a little at their hushed conversation.

she gives them a lick, trying to soothe them back into slumber.

He ceased his juvenile antics instantly. Just because he was excited to be so near his younger siblings did not mean he should act like a little kid. He was nearly a grown man now. 

Forcing down his excitement and slowing his breathing, he peered in close towards the trio. All dark hued, one pitch black, the others deep brown. He sniffed close, to try and identify their genders, but did not dare touch them. He noticed the one wriggling slightly in their sleep and stayed silent. Just taking them all in, wide eyed with awe that he had once been so small.