Zia had awoken to a change this morning. While her complaints had been minimal thus far, today she was feeling incredibly uncomfortable. Her legs were sore, her belly tender, and despite the mild temperatures, she felt hot. No matter what she did, or how hard she tried, she just couldn't seem to keep from fidgeting. In the recent days, the pups inside her womb had also grown increasingly active, shifting and kicking impatiently, as if eager to be released into their brand new world. As a first time mother, she did not know what to expect...how her body would react, if this was normal for her or not. But she was not completely clueless, having seen Borlla give birth to two litters before, and most recently, Iopah. She knew her time was near, as she felt like a balloon ready to burst at any moment. Grumbling, she paced back to the shade of a nearby tree, to get out of the sun, hoping a nap would soothe the dull ache that had begun to build in her lower abdomen.

Several hours later, she awoke with a start. Not because of a bad dream or anything like that. Instead it had been a sharp, jabbing pain racing through her belly that had startled her awake. With a whine, she turned to gently nudge her tender stomach and the pups within, to make sure everything was alright. But it was no use, and a moment later, another more intense shooting pain overtook her. And then another. Gasping and crying out softly, she grit her teeth and forced herself up on shaky legs. There was no doubt about it...her pups were coming. She was excited and terrified all at once, but at least she was not alone. The sun was now just beginning to cast it's soft orange rays over the treetops, coating the land in the last light of the day. She didn't know where Inkheart was, but he couldn't be far. He never was these days. With a short, urgent howl, she called for him, to let him know that the time was finally here. She turned, hunching down in on herself as another strong contraction tugged at her muscles. As quickly as she could, she hurried over to her birthing den, which thankfully was nearby and ready. She had chosen it carefully, and by luck, or coincidence, it was just around the corner from Iopah's birthing den as well. Ducking down under the great tree roots that framed it's entrance, she  collapsed onto her side, the soft bedding of pine needles and moss serving as a cushion for her sore body. She twisted and turned several times, slender forelegs splayed out, paws pressed against the earthy walls while she endured the pains of labor.

How much time had passed since she had entered was lost to her. All she could see now was that the sun had long since set. Every once in a while, she would hear the shuffling of footsteps from one of her packmates. For anyone who got too close to the entrance of the den, Inkheart included, they would be greeted with a pained growl of warning. And any who dared stick their snout in during her time of vulnerability would be met with a faceful of teeth. Panting, she strained against the contractions, which were just as intense as ever. Just as soon as she felt as if this would never end, with one hard push, most of the pain seemed to subside. She looked down to see a tiny, wet dark bundle deposited on the floor. Heart racing wildly in hr chest, her instincts took over as she reached out and gently grasped the tiny pup, breaking the sac and licking it clean thoroughly. Once it's airways were clear of all the fluids, it emitted a shrill wail, wriggling clumsily. "Shh....shhh...I've got you my little one..." She whispered tenderly, nudging the pup, which she noted was a male, to her teat to suckle. Her single born son seemed to be placated, latching on, suckling heartily while nestled up to his mothers side. Sapphire eyes welling up with tears of sheer joy, her heart blossomed as she gazed upon the newborn. Their lives had come full circle...she and Inkheart now truly were a family. Looking to the entrance of a den, she called for her mate, who she knew must be waiting nervously outside. "Inkheart....you can come in, my love..." She said tiredly, utterly exhausted yet thrilled.