OOC.
Word Count → 535
Neela’s ear twitched as she heard somebody approaching through the forest. She tried and failed to make out their scent but the strong scent of fish coming from her chin blocked it out so she had to crane her neck, though the awkward position didn’t stop her tail from wagging happily when she saw who was approaching.
Neela gave a quiet bark in greeting to Isa, ”You as well Isa.” she said in response to her greeting. Her ear flicked, showing a hint of displeasure, at the follow up question, ”Been feeling restless and ain;t got the energy to go anywhere. Missing my hands as well, been ages since I’ve been able to catch fresh fish and this feels like cheating. Tasty cheating though,” she grinned, showing off bloodstained teeth from her recent meal, before quieting down a bit, becoming a bit duller as the considered whether to continue her answer, ”A bit scared.” she confessed, ears lowering,”When I had my first litter it was only a single pup and I was worried there was something wrong with me that I didn’t have more, now I’ve got a large litter and I’m worried I’m gonna have too many.” she chuckled, half because of the contrast and half to try and reassure herself
The Amatha woke and Neela’s thoughts were torn away from her worries and focused on the adorable little bundle of fur scampering over towards her. Neela dropped her head down, laying her muzzle flat along the floor so she could be level with the puppy. She waited patiently as Amatha sniffed along her and then pounced when the puppy moved across her face, muzzle darting forwards an inch to lick Amatha across the muzzle.
Chuckling Neela turned her attention back to Isa as she spoke, offering her services for a task Neela really hadn’t been expecting. Neela’s first reaction was to reject the offer, a knee jerk decision born from the desire to save face, to try and hide her fears. She paused before she actually said anything, trying to figure out why she had been so instantly opposed to the idea.
Age featured chiefly. The women that had helped Neela through her first birth had been much older than her, veterans of many litters of their own. Isa was half her age and it prodded at Neela’s pride somewhat, accepting help from someone so younger then her at a moment when she would be at her weakest.
Neela snorted quietly, shaking her head. Pride had no place in this matter, just what would help her pups. Neela raised her head to look Isa in the eye, smiling, ”Thank you Isa, I’d be honoured for you to help me.” she paused for a second, chuckling, ”Perhaps between us we’ll even manage to scare Tony off, or at least keep him out of the way.” Neela did want her mate there but had no illusions as to how useful he would be during the actual event. Still smiling she lowered her head down again, still keeping Isa in her vision but giving some attention to Amatha, blowing gusts of hot air from her mouth at the pup. ”Hopefully they’ll come out as well as Amatha.”
