awesome and original thread title thanks for me needing to go to bed
By some struck of luck they had come across an old wolf den, Nova's initial apprehensions at using the dwelling quelled once she realized it had been abandoned for several seasons. Nova wondered if it was some sort of providence of the land, some assurance that this place was secure and bountiful enough to provide for her family... But Nova knew very well what sort of significant threats could force a pack from their home, and was weary as to whether the den lay abandoned for a reason. Either way, the soon-to-be parents had little room to be picky, and with some reassurance from Camio that all would be well the pair had set about cleaning up the place. Nova soon grew to appreciate the solitude of the little patch of forest, both shaded and secluded yet not smothering and sickly as the Keep had been.
The sky above the evergreen canopy was brilliant blue, the shining sun filtering down towards the soft mossy floor in dappled pools of light. Nova sat just outside the mouth of the rocky den, watching birds flit from tree to tree in the branches above. Everything seemed so peaceful, and they had everything in order, yet Nova couldn't stop worrying about what was soon to come. She now didn't dare venture too far from the den, apprehensive and utterly clueless as to when or how she would give birth. Would she know when it was time? Would they just fall out? Was there something she would have to do for things to work? She had seen newborn cubs before, utterly small and helpless, and was so worried about hurting her own through her own ignorance.
The past few days, twinges of pain stirred in her abdomen, sending her into a frenzy each time only to discover that they still weren't ready. Another twinge, this one deeper, something different, made Nova whimper. She knew nothing, but something called her into the dark, inviting maw of the den. She crawled into the back of the den, settling onto the bed of pulled grass and shed fur and nestling in as shivers wracked her frame. Camio must not have been far, hearing his paws soon outside the den's opening.
Nova beckoned him in with a soft whine, needing his support to know she could make it through this. She had no idea what to do, finding herself an unwitting passenger to the unfamiliar happenings of her body. What felt like days, but could only have been a few hours passed as she pushed against the pain, wishing it would be over soon.
Finally something gave, and Nova quickly attended to the slimy, wriggly lump that had emerged from her body. Carefully she licked her child clean, instinctively pulling the dark little bundle in towards her belly and watching with equal parts affection and fascination as they latched onto her. Even in the dark of the den, she could just barely make out two perfect little folded ears, four chubby little legs. Truly, a perfect little girl. She wasn't entirely sure that it was over, and indeed thought she was ready to bear another cub as the pain returned. She pushed yet again, this time finding it a little easier yet was startled by what she found this time. She was starving though, and whatever it was she quickly disposed of it.
Nova set her head back down, body curled protectively around her, their daughter. Despite her exhaustion, Nova wasn't ready to fall asleep yet. She looked up to Camio, a tired smile on her face. "Our little girl needs a name," She whispered.