The dark man was living in a dilemma, every morning he had to tear himself away from his partner, worried what might happen while he was away, but none the less needing to leave. This was the downside of not having a pack, he was alone hunting for all of them, and while he did so, she was alone and exposed. But they had known what they were getting into, that the odds were not on their side in this endeavor. Still they'd risked it, risked everything on this hope of happiness, which now looked to be within their grasps. He believed. But that didn't stop the worrying, the fear that everything he'd ever wanted would be lost in one moment of inattention.

Nevertheless he had left this morning, like all the others, brows wrinkled as he brushed his muzzle along Jessie's distended belly in goodbye. If there was only a way to know, to be sure that this was or wasn't the day. He couldn't afford to stay put – they couldn't afford him to stay put – an entire day, for nothing to happen. So he went his usual route, along the small waterway that led out into the open lowlands, entire body alert as he trotted through the tall, golden grass. Every day he felt more and more certain that he had found the perfect haven for his family, but it was all so precarious, though he had begun marking the fields with his scent, he would have a hard time defending his claim against other wolves. Even once Jessie was able to leave the den, the two of them stood little chance if another pack wanted to take the territory for their own. They needed followers, other like minded souls to help protect their family. So far very little progress had been made in that area though. The graying man shook his head, he could brood all he wanted and it wouldn't help anything, the only thing that could was continuing to try, so he would.

But not today, today his only goal was food. Like every day for the past week, he sought for prey as close as possible, afraid to wander too far and be out of earshot. And finally his worry paid off, as his stalking of a rabbit-trail was interrupted by a beckoning howl. The father-to-be stiffened, raising his head high and perking his ears at the well known voice; It's time! While Jessie's voice had been calm, Drestig wasted no time in responding, galloping back through the field towards the tree line. When he passed into the shaded woods he was gasping heavily, a distant voice in the back of his mind commanding he calm down, lest he upset Jessie, arriving like an angry buffalo was on his heels. So he slowed to a brisk walk, focusing on catching his breath while he crossed the last distance to the small den.

Despite his hurry, the expectant mother had already retreaded to the burrow when he arrived, leaving him rather lost outside the opening; What should I do? This wasn't something he had much experience with after all. Inside he could here Jessie's labored breathing and he bowed his head to rumble a reassuring sound at her; I'm here. Then all he could do was wait, lowering himself down to lie protectively in front of the den. His ears were pressed back at the sounds of his partner whimpering, her pain echoing in his chest with every breath. It seemed like eons passed before, finally, the sounds changed, heavy breaths sounding less strained. And then a tired voice called his name and he shuffled to respond, tail between his legs as he crawled halfway into the den. "I'm here," He replied lowly, eyes narrowing as they adjusted to the low light. He could see the grey pelt easily, curled carefully in the narrow space, and there, safe against her pale belly, a tiny, dark pup wiggled, suckling happily. Their child. "Is it… Are you alright?" The father asked, breathlessly, unable to tear his gaze away from the tiny miracle that was now the center of his life.

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They looked so peaceful, the tiny blob of black wiggling in contentment, and Jessie… He shifted his gaze to the woman he loved, feeling heat rise to his cheeks, yet he couldn't be truly embarrassed, it was their pup after all. Just the one? It was a fleeting thought, and one he instantly felt bad about. With the conditions at play, it was a blessing in itself that they'd been able to have pups, and one who looked so healthy and strong too; One is more than enough! He chastised himself, smiling sheepishly down at the new mother. Her voice was weak as she assured him, though that was no surprise, and he nodded at her statement. He couldn't even imagine how she'd done it, carried their baby and brought it into the world, all without the help of a healer, or even past experience. But here they both were, safe and sound.

Time passed and they simply looked at each other, settling into the moment and its reality; We're parents! Then Jessie's voice sounded again, and Drestig's maw fell slightly open, ember gaze returning to the tiny creature. "She?" He whispered, reverently, looking down at their pup. Their daughter. He had a daughter, one who would undoubtedly grow strong and bright like her mother. And she needed a name. Looking back at his partner, he saw the calm content in her eyes, quiet expectance on her tired face. He was to name their first born. Slowly he inched closer, lowering his muzzle towards the baby, head slightly tilted as he sniffed her, trying to figure out who she was. Her name would stay with her throughout her life, it needed to fit her. Something with strength and light; And hope! For that was what she was, their hope, the new beginning they had set out to find. And then it hit him; Phoenix!

It was only a hazy memory, a bedtime story whispered through the dark in a soothing voice. The details were hazy, but he remembered enough. The Fire Bird, symbol of strength, bravery and new life! It had been a symbol of the Avalons of old, a promise that their family would always survive, reborn even from the most scattered ashes. "@Phoenix." The father whispered at his daughter, smiling blithely. Then he looked back up at his mate, pure bliss on his face as he said more loudly: "Phoenix Avalon. Our new beginning!"

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No dream could have been any better, no imagining of this that could outrank the reality. He was a father, and as Jessie echoed the name in confirmation he could only stare at his daughter, his Phoenix, the most beautiful girl in the world. Finally ember eyes shifted up to her mother, and his lips quirked in a characteristic, crooked smile, she was a close second.

Her fatigue was understandable, and he nodded, cooing softly at her, she'd done more than a day's work. While she settled in, he looked back to their pup, a tiny, fragile smudge in this big, scary world. But he would protect her. He would build her a home where she could be safe and grow strong, and their family would thrive; Finally! A small sigh from Jessie's lips drew his attention, and he smiled softly at the sign of her face, so serene in her sleep, without the wrinkles of worry and a life time of hurts aging her face. Sure that she was fast asleep, Drestig carefully crept over to her, curling around both her and their daughter, protecting them both. The lightest of kisses touch to her grey head, a whispered word leaving his mouth as it drew back: "Rest."

He would watch over them through the night, never growing tired of looking at his child snuggled at her mother's belly. Until eventually, as sun light started to sift down into the den, he fell asleep as well, dreaming of running through golden fields with his daughter beside him.

Word count: 257

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