1x1 with IcedAntimony

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Ivy was awoken by her mate’s excited poking, stretching before opening her eyes to see Bramble digging at the softened snow. Now understanding her excitment Ivy jumped up, careful not to wake the still sleeping pups. Ivy started digging at the snow, happy to feel the softness crumbling beneath her paws. She dug faster as she saw the first little light shine through, happy to feel the cool air from outside flow through. As they finished clearing the opening Ivy heard a tell-tale whimper behind them. “I guess they’re awake now”

[IcedAntimony]

Bramble turned and saw her pups curiously sniffing at the opening. She nudged each of the pups out from under the roots. She slipped out after them and watched them teeter around on unsteady legs.

"Come along." She said warmly, guiding them with her tail. Their den wasn't too far. Now that it was warmer, it would be easy enough for the pups to walk.

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Ivy followed behind them, smiling as their pups sniffed everything they passed, taking in the world with the enthusiasm exclusive to pups. she enjoyed the chill in the air, the forest no longer loud with the whipping of wind but rather the distant chirping of birds and the crunch of snow-covered leaves beneath her paws. They'd be at the den in a few minutes she thought, until she watched one pup fall over and knock the other two down. well, maybe a little longer. She helped the pups back to their feet and watched them test their balance again before immediately playing with the snow again

[IcedAntimony]

After the walk home, which had taken almost double the time due to the pups play, Bramble realized that the pups were probably hungry. As if on cue, Sky began whimpering. Three week old pups didn't need milk, right? She tried to remember how her mother had taken care of her younger siblings from other litters. At three weeks, they could already eat chewed up meat. They had no food right now, as the storm yesterday had prevented them from hunting.

"I'm going hunting." She called to Ivy, already heading out. "The pups need food."

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Ivy knew she was right, they probably hadn't eaten in a while. She couldn't help but worry though, she always hated when Bramble went hunting alone. Usually she'd insist on going with her, they would always be safer together. She knew the pups couldn't go with them though, and she couldn't leave them alone. So she stopped herself from following her mate,
"Please be safe." She called, starting to groom the pups in order to distract herself from her own worries.

[IcedAntimony]

Bramble crept through the grass, alert for any type of prey. A pecking sound came from ahead. She slowly stalked towards it, until she saw a pheasant. Quietly and calmly, she approached. She suddenly pounced, catching the bird and delivering a killing bite. She trotted back to the den, content with her achievement.

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Ivy had been playing with the pups when she heard the familiar sound of her mate's return, and she turned around to greet her, happy to have her back. She knew she was worrying to much but she still felt a rush of relief at the site of Bramble, pheasant in mouth, entering the den. The pups seemed to recognize what this meant as they ran up to greet Bramble.

[IcedAntimony]

Bramble smiled at the sight of the eager pups. She quickly stripped the feathers off of the bird. Sky was already there, trying to take a bite, though she was much to young. Bramble tore off a strip of meat, chewed it up, and offered it to Sky. The pup eagerly ate, though Bramble couldn't help but feel slightly disgusted. She motioned for Ivy to come closer and help her feed the pups.