Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

   Faolan led the wolves through the plains. It had been a long day and now the sun was starting to set. The wolves were now looking for a place to sleep. Faolan looked around. There were trees and bushes, but that wouldn’t make a good place to sleep. Maybe by that rock? No, not enough shelter. Then he saw the perfect place. It was a clearing, soft grasses and mosses filling it. Trees and bushes surrounded it, providing shelter from the cold and bitter wind.
“This is a good spot,” Faolan told the wolves.
One by one they entered the clearing through an opening in the bushes.
“The moss is so comfy!” A pup, Maudie, exclaimed.
They all settled down and got into comfy positions. Faolan and Edme lay curled up next to each other. The wind was comforting, and after a bit, they managed to fall asleep.

   Faolan opened his eyes. He was in their summer den lying next to Thunderheart, but how!? Even in his dream, he knew she was long dead. As he got up to wake her up it started getting colder. Faolan shivered and pressed up against Thunderheart, trying to stay warm. Then he was in a snowy forest. Heep was there, and they were fighting. Faolan lunged forward and bit Heep’s shoulder, tearing out a small chunk of flesh and causing blood to spurt out. Heep snarled and leaped at Faolan, sinking his fangs into Faolan’s throat and ripping it out. Faolan let out a hoarse strained whimper and everything faded to black.

   Then he woke up. He was lying next to Edme, panting out of fear. Slowly his breathing calmed down and his hackles lowered. It was just a dream. That was all it was. He was here, alive, and everyone he loved was with him. He looked at the sky. It was still dark out, black slowly fading into purply blue. He sighed, laying back down again. He decided he would go back to sleep and wake up when the sun rose in the morning. Then he would lead his pack and they would look for something they could hunt. Closing his eyes, Faolan fell asleep once more.

   It was morning. The sun showed through the trees, just starting to peek out of the ground. Faolan got up, stretching his legs. He slowly nudged everyone awake until they were all up.

   “Where are we hunting?” Edme asked Faolan.

   “I was thinking maybe we could go in a byrrgis to the plains and look for something to hunt.” Faolan responded.

   The wolves started to get moving. Faolan led the way as they came out of the trees and into the meadow. Gwynneth swept through the sky, eyes on the lookout for prey. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted something. She circled and turned her head to get a better look. It was a small herd of deer, red with white spots. That would be good prey. She circled back to Faolan, waiting to hear the news on what she saw.

   “There is a herd of deer. One of them is a bit far away from the herd. It should make good prey.” Gwynneth said.

   “Then we will try to hunt it. Pack, formation.” Faolan said, ready to hunt.

   They came in and went towards the deer at trot pace. They were downwind, the deer wouldn’t smell them easily. The female wolves started running at the deer. The one away from the herd got spooked and started running away. The wolves noticed it had a limp, even better. Edme, Mhairie, Dearlea, Caila, and Katria ran at the heels of the deer, each putting on short bursts of speed to keep the deer running. Then, as the deer started to tire, the other wolves came in and surrounded it. The deer kicked wildly at the wolves, eyes flashing their whites, but the wolves jumped out of the way before the sharp hooves could hit them. Then Faolan leaped forward and bit down on its throat, crushing its windpipe. The deer collapsed to the ground and Faolan jumped back, narrowly avoiding being crushed by the deer. Faolan stared intently into the deer’s eyes as if to say,

   “Your life will feed us and is valued greatly. Thank you for giving it to us.”

   The elk closed its eyes one last time and its ragged breathing came to a stop. It was dead. Faolan came in to eat first, taking a big bite of meat from the thigh of the deer. After a bit of eating, he had his fill and walked back to make room for the others. Then it was Edme’s turn. She walked up to the deer and took a bite from its stomach, savoring the taste of good meat after a long while of fish on the ice bridge. Then the other wolves came in to eat. Mhairie, then Dearlea. Katria, then Airmead. After a while of eating, all the animals had their fill. Then Faolan took a thigh bone from the deer.

   “What are you doing with that bone, Faolan?” Edme questioned.

   “I want to carve on it the story of how we came here.” Faolan responded.

   The wolves walked back to the clearing they had slept in. Faolan set down the bone by the clearing and began telling orders.

   “Edme, please get some bushes to make a roof for this place. Caila, you come with her.”

   They both nodded and left the clearing, disappearing into the trees. Faolan sat down and started carving his bone. His teeth carefully incised marks onto the bone. Carefully and precisely, he carved out words onto the bone. It told the story of how they got to the Distant Blue. It told how they had gone on the ice bridge and climbed over ridges. How Abban fell into the water and saw sea creatures, how the puffins had helped them. He wrote how Heep and his wolves had followed them, how they had leaped from ice flow to ice flow to cross the sea. How Banja had been killed, and how Heep had finally been killed as well, impaled by a narwhal. After a few hours of carving, it was done. The sun was now high in the sky. Faolan got up and was about to show the pups his carving when the bushes rusled and Edme and Caila came in, carrying lots of brambles in their mouths.

   “We got the brambles.” Edme said, muffled through a mouthful of brambles.

   They walked into the clearing and started putting brambles on the top of bushes. As they worked, other wolves started going and getting more brambles and sticks. When the sun was starting to set in the sky, they were finished. On the clearing was a new roof made of brambles. It sheltered them from the wind and insulated the clearing. While she was walking away, Faolan came up to talk to Edme.

   “Edme, I carved a bone. Would you like to see it?” Faolan asked Edme.

   Edme barked softly and said, “I would love to.”

   They sat at the edge of the clearing, tails wrapped around each other. Faolan set down the bone. Together they read the story. It was truly a wonderful story, of sadness and happiness. And they had both experienced it for themselves. After finishing reading the story, Edme looked up lovingly at Faolan and said,

   “That was a wonderful story. And to think all of it is real!”

   Faolan nuzzled Edme and gave her a soft lick on the cheek.

   “If you want, I could teach you how to write a good story.” Faolan softly said.

   “ I would love that. My stories aren’t the best anyway.” Edme said, leaning into Faolan’s soft silver fur.

   Faolan pressed his muzzle against Edme’s head. “You know that isn’t true. Your stories are amazing!” He said, comforting Edme.

   “Thanks, I just feel that your stories are more interesting than mine. Then again, I haven’t carved a bone in a while. Maybe things will be different the next time I try.” Edme whispered, chuckling softly.

   “I'm sure they will.”

   The two mates rested their heads on the ground, cuddled warmly next to each other. The sounds of the forest faded away, and they both fell into a soft tranquil sleep.

Chapter Text

   Edme woke up. Next to her was Faolan. She watched the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed, feeling an intense love for him. No matter what happened, they would always be together. She yawned, then looked up at the sky. It was a bit before noon, so she might as well go see if she can find some food. Maybe if she hurried she could get back before anyone would miss her. Crouching down and ducking under the brambles to exit the clearing, Edme glanced around the forest. Where should I hunt? She thought.

   After a bit of looking, her eyes rested on a rabbit warren she could just barely see in the distance. Yes, some rabbits would be good. She stalked ahead, careful to avoid twigs on the ground and alert the rabbits. She sniffed the air and adjusted her position, making sure she was downwind. There were atleast 5 rabbits near her. Perfect, she thought. But she had to be patient. She waited, crouching low in a bush. Once the rabbits were close, she struck. Edme leapt at the rabbits, biting one’s spine before pinning another under her paws and quickly killing it. A rabbit was starting to run away, scared of Edme, but she quickly ran after it. She caught it and grabbed it, shaking and killing it. She grabbed her catches and carried them back to camp, proud of her accomplishment. She ducked into the clearing and set the rabbits down in a pile near Faolan. Edme laid down next to Faolan and closed her eyes, tired after hunting and ready to go back to sleep.

   Edme woke up to a delicious smell by her nose and a soft muzzle gently prodding her awake.

   “We ate the rabbits you brought. I saved some of this one for you.” Faolan said affectionately.

   “Oh, thank you Faolan!” 

   Edme quickly nuzzled Faolan then ate the rabbit. He saved the liver for me, Edme thought, how kind. She ate the liver of the rabbit, licking blood off her muzzle. The rabbit tasted very good.

   “I am going to go check on the pups.” Edme said, starting to walk towards the warmest corner of the clearing where her and Faolan’s adopted pups slept.

   “I’ll come with you, I want to see them too.” Faolan declared, brushing up slightly against Edme before walking towards them, Edme following behind him. The pups lay, sleeping. They looked so peaceful, curled up together with each other and Abban and Toby.

   “I love them so much.” Faolan said adoringly, eyes filled with love for their pups.

   “Me too.” Edme said, head resting slightly on Faolan’s shoulder. 
   
   “Edme,” Faolan said suddenly, “do you want to come hunting with me, just the two of us?”

   Edme leaned against Faolan. “Oh Faolan, I would love to.”

   Faolan and Edme walked out of camp together, tails twined tightly. They walked through the forest, enjoying the peaceful quietness. 
 
   “So, where should we hunt?” Faolan asked Edme

   “I was thinking maybe in the meadow, try and get a rabbit for the pups?” Edme suggested

   “That sounds perfect!” Faolan exclaimed, “let’s go there!”

   The pair walked through the forest, going past the edge and getting to the meadow where the rabbits lived. Edme touched Faolan’s shoulder slightly with her tail, signaling for them to stop, and whispered,

   “Over there, I see the rabbits. I’ll go on one side and scare one to you where you catch it.” Edme told Faolan the plan.

   Faolan nodded in agreement and silently crept over to where he was supposed to be waiting. Edme stalked around a bush, then suddenly leapt out in front of a rabbit, snarling. The rabbits squealed, scared, and ran in the other direction, straight into Faolan’s jaws. 

   “Good job, you got it!” Edme whined affectionately.

   “Oh, you helped too.” Faolan said in a playful tone, tapping Edme gently with a paw.

   “Race you back to camp!” Faolan said, running off.

   “Hey, you know you’re faster!” Edme called out teasingly, chasing after her mate. She burst into camp panting, exhausted from the run back. Faolan sat by the pups, watching them eat the rabbit. As Edme stepped in, Faolan turned his head to look at Edme.

   “Oh, hey Edme! Come tell the pups how we hunted the rabbit!” Faolan called out to Edme.

   Edme walked over, tail wagging slightly. She sat down next to Maudie and Myrrglosch. 

   “Who wants to hear the story of how me and Faolan hunted you this rabbit!?” Edme exclaimed excitedly.

   “Ooh! Me! Me!” Maudie and Myrrglosch both yipped.

   “Well, me and Faolan were out hunting, when suddenly we saw the biggest rabbit ever! And we knew how hungry you were, so we decided to hunt it, just for you! So, we sneaked up on it. Then… I pounced! The rabbit didn’t even see it coming!”

   The pups gasped, wondering what would happen next

   “But I didn’t catch it, no, I wanted it to get away from me! So the rabbit ran… straight into the jaws of Faolan! Didn’t even see him! Then we took it home and gave it to you!” Edme finished.

   “Woah, that’s so cool!” Myrrglosch said, a wondrous look on his face.

   “When I’m allowed to hunt, I’m gonna go out and hunt sooo much rabbits! Then I’m gonna eat rabbits allll day! And I’ll give you some too!” Maudie said, excited.

   Edme laughed. “I bet you will! Now, Edme and Faolan have to go do veeery important big wolf stuff, but we will play with you soon, I promise!” Edme licked both of the pups on the head then walked away with Faolan.

   “You are so good with pups.” Faolan said admiringly.

   “Do you want me to teach you how to gnaw a good story now?” Faolan Asked.

   “Sure!” Edme said.

   Faolan picked up one of the leftover bones from the rabbits and placed it down.

   “So,” Faolan said, “think about what you want your story to be about. You try.”

   After a bit of thinking, Edme said,

   “I want it to be about a wolf who needs to help hunt in a byrrgis!” Edme decided.

   Faolan whined, “Good, now just flesh out the story more and there you have it!” 
 
   “Ok!” Edme said, getting to work gnawing.

   After some time passed, Edme finished her story. She then showed it to Faolan, who read it, interested fully. After he read it, Faolan pushed the bone away and licked Edme.

   “That was the best story I ever read! It’s amazing!”

   “Thank you Faolan! Your tips really helped!” Edme responded to the praise with a lick on Faolan’s ear.

   “Edme, do you want to go hunt a deer calf for the pack?” Faolan asked.

   “Faolan, you know I do. Let’s go!” Edme exclaimed.

   The wolves ran through the forest, leaping over logs and small bushes. They came to a small stream and ran through it. The sun shone through the trees, warming their fur. After a bit of running, they got to the edge of the forest and entered the meadow. They looked around for deer but couldn’t find any. After some intense searching they finally found a deer herd. And the herd had a calf!

   “You ready?” Faolan asked Edme.

   “Ready when you are!” Edme replied.

   They rushed in and scared the calf, driving it away from the herd. Faolan came up on one side of it and Edme came up on the other. Together they both bit the calf’s legs, synchronized. The deer started to tire, and eventually collapsed. Faolan bit it’s throat, mortally wounding it. Faolan and Edme looked into it’s eyes, the ancient ritual of lochinvyrr taking place. Then the calf died, too greatly hurt to get up again. Edme and Faolan grabbed the deer and dragged it through the forest, back to the clearing. They dropped it in the center of the clearing and called everyone over. All the wolves wagged their tails and yipped happily at the sight of food. First Faolan ate, tearing a chunk of the throat out and gulping it down. Then he ripped off leg meat and chewed it, savoring the taste, before swallowing it. This continued until he was full. Then Edme came in, ripping off part of the thigh and eating it. She silently thanked the deer for giving its life for the pack. Then she finished eating, full. After her the other wolves slowly filed in until there was nothing left.

   “That was a good deer!” Edme said, licking the blood off her lips.

   “Yeah it was!” Faolan agreed.

   They walked to the warm spot they slept and laid down. 
   
   “Goodnight, Edme.” 
 
   “Goodnight, Faolan.”

Chapter Text

Faolan woke up. He turned to look at the sleeping form of Edme beside him. She was so pretty. He loved the way she curled up next to him. He wanted to lay there with her forever. But he couldn’t. He had stuff to do. He had an entire pack to look after. But right now, those responsibilities could wait. Right now, all that mattered was the beautiful russet wolf next to him.

   Faolan woke up to feel Edme shifting beside him. He turned to look at her. She was waking up. She got up and looked at him.

   “Faolan… I-I’m pregnant!” Edme exclaimed

   Faolan stared in shock, feeling everything slip away from his senses except him and Edme.

   “Edme.. I-I can't believe it. I’m gonna be a father! A father!” Faolan exclaimed, overjoyed at the thought of raising his pups with Edme by his side. Faolan nuzzled and licked Edme until he thought his tongue might fall off.

   “This is the happiest day of my life” choked Faolan, crying happy tears. He then sat down again and started licking Edme’s fur, grooming her fur until it was impossibly soft. 

   “I’ll go get you something to eat!” Faolan said lovingly, exiting the camp.

   Faolan searched around the meadow, looking for prey. He stopped to sniff at tracks on the ground, they were rabbit tracks. He followed them until he saw the rabbit. It was a plump-looking white rabbit. It would make the perfect meal. Faolan crept forward, unnoticed by the rabbit. He pounced forward, lunging for the rabbit, but it dodged and ran away. Faolan could hear the blood pulsing in his ears. His paws beat against the ground, running as fast as he could. He began catching up to the rabbit, but it was getting close to its warren. Just as it was about to go in Faolan leaped, the biggest, longest leap he could muster. His paws landed on the rabbit with a smack, and he pinned it down, grabbed it, and shook it, killing it. The hunt was over. He had caught the prey. He raised his tail high, walking back to camp confidently. He entered the camp and dropped the rabbit in front of Edme.

   “I got you this, Edme.” Faolan said, voice full of love and affection

   “Thank you Faolan! It looks delicious!” Edme said, affectionately nuzzling Faolan’s chest fur. 
   Then she took a bit of the rabbit. It tasted amazing. She made sure to eat the liver, the organ with the most nutrients. She would need all the nutrients she could get now that she was carrying pups. Edme ate hungrily. After a surprisingly short amount of time, the rabbit was nothing but skin and bones.
   “That was the best rabbit I ever had!” Edme shouted happily.

   “Do you want me to get you another one?” Faolan asked, tail wagging, happy Edme liked the rabbit.

   “No, thank you, I’m pretty full right now. But maybe you could get some for the pack?” Edme suggested.

   “Yeah, I’ll do that!” Faolan said, determined to get the pack a meal.

   Faolan scampered out of camp. He trotted through the forest, looking for prey. He spotted a moose calf, but the mother was close by. He had to risk it, he had a pack to feed. Faolan ran forward, biting a chunk of skin off the calf before dodging the mother. The chunk of skin fell to the ground in a small bloody clump. The calf bellowed in pain. Faolan ran again, grabbing the calf’s neck in his jaws and dragging it to the ground. The mother tried to hit Faolan but he dodged it, and now her hooves were coming down towards the calf. She tried to move her hooves but it was too late. With a sickening crack, the hooves landed on the calf’s neck and snapped it. The mother moose backed up a bit, shocked at what just happened, before it ran. Faolan looked at its eyes, but it was already dead. He sighed. As brutal as the calf’s death might have been, he needed to kill it for food. He secured his jaws around the calf’s neck and started dragging it back to camp. He went through the forest, lugging the carcass behind him. It took a while, as the calf was heavy, but eventually, he got it back to camp. The wolves smelled the food and came to see what it was. Katria came up and said,

   “Wow, did you catch this all by yourself!?” Katria said, slightly surprised.

   Faolan nodded. “I bit it, and then the mom accidentally killed it. Sad, but it had to die to feed us. I just wish I had enough time to preform lochinvyrr.” Faolan said solemnly. 

   Katria sighed. “Well, atleast this will feed everyone. May the calf climb the star ladder quickly.”

   Faolan signaled with his tail that the eating would commence. He started eating, ripping of chunks of meat with his strong fangs and swallowing. He made sure to save most of the organs for Edme. She would need extra nutrition now. After a bit, he moved away and let Edme come in. She took a bite of the liver, chewing the meat and swallowing it. Then she ate the rest of the liver. After eating the liver, Edme gazed around at the organs, deciding which one she should eat next. After careful consideration, Edme ate the heart, teeth cutting through the muscle. After a bit more of eating, Edme became full. She stepped back and watched the other wolves fill in and fill up. Before long, there was nothing left of the calf except scattered skin and bones strewn about. Edme decided to take a bone and gnaw it. Faolan decided to bring a bone for the pups to play with. He looked around at the bones, then chose a nice looking smooth neck bone. He picked it up in his jaws and carried it to the corner the pups stayed in. He dropped the bone next to the pups and said,

   “I brought you a bone to play with. It’s from our hunt!” 

   The pups wagged their tails and whined excitedly, then Abban took the bone and started to play keep away. The others pups chased him, whining and growling playfully. Then Myrrglosch pounced on him and held him down while Maudie took the bone from him.

   “Hey, no fair! You guys can’t team up on me! Abban barked indignantly.

   “Pups, play nice.” Faolan let out a gentle but firm warning growl.

   “Fineee” Myrrglosch said, flicking an ear in slight annoyance that was quickly fading as the fun and excitement of the game starting coming back.

   The pups started running around again, this time Maudie with the bone. But after running around for a while, the pups realized they weren’t satisfied with the amount of space they had to run around with the bone. They wanted to run outside, in the forest! Jump and hide over obstacles of all kinds, leave the bone on a rock and protect it, at all costs! The camp was no fun, boring!

   “Faolan, can we pleeeeaase go play outside? Just for a tiny bit!?” Maudie begged, pleading with her eyes.

   Faolan thought for a while. Then he made up his mind. “Yes, but I have to be there to watch you, and you can’t leave my sight.” 

   “Yay!” Maudie yipped, excitedly whining and whimpering.

   The pups scampered outside, Faolan close on their tail. They walked over to a spot near the clearing. It had a few logs to hide under, bushes to crawl through, flowers to sniff, and a stream to run through. The perfect playing spot. Maudie took the bone and ran, Abban and Myrrglosch close on her heels. She ran through the stream, trying to throw them off, but accidentally dropped the bone into it when a cold splash of water hit her chest. She reached down with her muzzle, trying to grab the bone, but a splash of water got inside her mouth, and she accidentally swallowed. She coughed a bit, then tried again and managed to grab hold of the bone. Then she sprinted away. The others growling and chasing her. After a while, the pups got tired.

   “Dad, can we go back?” Myrrglosch whined. “My paws feel like they’re about to fall off!”

   “Yes, it’s getting late anyway. Come on.” Faolan prompted the pups to follow him. They trailed behind him, leaving the bone behind, forgetting about it and not having much to think about besides their tiredness. They got back to camp and went in. The pups laid down in the corner and yawned. After a bit, Maudie got up and went to Edme.

   “Mom, I don’t feel so good.” Maudie whimpered.

   “Oh no! Can you tell me what’s wrong so I can try to help?” Edme whined, eyes full of concern for her pup.

   “M-my stomach hurts and.. I have a headache…” Maudie trailed off.”

   “Anything else?” Edme prompted.

   “Well.. I also feel cold.” Maudie explained.

   Edme felt Maudie’s forehead with her nose. “Oh dear, you’re burning up. I’ll go get Faolan.”

   Edme rushed off to find Faolan, and soon came back with him by her side.

   “She has a fever, a headache, and her stomach hurts.” Edme explained to her mate.

   “When did you start feeling sick?” Faolan asked with a gruff and concerned bark.

   “A-a bit after I played outside.” Maudie whimpered, starting to shiver.

   “And what happened while you were playing?” Faolan asked again.

   “Well.. I accidentally dropped the bone into the stream, and then some of the water got in my mouth and I accidentally swallowed it. That’s the only unusual thing that happened, really!” Maudie whined, eyes wide.

   “There might have been something bad in the water.” Edme said to Faolan, starting to whimper with a hint of fear in her voice.

   Faolan nuzzled Edme comfortingly. “Don’t worry, she’ll be ok, I’ll make sure of it.” Faolan said, hoping that what he said was true. “Let’s go see if there’s anything in the stream. Maudie, try to get some rest.”

   Maudie nodded and slowly walked away. Meanwhile Faolan and Edme half ran half trotted to the stream. Edme sniffed it cautiously.

   “Augh, it smells horrid!” Edme jerked back, nose wrinkling in disgust.

   Faolan’s tail started to go down, a small but clear sign of his growing worry. “We need to check the source for anything in it!”

   The two wolves ran up the hill, until the horrible smell started growing until it became almost unbearable. Looking down, there was a dead fox, laying rotting in the stream. Flies buzzed around it, and the scent almost made the wolves pass out.

   “We need to get it out of there.” Edme said, gagging. She started to reach in but Faolan stopped her, grabbing her scruff and pulling her away.

   “No, use a stick. You can’t touch that thing!” Faolan howled.

   He grabbed a nearby stick and handed it to Edme, who carefully used it to lift the disgusting carcass out of the stream and into a nearby bush. She spat out the stick, gagging.

   “I think that’s how Maudie got sick. We need to get back to her, now!” Faolan shouted, voice no longer trying to hide his worry.

    The two wolves ran back to camp.

Chapter Text

   Edme ran back to camp, Faolan by her side. She burst into camp, panting. She immediately went to check on Maudie, who was asleep but shivering and breathing heavily. She felt so sad she almost cried, and licked Maudie gently on the head. Maudie leaned in to the lick slightly but then jerked back with a shiver. She walked to Caila, sniffling. She’s raised pups before, maybe she knows what to do. She walked up to Caila

   “Caila? Maudie’s s-sick… and… she’s not doing well… I-I don’t know what to do, I’ve never raised a pup before!” Edme broke down into sobs infront of Caila.

   Caila brushed Edme’s face with her tail comfortingly, then said “Show me her.”

   Edme walked over, still sniffling, and led Caila to Maudie’s sleeping form. Caila went over and sniffed her, assessing her condition, then said,

   “You’re right, she’s not doing well. When my pups were sick, I would give them some berries and they would help. I know where some are, if you’ll follow me to them.”

   “Yes! Show me!” Edme shouted, wanting to try anything to help her sickly pup.

   Caila led her through the forest, stopping in front of a bush. It had forest green leaves adorned with beautiful shiny blue berries. Caila stepped back, letting Edme come through. Edme picked a small branch full of berries, pulling it off with her jaws. 

   “Is this enough?” She asked Caila.

   “Yes, that should be fine.” Caila nodded and started walking back. Edme hurried to follow.

    They reached camp, and Edme ran to Maudie, prodding her awake with a gentle paw. 

   “Maudie, dear, please eat these berries. They will make you feel better!” Edme pleaded. 

   Maudie weakly lifted her head, sniffing the berries, and slowly ate a few. Then she laid back down, whimpering softly.

   “Good, Maudie, you did amazing. Don’t worry, I’ll make you feel better, I promise. Now, try to get some rest. Hopefully you’ll feel better in the morning.” Edme licked her pup and nuzzled her head quickly before padding off.

   Edme walked over to Caila. “I gave her the berries. Are you sure it will work?” Edme questioned Caila, worried sick about her pup.

   “It should help. It worked every time with Mhairie and Dearlea. Unless Maudie is so sick not even the berries help she should feel better in the morning. And if she doesn’t, I promise I will find something else to help her.”  Caila nuzzled her friend’s shoulder, trying to help soothe her worries.

  Edme smiled slightly. “Thank you, Caila. That really means a lot to me.” She gave her friend an affectionate lick on the head before turning to go check on Maudie again.

   Maudie was sleeping again. She appeared to be a bit better. Edme was relieved. She laid down next to Maudie, tail wrapped around her, trying to give all her warmth to the little pup. She was starting to blur into unconsciousness when she felt something soft and warm next to her. She leaned slightly into the warmth, not realizing how cold she felt until now. She was vaguely aware of something wrapped around her, just as soft as the warmth behind her, and something warm and wet brushing against her head. It was a comforting feeling. She was calm and relaxed, and in her sleep-riddled mind thought, maybe Maudie will be alright. Maybe everything will be ok. And just like that, everything faded away as Edme gave in to the warmth and comfort of sleep.

   Edme woke up, but her eyes were still closed. There was warmth all around her, and she sighed, content and happy. Edme awoke a second time to a soft, gentle prodding of her shoulder. 

   “Edme, wake up, sweetie.” It was the voice of Faolan, her dear mate.

   Edme got up, stretching. “How’s Maudie?” She asked Faolan.

   “She appears to be feeling better. She has enough energy to walk around a bit now, but luckily her siblings know she can’t play with them yet.” Faolan reported

   “That’s wonderful!” Edme exclaimed, overjoyed. She walked over to where Maudie was laying, checking on her.

   “How do you feel, Maudie?” She asked gently.

   “I still feel sick, but I can tell I’m a bit better than yesterday.”

   Edme licked her pup. “That’s amazing! I am going to get you something to eat!” 

   As she turned to leave, Faolan stopped her.

   “Edme, please be careful. I don’t want you to strain yourself.” Faolan said, eyes full of concern for her.

   Edme nuzzled him. “Oh, don’t worry. I’m not as helpless as you think.” Edme said, a hint of playfulness in her voice. Then she turned and left camp.

   Edme decided a small rabbit would be a good meal for the sick pup. She trotted to the meadow, slowing to a walk as she entered. Her ears pricked, alert. She sniffed the air, scenting rabbit. Perfect. Edme dropped into a crouch, stalking the rabbit carefully. It was a bit thin, and certainly not the biggest, but it would do just fine. She waited. Come on, just a little bit closer… Then her fangs snapped shut, onto the rabbit’s spine. She picked it up and shook it hard, feeling it go limp in her jaws. She carried her catch back to camp, content that her pup would eat well. She walked up to Maudie and set the rabbit down in front of her. 
 
   “I brought you this, dear. Please eat, it will give you strength.” Edme nudged the rabbit towards Maudie.

   “Thanks, mom.” Maudie said weakly and began eating the rabbit. 
 
   Edme, suddenly tired from hunting, decided to sleep. Surly a short nap wouldn’t hurt? Edme walked over to her corner and laid down, tucking her tail around her muzzle and closing her eyes, falling asleep.

   “Mom! Mom, I-I think I’m gonna throw up!” Edme awoke to Maudie’s cries. She rushed to her pup, only to see her throwing up on the ground.

   Edme started telling her daughter comforts. “It’s ok, Maudie dear. It’s ok. You’ll be ok.”

   Edme looked at the vomit on the ground, and with a jolt of fear, realized that it was red. Too red to be the meat. Maudie whimpered, and threw up some more. Edme licked Maudie’s back as she threw up. Eventually, she finally stopped. Maudie stood there, shaking. Edme went to go find Caila. She found her, sleeping with Abban. Edme nudged her awake.

   “Caila, she got worse. Maudie just threw up blood.” Edme whimpered, shaking with fear for her pup.

   Caila, previously half asleep, fully woke up at this news. She ran with Edme to Maudie, who was now whimpering softly curled up in a ball. Caila looked at the blood vomit near her. Then she looked at Maudie.

   “I’m sorry, Edme, I… I don’t know what to do. I’ve never encountered this illness before…” Caila said, feeling a bit guilty that there was nothing she could do to help her friend.

   Faolan, who woke up from the commotion, walked up to the sad wolves.

   “Edme, Caila, I am going to out and look for something to help Maudie. Please look after her.” Faolan licked his daughter then left.

   “I’m going to go back to sleep, if you wake up and something happened to Maudie please get me.” Edme said, crying a bit for her pup. Caila nodded in agreement that she would help.

   Edme curled up next to Maudie and, eventually yet slowly, fell asleep.

   Edme woke up to Faolan standing over her. It was early, the sky still twinged with purplish grey blue. Faolan dropped something in front of Edme.

   “I found this, I believe it’s called a Star Flower. I am going to see if it helps Maudie.” Faolan said.

   Just then, Caila came running to them.

   “Abban has the sniffles, and he has a fever. I-I think he might have caught Maudie’s sickness” Caila choked out.

   Edme stared with her eye, in a scared worried kind of shock, while Faolan showed her the flower he brought.

   “I think this might help. I am going to try it on Maudie.” Faolan told her. Caila nodded, still crying.

   Edme gently woke Maudie, who was too weak to even whimper.

   “Maudie, eat this. It might help you.” Faolan put the flower in Maudie’s mouth, but she was too weak to even swallow.

   Faolan hesitated, then gently massaged her her throat, making her swallow the flower.

   “Good job, Maudie, good job” Faolan comforted.

   Maudie sighed slightly, then went to sleep. Edme and Faolan laid down next to her and fell asleep as well.

Chapter Text

   Faolan woke up from sleep. He was laying next to Edme and Maudie, who he was relived to see looked a lot better. He got up, stretching, and decided to go check on Abban. He remembered Caila said he was a bit sick. He walked over the Abban and looked at him. He didn’t look so well, it was clear he had gotten worse. Faolan decided to try and hunt a few rabbits, as the pack hadn’t eaten in a few days. Faolan brushed through the bush and walked into the forest, taking in all the sights and sounds. He walked through the forest, eventually getting to the meadow. He sniffed a rabbit scent. There was atleast 3 rabbits. Faolan stalked the rabbits, careful not to betray his existence. He carefully trailed behind the rabbits, avoiding anything that would alert his presence. Once he was close enough, he pounced, trying to bite one rabbit and pin the others with his paws. But the rabbits dodged, and he was only able to bite one. Disappointed, Faolan killed the rabbit and brought it back. He would let Maudie and Edme share it. He dropped it in front of them and gently woke them up. Edme and Maudie got up.

   “Did you hunt this for us?” Edme asked, still half asleep.

   “Yes, you both need to eat.” Faolan nodded and pushed the rabbit closer to them.

   Maudie walked up to the rabbit and took a bite. “I think I’m starting to feel better.” She told Faolan.

   Edme also started eating the rabbit. But it wasn’t that big, and the wolves were hungry, so soon the rabbit was all gone.

   Faolan looked at the pitiful amount of food the rabbit had been and knew what he had to do. He had to bring everyone to hunt in a byrrgis. Faolan walked to the middle of the clearing.

   “Everyone except the pups and Edme, come with me. We are going hunting.”

   “Why shouldn’t I come?” Edme asked Faolan.

   “You are pregnant with my pups, and I don’t want you getting hurt. This hunt is going to be very dangerous.”

   “Ok… I… understand.” Edme said, a bit disappointed but accepting of the statement. “Please be careful. I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you.”

   Faolan licked Edme’s muzzle. “Don’t worry, I’ll be as careful as possible. Please be safe here as well.” And with that, Faolan led the wolves away.

   They walked through the meadow, into the plains. After some time of searching, Faolan found what he was looking for: a bison herd. The wolves trotted around, and identified one with a dislocated leg. The target had been set. Katria and Airmead ran in, and managed to separate the hurt bison from the herd, more easily scared from its weakness. Then Mhairie and Dearlea ran at it, using short bursts of speed to keep the bison sprinting while they only used some of their energy. Eventually the bison got tired. It stopped and tried to stab Mhairie with it’s horns, but she jumped out of the way. Then Caila came up and bit into the bison’s leg before jumping away. Faolan ran up and bit a chunk of flesh from its shoulder, a small river of blood gushing from the wound. The bison tried to charge Faolan, but then Dearlea bit it’s leg, causing it to turn around angrily.

   The bison was about to stab Dearlea with it’s horn, but just as it was about to stab her The Whistler jumped up and sunk his fangs into the bison’s throat, ripping it out. The bison collapsed on the ground, it’s wounds too great. Then the wolves slowly came up and preformed lochinvyrr, being granted permission to eat the bison’s meat. After this was done, the bison died. Then Faolan came up to eat. Before he started eating though, he tore off two big chunks of meat and the bison’s liver, saving them for Edme and the pups. Then he started eating, tearing at the flesh with his fangs and gulping down meat. He had never tasted anything like the bison, but it was good. Faolan tore off another chunk of meat and chewed it, savoring the delicious flavor on his tongue. Then he tore off flesh from the stomach, eating a bit of the half-digested plant matter inside, and reminiscing on his nostalgic memories of eating onions with Thunderheart all those years ago. After a bit more of eating, Faolan was done. Then the other wolves came in, tearing and ripping at the meat, eating their fill. When they were done, Faolan tore off a few more chunks of meat and buried them, saving them for later. Then he and the rest of the wolves started walking back. Eventually they got back to camp. Faolan entered and saw Edme curled up with the pups, watching them sleep. Then she saw Faolan was back and came up to greet him, licking his face.

   “I see you brought food.” Edme said hungrily, drool beginning to rush to her mouth at the sight of the meat.

   Faolan nodded. “Yes, for you and the pups.” 

   Faolan then gave Edme the liver and a chunk of meat, and she started eating hungrily. After a bit Edme finished, licking fresh blood off her muzzle.
 
   “Thank you, that tasted amazing!” Edme said, tail wagging. She nuzzled Faolan affectionately.

   “You’re welcome. Could you please give this to the pups?” Faolan said, handing Edme another chunk of meat.

   “On it!” Edme said, running off to the pups.

   Faolan watched as the pups ate hungrily, shredding the meat with their sharp puppy teeth. After a bit, all the meat was gone.

   “That was good, what was that?” Asked Myrrglosch.

   “Bison.” Faolan replied.

   “Well, I like it.” Myrrglosch responded.

   “Yeah me too!” Maudie agreed.
  
   Then Caila came up to Faolan. “Abban’s really not doing well, he just coughed up blood.” She said worriedly.
    
   Faolan felt his stomach sinking, then said “Come with me. We must give him the Star Flower.”

   Faolan and Caila rushed off into the forest. Faolan led her to the stream, where a small patch of Star Flowers grew. He plucked one and ran back, Caila on his heels. They ran to were Abban was laying, blood dripping from his mouth. Faolan gave him the star flower and he looked at it weakly.

   “Eat this. It will help.” 
 
   Abban took the flower in his mouth, chewed a bit, then slowly managed to swallow. He then collapsed back down from the effort.

   “You’ll feel better, I promise, Abban.” Caila fretted, licking his head.

   Faolan walked over to Edme and sighed laying down next to her.

   “Pups are so much work, aren’t they?” Faolan said.

   Edme said nothing, but licked Faolan”s chest in silent agreement.

   “But it’s worth it.” Faolan said again.

   The two lay together in silence for a bit, before Faolan spoke.

   “When are you having you pups?” He asked.

   “I think soon. Maybe a month or so?” Edme replied, shifting a bit.

   Faolan was happy to  hear this news. He began licking Edme’s stomach, so happy that he was going to have pups of his own. The two lay in silence for a while, possibly hours passed. None of them bothered to count the time. Eventually Edme spoke.

   “Faolan, do you have any name ideas for them?” Edme asked her mate.

   Faolan thought for a while. “Maybe Archi or Yivic? What about you?”

   “Skaars, Torrel, and Lyvvr.” Edme responded.

   “Those are some good names.” Faolan murmured, licking Edme a bit before closing his eyes.

   The two lay together, and eventually fell asleep.

Chapter Text

   Edme woke up. It had been a month. Now she felt like she was about to explode, her pups due and minute. She looked up at the sky. It was a full moon. Suddenly, she felt a push. Her pups were coming! She rushed to Faolan and woke him up.

   “Faolan, my pups are coming!”

   Suddenly Faolan was up and aware. Faolan rushed to get Caila, while Edme collapsed, convulsing. Faolan came back with Caila.

   “Get her a stick to bite.” Caila ordered. Faolan immediately ran off to get a stick.

   “It’s ok, you’ll be ok.” Caila soothed. 
   
   Edme cried out, convulsing as the pup got closer to coming. Edme wailed in pain, and Faolan came back, stick in his mouth. He gave it to Edme, and she grabbed it in her jaws. Edme shook, then, with a violent heave, the first pup came out. Faolan came up and bit open it’s birth sac, nudging it gently to Edme. Edme shook again, and the stick snapped under her teeth. Edme whimpered, tears forming in her eyes, as she convulsed. After a while, the second pup came out. Faolan nipped open it’s birth sac as well. Edme lay there, panting, and Caila inspected the pups.

   “Two girls!” She shouted happily. 

   Edme smiled weakly. She licked her pups, feeling an intense love. The pups were beautiful, one silver like her dad, the other a tawny golden color. Faolan looked at the pups, feeling so happy he felt like he might pop.

   “T-they’re beautiful!” He smiled, crying happy tears.

   Faolan licked his pups, then Edme. He loved them so much! The two wolves laid, curled around their pups. Edme lay on her side, and the pups began suckling at her teats. The feeling was calming, knowing her pups were there with her eating.

   “I’m going to name the silver one Skaars, and the tawny one Lyvv.” Edme decided.

   “Those are beautiful names!” Faolan exclaimed, licking Edme and the pups intensely.

   Edme sighed happily. She eventually drifted off to sleep, comforted by her pup’s and Faolan’s presence.

   Edme woke up, pups by her side. She looked around, but Faolan wasn’t there. She looked around for him, but didn’t see him anywhere. Edme sighed and laid back down again. A bit later she saw Faolan, he had a rabbit in his jaws. He dropped it in front of her.

   “I got you this.” Faolan said sweetly, nudging the rabbit towards Edme.

   “Thank you.” Edme said gratefully, eating the rabbit. She enjoyed the taste of it.

   “I have another thing for you, I’ll be right back!” Faolan said, rushing off.

   Edme looked at her pups. They were just starting to wake now, eating. She loved them so much. She would die if it meant protecting them. She laid back, relaxing and feeling the sun shine on her face warmly. She glanced at her pups again. Their eyes were still closed, she wondered if they would still be green since they were in a different place, but she knew they probably would be green. Then she heard pawsteps, and a bit later Faolan ran into camp, a bison pelt in his jaws, He walked to Edme and set it down.

   “I got you this, so you and the pups can be warmer when we sleep!” Faolan explained, tail wagging happily.

   Edme smiled. “Oh, thank you!” She nuzzled her mate’s chest fluff happily.

   “The pups are doing well. They are so lively!” Edme told Faolan.

   Faolan looked at his pups. They were so cute! He licked them both lovingly.

  Edme yawned, suddenly feeling tired. “I think I’m gonna take a nap.”

   “Goodnight.” Faolan said. “I’ll go do some stuff around camp, you get a good rest.” And with that, he padded away.

   Edme closed her eyes. It only took a bit before she fell asleep.

   Edme woke up. Her pups were stirring next to her. But then she noticed something, their eyes were open! Just like she had thought, they both had bright green eyes. She immediately thought their eyes were the most beautiful she had ever seen.

   “Faolan! The pups opened their eyes!” Edme shouted excitedly. But then she took a closer look, and she noticed something.

   Skaars had one blind eye!

   “Faolan, S-Skaars has a cloudy eye!”

Faolan ran over, eager to see his pups. He gazed at his beautiful silver pup, looking into her clouded, blind eye. It had a knowing quality to it, like she had knowledge beyond her years.

Faolan smiled at Edme, licking her amber forehead gently. “It’s ok, she’s still perfect. And she has a wonderful mother who can help her, as she also has one eye!”