Relief surged through his veins as Varia growled out the status of their newborn pups. He barely watched her go before ducking into his little den, circling around the small huddle of his children with equal parts awe and worry. Three little boys, he thought, gently nosing them apart; and Varia hadn't bothered even to lick them clean. Laying the gunkiest in the cradle of his forepaws, and trying to tamp down the bitter swell of resentment he felt for the whole set of circumstances for their creation, he set about preparing them properly for the rest of their lives.