Paradise Falls I know, it's harder if she tries

The only thing that answered him was the sound of his mother crying, something he was sure he had never heard before. The raw emotion in it ripped at his heart, easily bringing tears to his own eyes, another rare occurrence. Ryder took steps forward, but he couldn't bring himself to actually peer into the den, especially knowing that Jethro was between himself and the way to his mother. His heart hammered but he was completely powerless, just waiting for someone or something to tell him what was wrong.

The wolf who'd helped create all of this reappeared but did not cease barricading the throat of the den, simply telling him Finley was alright when she clearly wasn't. Something like a tropical storm moved through Ryder's chest then, swelling and battering him with a mix of emotions. He turned and ran, as fast and as far as he could manage, as though he could outrace the typhoon inside.

/Ryder's exit.

This will most likely be the final round! I will post a fade with Finley after Jethro's post

Too involved in her labour to realize that Ryder was outside and somewhat witnessing it all, the Lennox woman’s tears continued to flow, though not entirely in sorrow. Two of the children were latched at her belly, though the third was taking its final breaths. She preened the little cub, sniffling as she hummed, trying to offer some kind of comfort as its incredibly short life came to an end. Unfair as all of it may be, she knew this was the way of nature and she was happy that even one of them would live.

Tonight or tomorrow she would ask Jethro to help her bury their lost, and then they would need to keep living for the survivors. Chuffing to call her amour closer to her, she allowed him to form the protective barrier around them. Finley also let out a low joyful howl to anyone who might be listening, the announcement that they had been joined by new life.

Laying her head down on Jethro’s hip she murmured, ”What do you want to call her? Anything you want.” This was his only living child afterall, he should have the honours.

She let him move closer again, and with that permission granted he did so without hesitation. The dueling feelings of pride, love, and sadness became all the more prevalent as Jet was able to take a closer look at each child. Notably, the healthy one. A dark girl. A daughter.

They were going to have a daughter. One he knew in that very instant he’d do anything for. He didn’t think he’d ever cared for anything so much.

Then, though, there was a touch. Jet’s attention was drawn to Finley, who’d carried and birthed these children. Who’d done all of the hardest parts, and he leaned in to try to place a gentle lick across her crown. Hoping the gesture would communicate what words could not; love, affection, and appreciation.

But.. what did they want to call her?

”Um.. Atara..?” he murmured half questioningly after a pause. ”Means like.. royalty. Princess, crown.. something like that.” He couldn’t recall exactly what it meant. Not now, but any of those were fitting.

She's alright, he had heard Jethro murmur, but he couldn't tell if it was the truth or a placebo. It was the sound of Finley's cheers that allowed him to think perhaps the worst had not befallen them after all, and still he couldn't help the constant stream of worried what-ifs. He paced, considered chasing after Ryder, but did not feel released from duty until the mother sent out a more solid, reassuring call. Chan let out a deep breath, gave his pelt a shake, and departed without a word. Whatever had occurred, they didn't need his nose in it so immediately (or maybe ever), and he had his own partner to tend to. A younger Chan might have taken the time to track down and attempt to comfort Finley's runaway, but at this point he was working in triage mode, and his own unborn children were the most vulnerable and needing of his protection right now.

Jethro came back to her, and Finley was mildly aware of some movement outside of the den now though it seemed like the sounds were retreating. Eyelids were fluttering closed until she felt the kiss on her crown and then they reopened to look adoringly at the man who had given it to her. Attention turned back to the little black bundled that was beginning to fall asleep herself after finishing her first meal.

Content smile filled her expression, ”Atara, I like that.” Then she lay her head back down onto Jethro’s hip and allowed her eyes to fully close. It had been a long few hours and it didn’t take long until she was fully asleep.

FADE