It had been a few weeks since the babies had arrived and Ranyin had made a point of keeping her distance. Not because she wasn't curious — she was very curious. But something about the whole thing made her stomach twist, and she wasn't eager to find out why.

Still, curiosity eventually got the better of her.

She had seen others coming and going, had heard the occasional mention of the babies the pride and joy of the Tsang line, each time she found herself listening a little more closely. What was so special about them, anyway? They were just babies. Small, helpless things that couldn't do much of anything. Yet everyone seemed terribly interested in them and despite herself, Ranyin was beginning to feel left out.

So when she thought no one was paying attention she approached the den cautiously, ears pricked forward as she listened for any sign of movement within. The faint sounds of the puppies reached her first, little squeaks and shuffling noises that drew her a few steps closer. She hesitated at the entrance glancing over her shoulder before creeping forward to peer into the darkness.

Her nose twitched catching the unfamiliar scents mingled with those she recognized. She strained to make out the little shapes within shifting her weight from one paw to the other.

She only wanted to look. Just for a moment. And if anyone happened to catch her, well she wasn't doing anything wrong.

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