<blockquote>Catching sleep did not seem like a possible action. Sometimes she got plenty of it, and other days she could have used a lot more. With Grizzly Hollow strong again, she had found her restless nights less than what they had been. Last night had not been one of them. The den was full of four curious pups more than ready to explore further outside. It took a lot to get them to come back in, and a bit more at times to get them to close their eyes, giving into the sleep they needed. She had not slept well at first. She would almost fall into dreamland when she'd jump awake to take a head count. This she did a countless number of times. Making sure they were all there, and breathing. Somewhere someone was calling her, and she was just too out of it to realize it was reality, not a dream.
When a little howl, and another reached her ears she was aware it was time to get up.
Blinking her eyes she she struggled to keep them open, but after a good stretch of her jaws and shake of her head she could see the morning light shining in the den. <i>The late morning light,</i> she briefly realized by the length of the yellow shade. She flinched briefly in fear all the children were out and no one around. When her eyes drifted downward she saw the pale forms of Ryvet and Calla. Half bewildered as to what the other two were doing, and what they were so excited about she decided it was best to go look. She was certain Borden was nearby, she could never be sure. Tilting her muzzle down she nuzzled the youngest, and the smallest of her daughters. Adding a wet lick to the base of her ears before turning to her look alike brother where she would adorn his own head with an affectionate lick. <b>"Darlings,"</b> she began in a half hushed tone, <b>"I think it's time to greet the day."</b> She nudged at them, trying to tease them out of their own dreams. She was confident Ryvet would venture on his own in good time when he awoke, Calla she debated to carry out. She decided against it. She would wake up, and realize they were outside where she could come. She didn't want to drag her into the blinding sun, in front of new faces. She wasn't sure if it would be too much. No, she would let them both come out on their own. A tender smile, she whispered to each, <b>"We'll be outside when you wake,"</b> and she made her way to the fresh air.
She was greeted with the usual sights and sounds of morning, and two she had not quite expected, but none the less was happy to encounter. Sibyl and Follko. Borden must have called the pack to meet the latest members. It did not bother her one bit, she was more than happy to introduce her children to the rest of the pack, and future caregivers. A happy smile, and flick of her tail she uttered a general, <b>"Good morning,"</b> to the happy group. She walked forward to take her place by Borden. <b>"I'm glad to see you here,"</b> she said, directing her attention to her pack mates. There was nothing that worried her about them, and she wanted to put their own minds at ease. She may be protective, but she had placed trust in them, and did not see any need to fret about their kind souls. <b>"Maybe, our sleepy heads will join us."</b></blockquote>