WC: 535
Save for the sounds of the fire and the hushed conversations, the room was quiet once everyone settled in. There were no later arrivals, and so the packmates had migrated to their own corners and niches, some deciding to remain off to one side like Grace and her animals, others gathering as family such as Eclipse and Saul did. Colibri's earlier tension had largely dissipated in the presence of good company, but there was a lingering malaise she knew she would have to deal with later. For the time being, she could mask her troubles under her exhaustion and ill health, and that would be enough to hide them. Her blue eyes brightened when Eclipse complimented the litter, and she smiled silently, bobtail waving behind her. She was so happy her niece would be a part of her daughters' lives -- there was much she could teach her Soul cousins. When her question was left unanswered, though, Coli's ears dropped back apprehensively. She knew not to press the topic, although the thought that something tragic had happened to Eclipse was a sobering one. She hoped it was nothing, that she had simply misunderstood. Perhaps Eclipse was merely alluding to the future, that she was finally planning on pups of her own. That would be a joyous occasion, to be certain.
Saul was as helpful as he always was, moving quickly to examine the youngest pup even as the little wolfdog was struggling to climb over his footpaw. Coli moved gratefully to accommodate him as he sat down nearby, thorough and professional as his medic training took over. Coli glanced over to Lilin, wanting to reassure her but unsure what to say. She was worried that perhaps the little one had hit her head, and it had caused some sort of damage, but... there was no external sign of injury, something Saul was quick to confirm aloud. "Well, at least that's a relief... Thanks, Saul, I was afraid there could be something serious," she admitted with a sigh, smiling as she watched Saul handling the little pup. For once, it was good news. Florina was butting her head against the hands that held her, curious to test these new boundaries. "There are so many things to worry about," she added, worn out by the toll of her emotions. It wasn't just the puppies, even though they had suddenly become the focus of her everything. Her energies were better devoted to keeping them healthy and happy, instead of repairing bonds she had broken long in the past -- a priority she was still trying to wrap her head around.
Coli rested her chin wearily on her damp paws, relaxed by the crackling warmth of the fireplace. The mud and rainwater that heavily saturated her pelt was beginning to dry out, at least on the side facing the fire. Fiora and Farina were already asleep, snuggled against her stomach and partially obscured as she moved her hind leg to cover them. They were safe from the storm here, and they could all sleep soundly knowing they were with family that would cherish and protect them. Coli's breathing slowed as she, too, was gradually lulled into a dreamless slumber.