If the women hadn't been clue enough, the temperatures definitely declared they were out of winter. It wasn't hot yet, but Nash knew there would be no more snow this season. It was a relief; herds would start returning to the higher elevations and they wouldn't have to worry about avalanches for a while again. The guardian had new concerns, however; he and his wife had been successful and now she was pregnant. He was going to be a dad. I'm going to be a dad. He could still hardly believe it.

A scent on the faint breeze caught Nash's attention. It seemed Aquene wasn't the only one expecting.

With a faint smile Nash turned to catch up to his new leader. He caught sight of her gazing into the trees as petals drifted around her. She was a beautiful picture. "Spring is definitely upon us," he remarked as he approached, following her gaze to find the source of the petals. The trees weren't blooming yet, that he could see. "I wonder where they've come from."

Nash returned his new alpha's smile as he approached. She seemed relaxed today; in fact, the entire vibe of the day seemed more relaxed than they'd had in a while. It was nice to not have to worry, even if it was only for a few moments. He was sure he would start worrying more than ever before long, especially as Aquene neared birthing.

The guardian followed Oksana's gaze back to the petals and their mysterious source. He nodded as she suggested the wind. He knew the higher up the mountain he got, the stronger the wind would blow. He wondered if the same worked for the sky. If that was the case, they could have blown in from anywhere. "Let's hope it's a sign we'll have a good spring," he said. If there were already flowers somewhere, it must mean a lush summer was ahead of them.

The petals gently drifting about them were certainly beautiful. Nash hoped they might have more spontaneous flower showers.

Oksana agreed with him, then inquired after his own expecting wife. A faint smile graced his face. "She's doing well. Tired, but well. Ready for the pups to enter the world." She was nervous too, though Nash couldn't blame her for that. Kateri had lost a brother without ever getting to know him; she didn't want that for this year's children. He didn't want it either. He was taking pains to care for her, make sure she had enough food and water and didn't face too much stress. He'd even started keeping an eye out for new herb growth, knowing @Aquene would want to start restocking as soon as possible. He wanted her to be comfortable.

"How are you handling everything?" he asked. They hadn't really spoken since she'd ascended as their leader or since she'd gotten pregnant.

Nash knew they were lucky; both women were having a smooth pregnancy, and with it being the second year they'd lived here they had more experience from last year's litters and were more familiar with the territory. He smiled at the thought of his incoming children. He wondered what it would feel like, seeing them for the first time. He felt warm just thinking about it.

"I hope they come soon; I think Aquene is ready to be done being pregnant just as much as she wants to meet them. I hope they look like her," he added, perhaps a little dreamily. Their mother was beautiful, and if they all took after her it would be wonderful.

Oksana was answering his question then, admitting her nerves. He nodded in understanding. "I completely understand that. I can't imagine how I'd feel if this was Aquene's first litter too. We'd both be a wreck. I'm sure you'll do fine, though; you're going to make a great mother." He meant it, too. Sana was doing well as their leader, and that talent would certainly pass to her children, Nash was certain.

Nash huffed out a small laugh and nodded. "Yeah, I'm ready to meet them too," he agreed. He was nervous about the kind of father he'd be; would he be like his own dad, stern and loving? He hoped so. He wanted to be the best father he could be. He desperately wanted his children to love him.

He knew Oksana would be a good mother. She was certainly a great friend, and a great leader. "Don't forget we have my mom, too," he added with a smile. "I know she's just as excited about your litter as she is mine. I think she's really going to be everyone's grandma." She already was, with Al's previous litters. Moon had that special something.