The pups come soon, but what of the others?

[CursedErin]

Xenia laid down in one of the dug out spots throughout the tunnels. She had figured a way to get light through into her current den, a small hole that led outside and shone enough light to allow her to see around in the area. The female was laying on her side, her belly swollen, pregnant and more than likely going to have her pups soon. She looked around before calling out. "Uther?" she called, hoping her mate was somewhere nearby that he would hear her. The pregnant wolf tried to not sound too distressed, not wanting him to come in thinking she was having her puppies now.

No, instead she wished to talk about furthering themselves and making a pack of their own. But it would need more members, not just Xenia, Uther, and the pups, she needed a few more members, and she was in no condition to go out searching for them herself and risk her pups to the elements.

[6dewdrops]

Uther

    The outside air sent chills down Uther's spine. It was not a good season for pups, but fate had taken its course. The large white wolf had perfect camouflage for the winter. Snow hid his white pelt and the thick layers kept out the chill. Hopefully the pups had similar advantages. Uther ducked into the entrance to the tunnel and shook his pelt. White flakes drifted to the brown dirt, creating a multitude of justifiable juxtapositions. Ideas of names floated through his mind, but none were noteworthy enough to mention. He stepped over the quickly melting ice and into the dark tunnel of packed dirt. His mate must be wondering where he was. Uther heard a quiet voice from the nearby den. Although the tone was void of urgency, he picked up speed. 

    As as he entered the den, he saw a beautiful heap of white fur. Uther smiled at his mate, Xenia. Her belly bulged with the burden of pups. The couple had been staying in the old territory of Dark Donoma. Although it was a small piece of land, it was perfect for the small pack they were planning on building. Members still needed to be found and perhaps that was what Xenia was concerned about. Uther would ask her. He slowly approached her and licked her muzzle with deep affection. "What do you need my queen?" 

[CursedErin]

The female got a bit worried when she didn't hear him call back immediately or quickly, but she soon dismissed the thought and laid her head down against her paws, knowing her mate was safe wherever he would be. Her prayers were answered however as she heard pawsteps thudding down the tunnels. Immediately, she raised her head and perked her ears up, seeing Uther appear at the entrance. She smiled happily and affectionately to her king, as he made his way over to her and spoke.

Xenia returned the affectionate lick to his muzzle, before nuzzling her head against his a little, raising herself up a tiny bit in order to so. Slowly, she sat her weight back down against the ground, looking at her belly in particular to make sure she didn't justle up her pups any. "It's time we started talking about the pack we wanted to form, once again, my King." she said to him, looking up at him with her bi-colored eyes. Her tail wagged a little behind her as she thought about the idea of having a pack. "We need only members now, for Camelot. I.. Would go out and search for them myself but.. I don't want to risk anything.." she replied, looking back at her belly again.

"Would you do me the honor my King? Go gather members and claim the territory as our own. I will be here, waiting for your safe return. If the pups manage to come while you are away, do not worry, I will protect them with my life, and I can handle the birth myself." she finished, looking up at him with hopeful eyes.

[6dewdrops]

Uther

    Xenia nuzzled him back and he felt the spark between them. Uther watched as she shifted to a more upward position and concern welled up. He didn't want her pushing herself or harming the pups. She would need all her strength for the upcoming birth. Xenia spoke and Uther listened intently. Her words did not surprise him. They needed new members before they could make their pack official. 

    Uther nodded his head in agreement. The wall became very interesting all of a sudden and his focus shifted from Xenia to the caked dirt. He thought about her words and bobbed his head. Silence stretched throughout the cave. After a few minutes of thought, he dipped his head and returned to Xenia.

    "Okay. I don't like the idea of leaving my queen, but okay." Uther nuzzled Xenia in farewell. "I will be gone no longer than two days. My search will take place in the redwoods. If you need anything or the pups are born, howl at the entrance of the tunnel. I will know what has happened by the urgency in your howl. No matter how insignificant, I will rush back." He licked and nuzzled Xenia for a minute more before making his way towards the exit. Uther turned his head and looked back at Xenia. "I love you and will come back as soon as I can. Do not miss your king too much my queen." He smiled and exited the den. 

[CursedErin]

She saw his head look away, and she quickly became concerned. Soon enough, she was about to raise up to look him dead in the eyes, before he finally nodded and looked back at her. Xenia let her muscles relax once again as he spoke down to her.

"I will be safe my king, no one knows I am here but you. Travel safely, and don't get into trouble! The pups still need their father." she said as he started to make his way out of the den. "I love you as well.. Please return in one peice." she said, almost whispering the last part in a prayer as he left in search of members. Xenia hated the fact that he had to leave, but there was no other choice. They needed members if they wanted to make a pack, and she couldn't go with him, or by herself. She hoped the pups wouldn't come before Uther got back, but in the back of her mind, she thought they would be born before her mate got back, and it would be up to her to make sure they stayed alive to see their father.