Hati couldn't find Terra anywhere; she was well hidden and remained quiet. A flash of worry made him wonder if she had passed out -- how would he find her then? Luckily, a nearby yip alert him, and he turned in time to see a spray of dirt appear from the mouth of a cavern.
A flood of scents washed over him then, his nose crinkling as he tried to process it all. The coppery tang of blood was present, but not overwhelming, mixed with other heavy scents he could not place. There was damp earth and freshly dug soil, wet fur -- and colostrum, a perfume he would never have been able to recognize if it had not stirred some vague memory of his own puppyhood, nursing with his littermates. Terra had given birth on this day. This was her den, and now she was a mother.
Hati was shocked, to say the least, but immediately felt a swell of pride for his friend; this was so exciting! There were babies in there! He took a deep breath and shifted down to his four-legged form, letting his hands meld back into paws, the dark fur of his mane filter back into the midnight grey-blue of his pelt. He would never fit into the tiny entrance hole as an Optime, nor did he want to crowd the young mother with his presence. When he had completed the transformation, he shook himself vigorously, trying to get comfortable in his own skin. He'd been spending a lot more time upright lately, and it took a moment to readjust. Hesitantly he crept to the entrance of the den, pale eyes peering into the gloom. He spoke softly, not wanting to disturb her newborns. "Terra, congratulations...! I had no idea... can I help you with anything?" His tail wagged behind him hopefully, relieved by the good news. Ayita would be so happy to see newborns in the kingdom again!
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