Oak Tree Bend if you're down

 

Kino waited, much like the rest, to hear what the pup’s name would be. When it came, the boy couldn’t be one to say whether or not it was a fitting name because he’d yet to see her but he did decide that it was a nice name in general. He wondered what it meant, but then again he didn’t even know what his own name meant other than it was the nickname his father had been given. The sound of pawsteps came to his silver auds, which swiveled and turned to catch who was approaching. He knew immediately at a brief glance, as there was no mistaking the fiery pelt that Kyna possessed, who it was. It seemed she had finally shown up, but judging by the calm breathing that was escaping the birthing den she’d arrived little too late for a proper conversation or congratulations. A faint, disappointed sound came from her and Kino frowned slightly. It had to be disappointing to miss the birth of your sibling and to arrive so late. Still, it seemed she’d decided that her new duty was to keep guard. He had faith in the girl, with her large size and seemingly level mind. Plus, they wouldn’t be far away if she needed them.

Kino moved to leave the scene, giving his acquaintance some private time with her family. He paused next to her, keeping his gaze forward. “Congradulations. If you need anything, I’m a call away,” he said, allowing a barely there, friendly smile to curl on the sides of his lips. His topaz gaze slide to the side, fixing on her at a glance and a nod before he went on his way.

Exit

Ears perking, Serach looked up as he heard the sound of footsteps. Accompanied by the scent of Kyna, however, he made no threatening move to warn her away. She was Aponi's child, after all, and the weary mother had asked for her specifically. The girl approached and Serach settled down onto his stomach, his eyes open and alert. He watched Kyna peer into the den, but he heard no sounds from within - no doubt Aponi had fallen asleep with her new child after the exertion of labor. 

Sahalie and Kyna remained clustered near the entrance of the den, and after bidding his farewell, Kino withdrew from the gathering. Watching the boy's silver and dark gray backside disappear, the second breathed easier once the younger wolf disappeared from sight into the woods. He knew Kino posed no harm, but there was an instinctive feeling that had reared its ugly head inside the second when Spieden had first given birth. It was a desire to protect and to guard against any potential perils, real or imagined. It was not something he had anticipated - he had not felt so protective over Nayeli in previous years - but something had changed, and so despite his own desire to close his eyes and sleep, the man remained awake and quiet, his ears twitching at every sound in the forest around them.

Fade.