It had been a few hours ago when Sweetclover had her pups, but Taiser had not announced the new arrivals to the pack. He had waited until his mate was ready, and had gotten her a hare to eat. Now that she was settled in and comfortable with the new litter, Taiser made his way to the central lands. After sniffing about briefly, he gave up looking and simply tossed his muzzle back and howled out the news.

She heard the howl, and the battered but nearly healed alphess trotted forward. She had her head held low, an old habit. You never knew what lurked in the shadows, what wanted to kill you. She smiled at Taisers news. A pleasure, my friend. She murmered to him. Her tail waved a bit, but that nor her smile could be seen in her eyes. Indeed, there was such a great pain, such a deep sadness it was shocking. Can I see them? She asked softly.

Lilac also trotted to Taiser's call, smiling and tail waving. This was the male who had helped her to save Liam from freezing to death, and she was overjoyed to see him so happy. Good fortune has visited you at last, Taiser. I am glad.

Beside her stalked the constant, silent shadow of her son, blue eyes wide and startling in all that black fur. But this time... this time he did something very strange. Rather than pulling up beside his mother, at his accustomed place, he planted himself next to Aaka. Still wordless, he looked expressively up at her, and his eyes said, When will someone realize that something is wrong? His silence was maintained, but his eyes spoke volumes. Other pups meant that he would now be outcast, for who wanted to be friends with a pup who did not speak?

Filled with bliss, Taiser scarcely noticed the look that Liam had bestowed upon Aaka. Mind filled with the thoughts of his own pups, the new father brandished a tooth smile as he lowered his head, "Yes, Sweetclover was quite excited for you to see them." His amber-brown eyes flashed to the other mother next, "Thank you. It means a lot to both of us." Tail a-wag, the leggy brute made his way to the Den Site, where his mate and four pups where.

Her eyes lowered to Liam, and she gave him the same faint smile as she had before. Then she saw it. He knew. She raised her eyes again. Had it come to this? She couldn't control her feelings, nor her mask? Come, Liam. Lets go see the new pups, shall we? She stood, and was about to walk away but waited for the youngster to follow.

Lilac smiled at him and prepared to trot off after him, but noticed her son's sudden interest in Aaka. Her soft purple eyes met his for an instant, and held them. He stared back, with something like unto defiance in his face. Something passed across through her eyes, quickly, and then was gone. She waved her tail cautiously and then trotted away. Liam would be safe with Aaka.

Liam stared after his mother, then turned to look back up at Aaka. Finally, he nodded, and began to trot away with her.