In the dead of night, two Mirror dragons moved. One, sleek and well-built as all members of his breed were, kept a lookout for his mate, who followed behind him heavily, paws hitting the ground with an echo. The second Mirror, who also identified as a male, was obviously heavily pregnant. His belly was swollen with pups, possibly three or four, and they thrashed about in their fatherâs stomach. He paused to wince as they walked along, gritting his teeth as the pups delivered rapid kicks to his sides.
âWe can stop if youâd like,â the other male whispered to his mate, lowering his head and keeping his mouth close to his mateâs crests. The pregnant one shook his head, even though he was in obvious discomfort. It showed on every inch of his sleek body, and his muscles trembled as they continued to walk on.
âNo, no. No. We have to keep going, and find somewhere for these little ones to come.â Despite his pain, his tone was loving, and he looked down at his swollen belly with soft golden eyes. His mate returned the gentle gaze, before rolling them away and back to the front of their path. âBesides, we need to make sure weâre far enough away from Fatherâs territory. Weâre only a few miles out, and once these pups are born we wonât be able to move as quickly.â
âWe canât move as quickly now,â the second male muttered under his breath. âAlcides, you need to rest.â
âAnd you worry too much, Nur,â Alcides, presumably the name of the pregnant male, huffed back. âThe pups and I â will be fine,â he said, pausing between his words as another kick cut him off.
âI still think we should find a cave. At least for tonight,â Nur suggested, the tip of his tail twitching as Alcides considered his words. They did need to find somewhere to bed down for the night, and Alcides reluctantly agreed, his shoulders slumping as exhaustion showed on his features.
âAlright. You win for now,â he sighed, flanks heaving as he did so. âLetâs find somewhere to bed down. You look exhausted.â Alcides flicked his tail jokingly in Nurâs direction, brushing his tail tip against his mateâs leg. Nur chuckled softly at that.
âThere might be one to the left of here,â Nur said, his voice sounding like a soft purr upon receiving affection from his mate. âIâll try to find some bedding, in case there isnât any.â
Alcides snorted. âIâve slept on bare cave floors before, Nur. Itâs not a problem.â
âNot while youâre carrying,â Nur said strongly. âAnd while we donât have a bed, youâll be sleeping on the softest materials I can find for you.â
Alcides gave another snort. âOh, fine. If it makes you happy.â
Just as Nur had predicted, when they started walking towards the left of their location, they came across a great, looming cave. The mouth seemed to beckon to the Mirrors, and they cautiously approached it, using their heat-seeking eyes and sensitive noses to check for any other living creatures who may be sticking close to the cave. They found nothing but a few scurrying mice and voles, thankfully. Nothing larger than ten pounds. Nothing large enough to threaten pups.
There were a few scraps of moss and scattered leaves on the cave floor, and Alcides carefully scraped them together and laid on top of them, making a makeshift nest just for the moment. Nur looked unimpressed, but he said nothing as he turned to go find more nesting materials, knowing in his heart that it would be very possible that their pups would be born here.
Despite fighting against it, Alcides was quick to fall asleep on top of his shabby nest, flanks rising and falling slowly as he fell into a fitful sleep. For a few minutes, Nur watched him, before turning his attention back to the mouth of the cave, watching and waiting, hoping that they could finally be safe.
