The idea had taken him aback at first. But where others might have taken time to think it over, weighed the pros and cons of what it all might mean, Sleekwing had taken mere seconds to reply. Of course he said yes. It was ingrained in his very being to do anything and everything he could to ensure a happy future for Malina. Needless to say, that had been the easy part – agreeing to it. It wasn’t until after the deed was done that Sleekwing had returned home and truly thought about it. They hadn’t discussed what part he would play in their children’s future. She had asked him to father a litter for her and her mate – which in and of itself confused him, but he did not question her life choices.

Winter had been a long and lonely after that day. Sleekwing often found himself roaming away from the mountain to shadow her, watching her from afar as her sides slowly swelled. A feeling of loss welled within him, wishing that he could be at her side and care for her throughout the pregnancy. But there was always that red cloaked female not far from her; Rogue, he thought Malina had called her. And so he maintained his distance, not wishing to disturb their lives. If this was what she wanted, he would respect that.

Many of his days were spent wandering the highest, snowiest peaks of Spirane. He did his best to remain within his homelands, so as to put distance between himself and Malina. As the snows melted he descended the mountain more frequently, often gazing off into the eastern horizon. Once they were born perhaps they could speak more easily about where he fit into the equation. They were his kids, afterall; he wanted to at least exist to them on some level.

That morning he stirred in his den much the same as Malina did. He felt restless, uneasy for some reason. As the feeling pulled at the pit of his stomach, he suddenly flashed his eyes to the den entrance. It hit him like a ton of bricks. Today was the day. Today he would become a father for the first time. Maybe the only time in his life. He pushed that thought down though and erupted from his den, galloping down the mountain and across the eastern borders. His pace was relentless, carrying him at breakneck speeds across the freelands. His muscles burned from the exertion, but he ignored his bodies pleas with him to slow down. Finally Glorall was within site and he slid to a stop, sniffing along the borders. It only stopped him for a short time, as he lifted his head and looked around for a moment before crossing into the pack lands at a slower pace. He jogged, sides heaving from the run, hoping to calm himself and become a bit more presentable by the time he found her.

Though he did not know Glorall’s lands, it did not take him long to seek her out. His heart and soul pulled him in the right direction, while his nose lent aid as well. From afar he saw the large black and red female, hovering at the entrance to a den, before Malina’s voice called out to her. She disappeared within, and Sleekwing’s ears folded back apprehensively. Did she want him here? He debated turning back, going home, but then his ears pricked forward and caught the soft mewls coming from the den. Slowly he moved forward, step by step, drawn by some unseen force. Another female arrived before he had made the distance across to the den, and he all but ignored her, hearing whisps of her words. Medic…wellbeing…bleeding… Sleekwing’s eyes went wider at the last word and he quickened the final steps to close the gap.

Lowering his head, he does not enter the den, but simply inserts his head within the very edge of the entrance so that his voice might carry to her. “Malina?” It is all he says, his voice strong and even, although he is unsure if he should proceed to enter without invitation. They were his children by birth, but had he relinquished all rights to them? Would Rogue stand in his place their entire life? Or would they know their father, where they came from? Malina’s history was rich, but what of the other half of their parentage? All he could do was wait, and silently hope that he would not be chased away.