The day was warm. Fourty degrees might not seem like it compared to

eighty in the summer. After winter fourty could feel like eighty after all. Late

morning Jaysyek had no want to futz. The sun shined

between the passing white cyrrus puffs carried by a cool breeze, and it was to perfect not to be doing something. There was new life in her abdomen,

and with it came this driving instinct to dig. There was only one exit route to the den, and she had in mind to make out another tunnel. It would be much better for another way out in case of danger, but where to put it? She circled round the old bear remnants trying to decide the most suitable place for an escape route. There was taller brush at the back slope of the noll that seemed promising. Quietly she reclined to her rump, her unmatched eyes dilegently mapping over the dirt of the earth. It was clear she was ingrossed in the ground, to an onlooker it probably looked silly how she stared so hard at the it. She was deep in thought, wanting to make things pefect before she started her work.


Slowly her body was changing but, she felt normal. Well expect she didn't much want to eat, and she had never in her life wanted to dig a hole so badly. Shifting her hinds, her tail wrapped round her while she still hesitated to tear at the earth. She was only a little plump beneath her flanks, and in truth it wasn't that noticable enless she was sitting and her belly poked out oddly. It was definately a different feeling, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. In a blink she stood, and her front paws started moving the earth.

Paws curved, grabbing fistfuls of dirt. At first she stacked in beneath her belly, but it was starting to collect and had to throw it out between her hind legs. There were huge waves of brown, as the more she dug, the more she got into it, and the more earth she moved. She was wrapped up in the work, knowing this was a safety precauton for her children if they shall ever have to escape the den. She hoped that day wouldn't come, but with possible bears snooping she wouldn't take a chance. It was weird to feel so strong a feeling for ones she hadn't met, that already she would do anything for them. There was defiantely something to this parent's love, which would only make it harder to understand her own father. Why he hadn't quite been able to put his own children first.

She didn't dwell on that. It was nice to feel like she was accomplishing something. Sure it took work to grow new life, but it was slow work. Nothing to do made it seem like forever till she would be a mom. Humming a soft tune she continued making sure to stay on coarse. It wasn't long when senses told her someone was approaching. She did not stop, she kept going till they were right there. By that time she flinched, and was surprised yet happy to see Aisling. Smiling, she stood upright looking carefully over the cream colored girl. She saw the small clues of concern, question? Thoughtfully she bit the edge of her lip, wanting to explain. "Well, I'm digging a tunnel to head to the den. Like an escape route if the puppies or anyone need to get out."

She smiled a little wider at the concern, her mismatched eyes shifting to the amber

pair. She was holding in a laugh because she did not want to crush the sincere

feelings of her friend. She was sure digging wouldn't hurt her or the puppies. But

Aisling was such a sweet heart she couldn't bare to upset her, but she really needed

to do this. Nose crinkled, and she looked at what work she'd done. She was sure

she'd be okay to continue, if only to have approval. Silver face became thougthful,

and she put a small simle on her lips. "I don't want to argue with you, but I feel

alright. It doesn't hurt me, or my belly. But I promise I'll stop if I get tired, or sore.

That okay?" She hoped the compromise would work as Aisling was now

blocking where she'd been. "You know, you can help me," she said

quietly, her tail giving a short wag thinking that might put things in her favor. No one

else was around to help.

A merry chuckle bubbled in her throat. She cleaned the edge of her lips, and solemnly nodded her head. "Cross my heart," she said, pale face staring back a true mask of seriousness. She had not reason not to stop if it hurt. It wasn't like it needed to be dug out all at once. It would take awhile to get the good sized tunnel she wanted, and they were a ways from the den. Now if only to make sure they directed the chamber and not else where. White banner wagged in return, and she watched briefly while Aisling began attacking the earth. She laughed once more, and than through herself back in the action of tunnel the ground.


They worked for a time, it didn't look like progress, but to Jayse it was. There was a small looking burrow headed to the chamber of the hollow. It was a start. Sides puffing, like was rather tired and decided it was time to keep her promise. Sitting down, jaws agape she panted glad for the cool breeze running through the forest. A moment, she looked to the cream coated girl. "So, do you like your new home?" She inquired with a brow raised.

A merry laugh erupted, wondeirng first where Aisling got her energy, and pleased she liked the hollow. "Good, I was hoping so," she stated, still trying to collect her breath. Quickly she glanced around the quiet surroundings, taking a deep breath so her sides might be still. It did the job, and her head turned back to Aisling, her own white tail beating across the earth. "If you don't mind me asking does Kiche like it here? He's kinda quiet, and I haven't talked to him much." She wasn't trying to pry, but she was. She did want to know about the male, and she figured the question was innocent enough. She was a leader and if someone wasn't happy here she watned to know about it. Though her real question would have been why he liked Aisling that was pushing things she figured.