Fawn looked at her new little family, heart filled with joy as she did. The birth had, luckily, gone as well as it could. Journey, Tread, and Traverse had been born first, and were perfect in ever way. Little Venture had been a surprise, though. They had only really expected three whelps- but the fourth was welcome nonetheless. Roam held the smallest whelp gently. The whelp had stayed fussy longer that the other three had, like he was not quite agreeing with having been brought into the world just yet. Roam smiled softly at Fawn as he gently rocked Venture, trying to soothe him. "He's a stubborn one, isn't he?" Roam chuckled, brushing his large hand over the little whelp's tuft of hair. "Maybe he was content where he was." Fawn laughed quietly. "He'll come around. He's just taking his time, that's all." She reached out to stroke Venture's tiny cheek, and his fussing quieted a bit at her touch. "You did a good job, my love," Roam whispered to Fawn, his eyes filled with warmth. "We should tell the others soon," ((Roam said, glancing toward the entrance of their home, where they had left the door slightly ajar to

let fresh air in. Outside the sun had started to set, casing long shadows across the colony headquarters. He had occasionally heard others walk by, surely impatiently awaiting the good news.)) Matter had been there to assist with the birth itself, but had left fairly soon to let the new family get some alone time. "They've been waiting to hear the news." Fawn smiled at the thought. The whole colony had been eagerly awaiting the birth, offering advice and supplies as they prepared for the arrival of their whelps. "I suppose we should," she agreed, though part of her just wanted to saver the quiet moments with her new family for a little longer. But duty called, and Roam was already standing up to head outside. "I'll be right back," he said, flashing Fawn a grin as he carefully handed Venture back to her. "I'll gather everyone." Fawn adjusted the little bundle in her arms, feeling the warmth of Venture's small body as he finally began to settle. She looked over at the other three, their tiny forms curled up against her. They had all been wrapped in soft blankets, and laid cuddled up to their mother. ((They snuggled closer

to their mum as a breeze of cold air filled the room while the setting sun bathed them in a warm glow.)) The bigger three had all peacefully fallen asleep already. It was hard to believe they were here, that they were real, and that this was now their life. A few moments later, she heard the sounds of excited voices approaching, and her heart skipped a beat. She glanced toward the window, where she saw the familiar faces of her friends trough smudges of dust and fingerprints. Roam had returned, and behind him was a small group of their closest friends and family members. Their faces lit up as they entered, eyes immediately drawn to Fawn and the whelps. "Oh, Fawn," Woodland gasped, moving forward to get a closer look. "They're beautiful." Fawn beamed, pride swelling in her chest. "Thank you," she said softly, shifting so they could all see the babies more clearly. "Meet Journey, Tread, Traverse, and " she hesitated, her smile widening as she nodded to the small one in her arms, " this little one is Venture." There were murmurs of awe and delight from the group as they cooed over the newborns. Bang leaned

in closer, his eyes sparkling. "Four? You didn't mention a fourth." Roam laughed heartily, wrapping an arm around Fawn. "Venture decided to surprise us. We were expecting three, but he had other plans." "We don't mind, of course," Fawn added, chuckling softly. "But we're happy to have him." Others from the group offered their congratulations, each one taking turns admiring the whelps. Bloo grinned and clapped Roam on the back. "Looks like you've got your hands full now. Four little ones, huh? Going to be a handful. And all the whelps in the nursery too, Depart has been eagerly awaiting your return." Roam grinned widely, pride clear in his expression. "I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm sure Depart can hold the fort a little longer, too." After a while, the excitement quieted down, and the group began to disperse, leaving Fawn and Roam alone with their whelps once again. The room seemed quieter than before now, but the energy of the day still buzzed in Fawn's chest. She looked down at her whelps, then up at Roam. "This really is it, isn't it?" she said softly. Roam looked at her confused, and she gently elaborated. "Our new life."

Roam smiled, sitting down beside her and gently taking Venture back from her again. "Yeah," he said. "It's just beginning."