One Summer Evening [Pups/Open]

[Dakota Spirit]

Alright guys - the order needs to go Me/Kai/Mist/Me for one turn then you can have at it. In other words, once I post a second time you can come in.

________

Summer sunlight dappled through the trees as Fenris sent his flaming tendrils out as far as they would reach. Bright color etched across the sky, chasing out the dark and lighting the clouds in bright halos. The dark wolf walked below this spectacle with his eyes barely registering the beauty before him. It wasn't that he'd suddenly become immune to such things, in all honesty the vibrant mornings were a favorite show of is. The fact was, the wolf was preoccupied, perhaps more so then any other time in his life. The day was coming soon, the day that would be marked by the birth of his cubs. Cubs that were destine to not only carry the blood of Deor's Drappa, but to be the continuation of his own family lines. Such a day was one that male had never thought possible, not even in his deepest of hearts. And it was such a fact, such a monumental moment in his life, that was banishing all other things from his mind.

The wolf took easy steps, quite in his duty. For he was not out on this morning for a leisurely walk or a chance to catch some alone time, but rather to find whatever prey was nearby and return quickly to Mist's side. It was too hard for her to find her own meals now and he had been forced to take over for her. It was not something he resented doing, but the time away worried his mind in the kind of way any first-time father could relate to. Dakota Spirit, no stranger to the dangerous, was afraid - afraid that labor would come to the fae while he was away and unable to lend his aid. Dak knew that when the actual birth game he would not be able to play a part and yet he still needed to be there for the moment. Not just for the birth of his children, but for her. Because if anything happened to her, the very fiber of Dak's soul would likely unravel.

Lifting his muzzle slightly, Dakota caught the first signs of what could be a rabbit trail. Lowering his muscled body into a hunter's crouch, the wolf moved forward in as stealthy a manner as was possible. His velvety ears folded back against his skull, green eyes narrowed and focus, and muscled bunched beneath the skin ready for action. Spotting the brown lera ahead the wolf pounced, bursting from the underbrush with power to spare. Still, the rabbit was fast and it too took off with the speed inborn it's it's species. And for that moment, the wolf thought only of the chase. His blood coursed with adrenalin and as his feet pumped beneath him, Dak felt the worry ebb momentarily from his focus. The rabbit darted and jerked across it's path, trying hopelessly to escape it's capture until at last the end came. Until the wolf reached out with his gaping jaws and clamped upon the soft flesh, halting his speed and sending them spinning across the dusty earth.

When all settled agian he was standing alone, prey between his teeth and eyes on the trees that now lurked behind him, marking Deor's boarder. Hot breath panted out around the rabbit's limp body and through his parted lips, the corners of which turned up in a slight smile. Perking his ears forward, Dak stood for a moment listening to the sounds around him. And he looked to the sky for the first time, taking in the beauty of another summer day come to pass. With his heart once more turning toward to the desire of a healthy birth and the return of Mist to his side, the wolf finally began his trek back to Deor's pack dens. And the light glinted in his eyes as he went, reflecting in the unquenched hopes that shone front and center on the male's face.

And I've wanted more from this
Than anything I've ever known

[Sorry guys, kind of ran out of steam half way though. It gets the ball rolling though! Lyrics were edited slightly]

[Kai]

Early morning light had begun to filter through the treetops. Delicate designs were cast below on the forest floor by the cascading light; they seemed to dance with the gentle breeze. Fenris's rays painted the clouds in dazzling pastel hues as the last remnants of the night sky vanished, making way for the new day. Alone in his den, Koran's Beta was able to admire Deor's beauty in silence and solitude, a small smile playing at the corners of his maw as his amber eyes traced the sky. He had spent nearly a quarter of Tor's cycle away from his home, though this time it was more than his usual inclination to wander that had carried him beyond Koran's borders. What had started as a business trip to insure Deor's loyalties to Koran instead turned out to be a pleasant surprise when Kai happened to stumble upon Deor's own Beta. Reunited with an old friend from his youth, the ebon Beta felt more than inclined to stay and catch up on old times. During their refreshing recollections, Dakota had let the secret slip that pups were to be expected, new life from his own blood and the blood of Deor's Silver Drappa.

Although Kai had been a stranger to love his entire life (and for the most part a stranger in general), he felt nothing but unbridled happiness for his friend and the family he was starting. The smallest pangs of jealousy had haunted him upon first finding out about the love and success that Dakota had found, but it took only mere moments for such dark feelings to fade away, to be replaced with pure happiness and the male's usual good nature. Taking in a lungful of the crisp morning air, the dark wolf breathed a sigh of relief. Fenris had not yet been given the chance to scorch the pelts of the Lera below; early morning and late evening were the best times to be active in the dismal summer months, and Kai relinquished the momentary relief from the heat that the dawn provided him.

Rising to his fours, the Beta arched his back, feeling the relief of each vertebrae as they popped, and stretched his forelegs out in front of him. He was unused to still being inside at this time of the day, for he had taken nearly a week off from his morning patrols. "Now is no time to get lazy," he assured himself with a quiet chuckle. Bright eyes surveyed the land beyond his temporary den, searching for anything of interest that might entice him out from the shelter. A telltale scent on the breeze drifted through the air, wafting past his face and into his nostrils. "Smells like someone got breakfast," he joked again, curious at who else might be awake and active. Padding out from the den with less caution than he had exercised at the start of his visit (for he had grown better accustomed to Deor's hospitality since then), he sought out the Varg with a fresh prize on their breath. No sooner had he stepped out from the mouth of the den, he saw what could have been mistaken for an apparition of himself, a black shadow with a fresh rabbit in tow, trekking across the land, approaching the dens where Kai stood.

His heart leapt with the momentary excitement of seeing his old friend, and it was only after he bounded a few steps forward, the male's name lost on his tongue, that he halted. It was not the first time he had come to doubt his place in his brother's new life; new obligations often took the place of old tomfoolery, and he had to take a moment to consider whether or not he should just slink back into the den behind him. He regretted having half-blurted out the name of his friend, for he surely must have drawn unneeded attention to himself, interrupting whatever task Dakota had set forth to accomplish- no doubt caring for the immobile mate who would soon birth his cubs. Feeling that it would be far too late to retreat, he took first one, two, three tentative steps forward before halting once more, tail held low and a small smile on his lips. "Nice morning for a hunt, eh brother?" His face was hot with embarrassment beneath his fur, though his eyes shone with all the charm of days gone by as he hoped that his old friend would look past his blunder.

[Mist]

Stopping at the entrance to the den as a ribbon of pain flickered through her abdomen, Mist winced and took a deep, slow breath. Having had a previous litter of cubs, the Drappa has no doubt that this is it. After what has seemed so long and yet so short, she is ready, and from their size and movement, she knows the cubs are as well. The pain slowly fades, leaving her awaiting the next contraction, hopefully not for a while yet, and she looks up at the eastern sky, a gentle smile gracing her lips as her eyes pass over the pastel hued clouds. Tender words come from her lips as she thinks about the near and far future, and her children. "What a beautiful day to be born, my darlings. I will always remember this morning." Lifting her nose up to scent the air, Mist searches for signs of her mate, knowing he can't be too far, but wondering where exactly he is this morning. She had been sleeping when he left this morning, and neither of them had know then that it would be today. It was certain that the cubs would be born soon - in the next week, at least - but there was no way to tell before this the exact day. Speaking again to her unborn cubs, Mist takes a step forward, her eyes scanning the wooded landscape once more. "Now your daddy just needs to come... We'll see you soon." Smiling, she lifts her maw slowly to the sky and lets forth a soft howl that grows as she continues. It is an expectant call, something in the tone telling of something more than a simple call. Lowering her maw after a few moment, she listens to the faint echoes of her howl, knowing it won't be long before it is answered.

Turning to slowly make her way into the den, she looks around at the familiar cave, thinking of her many memories here, and the last litter she had. A faintly sad smile crosses her face as she thinks of Chayton, but she remembers the dream she had of him, and it is with absolute certainty that she knows that he is pleased she is once again happy. As she pads softly over to the bed of fresh grass and twigs, she silently asks her first mate to use any influence he has with the gods to take care of her and the cubs, and then smiles as she imagines his reply - that of course he will watch over and take care of them.

Stepping onto the bed, she carefully turns around once or twice before gently settling herself down halfway on her side, her chin resting on one outstretched foreleg. She keeps her eyes on the entrance, and watches the color slowly fade from the clouds, from a rosy pink to faintly blush-tinted, to a glorious white, as Fenris takes his place in the sky, moving slowly above the mountains and shedding light and warmth on the earth below. As she watches, she can't help but wonder who will come. Dak, of course, and undoubtedly Kai... but no one else is certain. Deor has been quiet for the last month or so, and friends who she would have expected with certainty have all but disappeared from the packlands. She will be no less happy if it is just her mate and his best friend, though additional company would certainly not be unwelcome. Her thoughts are pulled back to what is certain as one of the cubs kicks her with surprising strength for a varg so tiny, and after wincing slightly, she softly chuckles. "Soon, my dears, soon..."

[Dakota Spirit]

Ahh..., the wolf thought contentedly as he neared the dens and laid sight on a familiar figured. There he is. Kai, Koran's visiting Beta stood just a few paces off, his mouth opening to form the first syllables of Dak's name. As it shut agian, the Deorian shook his head slightly, watching as the uncertainty was reflected in his friend's tentative steps. Regardless of how long they were friends, how many years passed, it seemed that Dak's would be brother was always waiting for the other shoe to drop. For the day when he was faced with a reality that no longer held a place for him, be it in their own relationship or in his general life status. Feeling that this was something his friend could only overcome by seeing how intrical he was in the male's life, Dakota resolved to do his best to reassure Kai's worrisome mind. Now just a few feet from his amber eyed twin, the dark wolf rested his kill softly on the ground and flashed a bright smile. "Kai!", he called with a voice heavy in hearty welcome. Nodding his head along with the words of the visiting wolf, Dak cast a quick glance at the limp rabbit near his feet. "You are right, my friend", he said. "On a morning such as this there are fewer pleasures greater then the chase." Flicking another small smile in Kai's direction, Dak picked up his catch and moved a step or two closer to his companion. "Come.", he mumbled around the soft flesh. "Mist would surely like to have your company."

Then, as if on cue, a piercing call sounded in the air. Rich and elegant in it's tone, it was a voice that Dakota had grown accustomed to in the past few suns. One he now cherished and craved on any given day. But on this day there was a different not in her song, and agian the rabbit fell from his grasp as the wolf realized what it meant. "Kai, he said agian, breathing his friend's name with a sense of urgency. Emerald eyes grew large with adrenaline and nerves as he stood there, frozen for a minute in the shock of all that was happening. "Its...it's now.", he finally managed. "It's happening now". And without another word Dak was gone, the matter of his kill and all other things forgotten. Legs pumped beneath him as he ran, tearing across the hard packed earth with as much speed as his body could muster. It was a familiar path he followed and soon enough Dak found himself feeling drawn forward, as if he could close his eyes and still end up in the right place. Something about this day echoed in his mind, something that soothed and eased, assuring him that in the end would all be well.

Coming upon the small cluster of caves faster the expected, the wolf put his speed on a sudden halt, tucking his back legs beneath him as he slid the short distance that separated him from Mist's dwelling. "I'm here, Love." The words came out ragged as he caught his breath, sounding more panicked then perhaps he'd meant. "I know I can't be in there with you...but I will wait right here and watch for the others." The male's green eyes glittered slightly as the flicked around the cave's darkness, teasing out the tentative shape of his resting mate. "I am with you.", he breathed, voice nearing a quite whine. And at that moment, Dak was glad that none yet had reached them. That they would not bare witness to his sudden softness. "And I love you..."

Turning from the cave's mouth, Dakota positioned him just to the side. His body remained silhouetted in the sunlight, enough so that the fae would be able to not only see him but the arrival of others to come. Reclining tensely upon his haunches, the wolf sat like a sentry upon his ordered spot. His eyes scanned back and forth, reflecting a nervousness that would show to anyone who knew to look close enough. Tilting his head slightly, Dak split his time between survey the path before him and taking careful glance over his shoulder at the depths behind. And he waited. Muscled body vibrating with soft tremors of anticipation, Dak waited for his family enter the world.

[Kai]

As he should have come to expect, his presence was met by Dakota with no less love than the two had shown eachother in their younger days. He felt the weight lift off his heart as he was able to remove himself once more from the list of things that might be burdening his friend at any given moment. Chiding himself for repeating his habitual error, he shrugged off the doubt he had been feeling and padded closer to Deor's Beta, confidence returning to his step. A smile graced his muzzle at his friend's praise, and he was once again reassured of his place in the male's life. He would not be forced out, but would be welcomed into the new chapter of Dakota's life. Even Lady Mist seemed to favor him, and for the couple's endless acceptance and hospitality, he was forever grateful. Dakota's next set of words only served to prove what the male had hoped to be true, so it was with a smile and a lighter heart that he gladly fell in line beside Dakota to accompany him to Mist's den.

Before Kai could think of any small talk to fill the short silence, a strong, rich voice struck the air, quickly displacing the silence and sending chills down his spine. He had not been in the territory long enough yet to identify the distinct voices of Deor's many members, though it was not hard to discern the owner of the voice through Dakota's astonished expression. Kai's own jaw dropped, his eyes shifting with worry up to meet the emerald hues of his brother. A faint spark of excitement ignited into a full flame as Dakota's words confirmed what Kai had already been thinking; the time for pups had arrived. "But Dakota!" He exclaimed, his breath caught in his throat as his tongue searched frantically for words. "Go!" was the word he finally settled on, but before it had even left his maw, Deor's Beta was off, leaving his friend behind to ponder his own course of action. Kai took a few hurried steps after Dakota, before turning on his heels and rushing back to the place they had both stood only moments before. "Dakota, your rabbit!" he whined, knowing that his reminder would go unheard and unanswered. Snatching up the kill in his jaws, he wheeled around and bounded after the ebon man, the wind whipping against his face and streaming through his fur as he raced against time.

Not catching up with Dakota until the end of the line, Kai had not heard Dakota's tender words to his mate. Panting heavily from the unexpected run, his hot breath moved the rabbit's fur back and forth as he puffed air out and sucked it back in. Dropping the carcass at his feet, he looked up at Dakota, his ears pinned back with uncertainty written across his face. "Thought... you might need this," he whispered, not wanting to disturb his friend's concentration, or the laboring Drappa who resided deep within the den. Kai had never witnessed a birth, though instinct and his courteous demeanor kept him from entering the den. Peering carefully around Dakota as not to test his patience, he searched to perhaps catch a glimpse of the silhouetted fae within, his keen eyes catching a faint shuffling shadow before roving up to search the male's face. "Relax", he spoke in a light tone, giving his friend a small nudge in the shoulder after noticing his tension. "This will be a day to remember, Dakota," he spoke softly, knowing that his friend had already committed every detail to memory. "I can't wait to watch them grow," he spoke with childlike wonder, the excitement reflecting brightly in his eyes. "You're going to make a great father, Koty, and Mist a lovely mother, but... do you think they'll like me? I certainly hope so..." Kai fell back on his haunches to rest beside his friend, the limp rabbit sprawled out at his feet.

[Mist]

It is not long before Mist hears the sound of her mate rushing toward the den and the soft “sshhh” sound as he skids to a stop. A tender smile spreads across her maw as she hears his panted words, and she lifts her head off her outstretched foreleg to look toward the sunlit entrance of the den at his dark silhouette. She is grateful in this moment for her prior experience as a mother, catching the somewhat panicked tone in her mate’s voice. When she speaks her voice is soft and tender, a low tone that easily carries the distance needed. “Oh, love, I know... but you’ll be able to see me before you know it. You being here is all I need.” Her ears prick at Dak’s soft words and she lets out a very quiet, gentle whine. “I love you, too, Dak... more than anything.”

As she hears the hurried sound of another varg coming to join Dak, she peers out past the cave entrance into the sunlight and smiles as she sees Kai join his friend. She hears his first whisper, but not the words, and then as he speaks again she pricks her ears as she hears his softly spoken words of encouragement. She leans her head back on her paw for a moment and continues to listen silently, her smile gentle as she hears Kai’s quiet, uncertain question. Raising her voice to a soft tone that will reach both the manns but not much further, she answers him. “Kai, of course they will, without a doubt. Dak, can’t you just see our pups always asking to go play with uncle Kai?” She pauses for a moment, taking in a sharp breath as another ribbon of pain stabs through her. Breathing in deeply, she speaks again, her voice a bit softer. “They’ll love you, Kai, and not want to come home after spending time with you. Don’t doubt yourself, proud beta.”

Another insistent jab from the contraction cuts her off and she takes slow, deep breaths until it ends, silently praying for an easy labor, more for Dakota than for herself as she imagines all too clearly his worry if it seems too long or if there are any complications, no matter how small. Yet another contraction soon follows and a low whine escapes her maw as the pain ripples through her, telling of the pups soon to come into the world. For a moment her mind goes back to her first litter of cubs before she is drawn back to the present, and she silently asks Tor to look after her and her children. She looks back at the entrance of the den and narrows her eyes against the bright glare of the sun, biting off a low growl of pain as she feels another contraction, and the knowledge that it followed so soon after the previous tells her that the cubs will arrive soon.



The rest of her labor seems to flash by in a blur, and afterwards she lays back panting against the bed of leaves and grass, four small, warm cubs lying close beside her, two manns and two little faemme, wriggling against her and against each other as they search for the comforting presence and warmth of their mother. The labor was quick and relatively easy, showing Mist that once again the Lady Tor looked after her and blessed her family. Lifting her voice softly without raising her head, she beckons her mate and his best friend to come in. "Dak, Kai... it is over. Come in. Come see them." She turns her head toward the entrance of the den to watch for their reactions and so she can see when they come in, and her eyes fall on the dark silhouette of her mate and stay there as she waits impatiently for her love to come see his children.

((OOC: This is a rather time-consuming post, and I hope the time-jump past the actual birth isn't too disorienting, but I thought it would be hard to come up with things for additional posts if the cubs weren't born in this one.))

[Cullen]

All of a sudden the little buddle of fur was wet, very wet and extremely cold, so cold that he began to tremble slightly and a whine and cry emitted from its tiny little muzzle. Wiggling his small little body he inched closer and closer to the warm body, his mother. A small little black nose nuzzled around the large belly, looking for a nipple to quench the hunger within his tiny tummy. Low suckling noise soon began to sound as the new born ebon pup drank warm milk. As he drank, his paw slightly pushed into his mothers belly as he pawed gently and almost fell asleep. Suddenly, his tiny ears picked up another sharp cry and then another one right after that, the same cry, but yet still different. Soon, two small bodies seemed to fall in beside him as his mothers warm tongue began to clean them all. The ebon newborn sighed with contentment and began to suckle his milk once again.

The newborn, had stayed in his mommy’s belly for a little longer than normal, he just didn’t want to give up the warmth that surrounded him; maybe that is why he was just a little bit bigger than he maybe should have been. His ears were tiny and still clung to the side of his head and flopped, his black little nose twitched back and forth while his small tail remained tucked and secure in attempt to keep him warm. The soft puppy fluff that covered his body was pitch black except for his front left paw; that seemed to be dipped in a silver lining. It was the only ounce of color over his entire body that was visible at this time. His eyes were still shut tight, but his loving parents would eventually see emerald hues, with slices of pure gold.

In the few moments that this young pup has been born, he has had all things necessary to survive, warmth, food, rest and most important love from his wonderful mother and siblings. The only thing missing was the distinct smell of his noble father, which he was sure to endure very soon and a name….what would this young pups name be?

//hope this works for everyone, haven't chosen a font color so I just picked a random one LOL//

[Zynnia]

Wimpering softly, the little faemme wriggled forward, pushing herself determinedly, searching for something comforting. She didn't understand - all of a sudden there had been noise and air and it was cold. She was frightened, but curious as well. Her mouth opened and shut slowly as she continued to push herself forward, tail wavering back and forth with each slow movement.

One final push brought her muzzle in contact with something. She wimpered again, wondering if it would answer, and opened her mouth to carefully stick out a tiny tongue in hesitant questioning. The thing seemed to be an ear, not that she knew yet what an ear was, but it seemed to be one, and it was about the same size as her own. She licked at it gently, and pushed at the head it was attached to.

Receiving very little response, she moved on, pushing forward and to the side again. She wimpered once more - the pushing was tiring, and she wasn't much more comforted than when she had begun. She nosed around, her tiny pink tongue sticking out a little, and finally reached something quite large, and comforting in its warmth and size. She butted her head gently against this thing and opened her mouth. After a moment she seemed to find what she was looking for, even though she hadn't really known in the first place, and began to suck, contentedly. Finally she had found somewhere she didn't feel frightened, or alone, though she wasn't honestly quite sure about that little ear the size of her own. Well, that was a question for another time. She pushed gently against the thing, and felt safe.


((Hello, folks! I feel I must *cheer!* ^^ It's not too long, but I thought I'd nip in between classes and post. I'm glad I did!))

[Aria]

The world she once knew was upside down, why wasn't it warm anymore? where'd the warmth and closeness go that she once knew and preferred? a sharp cry emitted from Ebony muzzle that held a rusted streak down it. The little drappa was disoriented until the warmth returned, her mothers gentle tongue caressing her ebony fur, her paws held a dark grey tinge eventually it would turn silver like her mothers fur.
Under her tail was a lighter shade but still dark it would turn white when she was older and growing, her little voice just tiny yips and moans as her mother cleaned her fur and nuzzled her close.
More little noises escaped her as she latched and suckled, though her eyes were shut tight, they would open with time to reveal one an emerald green and the other a golden hue, she could smell the tiny moving bodies next to her, feel them nudging against her as they all ate, sensing that this was her family, the scents of her siblings, her mother all would become so familiar and would always mean safety and shelter.
((sorry it's so short and cruddy ><''))

[Aiden]

A sudden change of atmosphere brought tremendous discomfort, which was voiced openly in shrill, desperate cries. The fur of the delicate pup was moist, drawing in the surrounding cold air and causing the petite form to shiver and shake. Although the confusion was overwhelming, instinct compelled the small pup forward as he pushed meekly against the larger forms of his siblings. Their own cries sounded familiar, though in the background he could discern other sounds, rumblings and sighs that were soothing in comparison to the chaos that enveloped him.

His world was enclosed in darkness, for his brilliant hazel eyes had not yet been exposed to the outside world. Alone with his fear and uncertainty, he had only the mere developments of thought and wonder to content him. Pushing against him were squirming bundles of wet fur; his siblings too had been searching, and had already found the nurturing milk that would ease their empty bellies. After a few more moments of aimless scrambling, the tawny runt found the source of the nutrients himself, and began to suckle desperately. Before long a tiredness came over him, and once he had drunk his fill, he ceased his objections, and settled in close to the warmth and comfort of his mother's belly and fell asleep.

[Dakota Spirit]

As he took his post at the mouth of the cave, Dakota watched as his amber eyed brother took the last remaining steps to catch up. The limp form of his earlier kill hung softly from Kai's mouth, it's fur pulsing with the harsh breaths taken by the wolf. Always the levelheaded one., Dak mused quietly. Silently thanking Kai for his presence and foresight, the male dipped his head once in appreciation. "You've always got my back.", he added softly before casting another quick look over his shoulder and into the den's shadows. Quite noises could be heard within, the movements of his mate and the soft sounds of her going through labor. Again the male's body tensed, as if he could feel what the fae was going though. Years of nature taking it's course or not, he couldn't help by worry. Couldn't help but dig his claws deeper into the muddy ground with each passing moment.

It was the soft touch at his shoulder that finally broke the spell, the whispered reassurance of his friend. Releasing a deep breath that seemed to have welled up within him, Dak turned from the dark cave and focused on Kai's soothing expressions. Equal excitement echoed in visiting wolf's bright eyes and he asked questions that seemed to have been born from Dakota's own heart. Grinning as Mist answered first, he nodded along with her answers before adding his own. "They will know you as nothing but family.", he said softly. "Any cub of mine will know the love that Kai has offered their to father and the loyalty that has bound them together. They will see you for the good wolf you are and they will love you for it." Laughing softly, Dak flashed a wink at the male. "You better get ready, old friend.", he added. "As my Mist said...they will surely not want to return to us after having spent time with you."

Talking eased the worry from his mind and before he knew it, Mist was announcing the end of her labor. "It's over.", she called with a voice that seemed both tired and peaceful. "Come see them." Rising to his feet, Dakota flicked one more quick look at his companion. "Did you ever think we'd be here?", he whispered thoughtfully. "I for one, never saw it coming." Then, picking up the still warm rabbit, Dak turned on his heel and walked slowly into the cave.

As his eyes adjusted to the sudden darkness, the male made out the outlines of his mate and of the small moving forms beside her. Gently setting the kill close to her muzzle, Dak sank to his stomach before Mist and watched them for a moment. "Look..." he said quietly, his deep voice echoing slightly in the enclosed walls. "Look at the little lives you made." Offering Mist a quick lick on the nose, the male belly-crawled closer to her side. His movements were hesitant and slow, as if he feared any sudden changed would break the spell over their new family. Four small bundles snuggled close to the silver fae's stomach, squeaking softly and squirming agianst each other. Though the details of the cubs remained mostly hidden from him in the den's veil, Dak could make out small patches of dark fur and others highlighted by a flash of silver. What are they?", he asked. "Daughters or sons?" Bringing his face close to them, the wolf took deep breaths of their new scent. "Hello, little ones.", he soothed. "I am your father and I love you very much. I promise always to protect you." They were so small now, so fragile. Dak knew that for the rest of his life he would be looking after them. "There are others here too.", he continued as his emerald eyes tried to locate Kai. "Others who have come to welcome you to the world." Sighing over the cubs, Dakota finally felt his own tiredness catch up with him. So much had happened in the last few hours that it felt as if he'd run cross country. Still, he resisted the sleep. For now at least, he wanted to keep his eyes open for as long as possible. To catch as many of the first seconds of his pups' lives as he could. "You are in Deor, little ones.", he whispered. "And here, you are safe."

OCC: Whew, a bit rusty but I hope it's ok! Yay for cubs!

Mist edit: Sorry for invading your post, but I just wanted to say that it's much more than ok! <3 It's darling, and yay indeed for cubs!