Magnolia Glen everything's not lost

MG wolves are welcome but not too close, thank

The air was warming, a wonderful sunny day greeting the woman. Her new home was a paradise, her new life: heaven. But this particular day was less than wonderful. She'd hardly gotten any sleep, the restless souls within her stirring, threatening. Before the sun had risen, she'd began to pace outside of her den, tempted to wake Phineas, warn him of what was to come. But her mind raced, every idea put forth was quickly dismissed, focused wholeheartedly on the situation at hand. As the sun rose, steadily warming the earth, she retreated back into her makeshift den, jaw clenched, nerves adding to the discomfort that radiated through her body.

But it was only to get worse. In time, there was no room for nerves, only pain, only instinct. Her paws would dig frantically at the dirt as she laid upon her side, head tilted back nose aimed towards the far wall. Her toes curled and she aimed to breathe, close her eyes and simply breathe. This pain was something tolerable now and she assured herself that it would, indeed, get worse, but she could do it. Why? Because the result would be glorious. Oddly enough, Borlla hadn't given much thought to motherhood. She had been pregnant for some time now, aware that there was something physical within her, but there had been so much else going on.

And now, as the pain increase and her body went through the motions of preparing for this birth, she realized the reality of it all. She was going to be a mother. She was going to have children, her own children. Babies to coddle and adore and raise and teach. They were the final piece in this puzzle she'd been trying to work together. And this was it. As this dawned upon her, the contractions increased, the time between them uncountable. Not that she'd be able to count, let alone truly comprehend anything beyond the pain that sapped her energy. Quiet whines, folded with sharper sounds, mingled with the late morning air, the calls of birds silenced, the trickle of the creek drowned out.

Mild relief was found after what felt like eons. The contractions persisted, but there was the faintest feeling of relief. Enough time for the woman to lift herself and collect the first soul that made its way into the world. A boy, sizable, but something was off. As she cleaned him, encouraging the first living noises from him, the woman quietly noted a lack of limbs. Well, limb. There were only three. A spark of panic made itself known in her brain as she moved him to feed. The events stacked themselves quickly, hardly enough time for her to register such panic before the pain picked up again, driving her to push. Hardly any time passed before the next and final body was released into the world, and as the pain receded, Borlla knew it was over.

Lifting herself quickly, she freed the girl of fluids, and nudged her towards food. She seemed fine, intact. Bright orange eyes scanned over the boy again, eager to eat. Despite the missing limb, he seemed...Fine, healthy. That was all Borlla could have asked for. Sides rising and falling greatly, Borlla laid back again, eyes fluttering closed as she let relaxation take over again, sweet relief, pride and pleasure. It was far too many emotions to take in at once, yet she did somehow. The pieces were all fit together now. Her world could be at peace. <b style="color:#32527a">"speech."

Lurking until the end of July - Please PM/tag me to get my attention

He had awakened as she began to pace – his fiery eyes watched her with tired concern before understanding soon dawned upon him. A gentle whine elicited from his muzzle as he made to move forward and soothe her, yet given instinct and the memory of his ex-mate’s birthing process, he knew his touch would be unappreciated for the moment. He shifted out of the den, his paws slicking back with the wet dirt that clung to him from the dew. He settled just outside the den entrance – his figure rigid as he remained on guard at the entrance, though both ears slid back at the soft sounds that came from within.

His heart clenched with each soft whimper Borlla released, his limbs tensing as he refrained from rushing back to the confines of the den to reassure himself the safety of his mate. She was young, and this was her first litter – these two things caused him only worry, and the fear he felt flooded the pheromones that released to the air. He did not call the news to the pack – not yet. For now, he simply contained himself to a form of patience and awaited for the arrival of what he hoped would be a healthy litter, and a tired but proud mother.

Time passed and the sun rose higher in the morning. Soon, the scents that came from the den shifted – the whimpering of his mate’s pain shifted away as the tiny cries of newborns would fill his ears and senses. He straightened then, swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat. He paused a moment, wondering if Borlla would chase him from the den and her young. Boldly, the regal took a step forward, reaching in to the den first with his face, his gaze seeking out her lovely form.

His fiery eyes fell upon her – the contentment that seemed present upon her features stirred his heart and relief flooded him. Lowering himself, his eyes seeking out his children, they fell upon the two most beautiful creatures of the world – the stark ivory of a baby boy, and the tawny softness of a girl. First glance and all seemed normal to him, his emotions elevated, yet as he drank in the sight, his gaze fell to the missing limb of his son, and he stiffened suddenly. “Is he..” The words failed to release – he had never seen such a thing before, and fear once more enveloped him as he searched for reassurance from his mate.

The desperate need to be assured and yet totally abandoned raged within her. She'd driven him from their quarters with her own pacing and whining. She refused to be comforted, touched. And eventually, when the deed was done, she found herself glad for the silene, just a moment to recover, collect herself, ensure that they were alive, in one piece. And for the most part, the two lovely souls were. She'd easily come to terms with the pale boy's lack of limb. What difference did it make? Within the confines of Magnolia Glen he would be safe and able to learn. The girl was rather lovely as well, all put together properly, coloring lovely. Certain she'd one day look like much of the other Tainn's had. A genetic perfection. A small little lilting laugh budded from her throat as she laid down again, relaxing, allowing her children to feed.

Quiet now, she could hear Phineas's movements right outside, and her eyes shifted, watching the entrance with care as her body curled in around her children just so, enough to keep them warm. His form was evident, proud, and though her jowls lifted slightly, she made no move or sound to prevent him entrance. As he neared, she became less hostile, realizing how much she desired his presence. A smile played on her lips as his gaze swept over what they had created. Though she was certain that he'd seen what had caused her momentary panic some minutes ago. Her own smile faltered, replaced with a look more serious, though there was some protective motherly gleam within her gaze. She didn't desire for him to worry over the child. He would be strong, she was certain. <b style="color:#32527a">"He's fine. What's important is that he's breathing. Besides..." Her eyes dropped to the suckling child. <b style="color:#32527a">"He has good blood. He'll learn." Part of her refused to discuss it any further, at least right now, and such a desire was clear in her voice. <b style="color:#32527a">"speech."

Lurking until the end of July - Please PM/tag me to get my attention

She looked to him at his question – was that protectiveness in her eyes? At him? Her words were soothing, though the tone held the perfectly honed female version of ’just drop it’ and the ivory male allowed the subject to drift, though it stayed close to his heart. The boy would be less capable, but not incompetent. The pack would teach him well, but it was likely he would always have need of the pack.. and even less likely that he would be able to drift away, claim a mate of his own and create his own lineage. It mattered little, he supposed, and such times were long off.. for now, his eyes could do no more than take in the perfection both of his children offered, and taking a step closer, Phineas allowed his muzzle to lower ever so much to inspect them closer, uncertain if Borlla would allow it.

Deciding not to push new motherly instincts, the Leader moved to rest beside her, his figure shifting to curl at her backside and wrap protectively around her frame. Gingerly, he went to groom her back and nape quietly, his eyes every so often drifting to the small forms that would emit the tiniest of whimpers. “What shall we name them?” They had discussed names briefly, but had never truly settled on anything, given they were uncertain of number and genders. His orange gaze regarded her quietly, noting she must have been exhausted and suddenly regretting not going on a hunt for her during the birthing – not that it was likely he would have been able to stray very far from her, nor that his focus would be upon a capture.

Borlla wouldn't let herself linger on her boy's disability. It would probably always hover in the back of her mind, but she would drown it out. He'd grow up perfect. There was no arguing that fact, because she would ensure it. Her tail beat out a quiet little rhythm for a moment, and she shut her eyes, giving herself another moment or so to just breathe. When she felt herself begin to doze off, her eyes snapped open, and she would laugh weakly, wanting nothing more than to just go back to sleep after such an exhausting task. She'd worry about the finer details later. They were fine, she was fine, if not sleepy. She wouldn't allow herself to worry, though it would certainly come down upon her hard later. Every little snuffle was likely to throw her into some sort of frenzy.

Her eyes followed Phineas silently, smiling warmly as he moved around her, settling at her back. The woman breathed a sigh of relief. Everything just felt complete now. Well, almost. He'd brought up the important matter of names. Quietly she pondered this for just a moment, eyes nearly fluttering shut again. Wrenching them half open, she turned her head slightly to look at him. <b style="color:#32527a">"I quite liked Hypatia and Kyros. They seem..." Her voice trailed off as she looked down at the two tiny bodies nestled against her. <b style="color:#32527a">"Fitting." She looked back at him again, wondering if he'd find the names as agreeable. Regardless of what their names were, she was certain she wouldn't love them any less. Well, maybe that wasn't entirely true, especially if a name was especially dreadful, though she couldn't conjure something that terrible up in her current state. <b style="color:#32527a">"speech."

Lurking until the end of July - Please PM/tag me to get my attention

His eyes skimmed over her worriedly – the tired laugh, the fatigue that shone from her bright tangerine eyes. He had no comparison to what a she-wolf went through when giving birth, and while he had always been kicked out of the den during the process, Borlla reacted almost the same as Desdemona had not so very long ago – spare the love that also seemed to shine in her eyes as she gazed down to her children, the fondness in her voice so much more real to him than Demi’s ever had been, especially when she named their children.

His eyes traveled down to the two youths – one almost perfectly white, albeit one missing limb, and the other snuggled against him, her pelt a stunning array of golds already. He couldn’t have asked for more from her, and distinctly his mind drifted back to the fateful night they had copulated.. to the random and desperate decision both had made to fulfill one another’s lives. He had yet to truly court her, and as his fiery gaze swept over her, studying the creamy contours of her beautiful fur, his muzzle lowered to preen gently at her fur. “I love you,” he whispered, the words surreal to him, and yet longing. He had never spoken them before, and despite the fact they had much more to learn about one another, he had never felt more right than he did now. “Kyros and Hypatia,” he reiterated, feeling a small smile creep to his lips at the names. He had favored them as well during their discussions, and his consent was spoken only through the contentment within his eyes as he stared once more upon them.

Everything felt so odd to her. So long had Borlla lingered on the past, reliving every terrible moment, each terrific deed she'd committed, time and time again that she'd locked herself into a cycle. She could never change, nothing would ever be different. She'd destroy every good chance before it had a chance to flourish. But the past months had been different. She remained by Phineas's side, dedicated, steadfast, determined to change the fate she'd given herself. Loneliness had been her whole life. She'd alienated herself from her family, from those she loved. But here she was now, the opposite of how she'd been. For once, her past was not something she dredged into the current, but mere memories to be recalled at will. Everything had changed so drastically, she hardly had time to catch up. Genuine happiness was what she felt now, no undercurrents of worry that something would be waiting to ruin it all.

Tired, Borlla could help but lean back on Phineas, glad for his support, both physical and otherwise. Her eyelids fluttered, though she would not look away from her children yet, as though sleep would make them disappear. Sleepily, she leaned down, licking each of them gently again, trying to ensure they were real, still there, and they were. Humming quietly, she tipped her head back, watching her mate now, silently. His words hung in the air and she was startled, all traces of exhaustion had faded for a moment. A tiny flame warmed her chest, and she gently licked his cheek, <b style="color:#32527a">"I love you, too." She answered, smiling as she pressed herself against him, and let her muzzle tip into her chest, tempting sleep to come now. <b style="color:#32527a">"speech."

Lurking until the end of July - Please PM/tag me to get my attention

He felt her soft warmth press back against him, the words slipping from her muzzle far more naturally than he would have envisioned. Exhaustion rolled off her in waves, and yet she clung to a wakeful state, if only seemingly to keep him company.. or perhaps to soak up the joy of what she had brought in to this world. He remained quiet then, his teeth preening at the fur at the back of her nape, his silence hopefully encouraging her to allow sleep to come. He doubted sleep would come to him for a long time, and yet he also refused to move from this very spot, knowing the others of the pack could take care of what matters lay beyond his family den.

The gentle sighs and suckles that interrupted the darkened area only further reiterated that he was now father to two – the feeling of elation was akin to what he had felt when Demi had given birth, though this time, as his eyes trailed over the pale figure of the boy and the tawny of the girl, he knew without a lingering doubt they belonged to him. All at once emotion washed over him – the curiosity of what color eyes they would have when older, of how they would be. Would Kyros be inhibited by his missing appendage? The aching thought that the boy might not even survive refused to creep up to the male’s mind, and so he instead dwelled upon the future ambitions both of his children might have, their goals. What their dreams could be.

Despite being unable to sleep, Phineas shifted his weight, placing his muzzle upon Borlla’s shoulder where his nose would be partially buried to the fur at her nape. The future of Magnolia Glen had arrived, and so started the day where Phineas knew he would never be able to breathe with ease again, for his worries were now solely placed upon the two lives that nursed and cuddled at his mate’s side.

This would be her life now. In her sleepless mind, she was pulled through scenarios of grandeur. Of course, life was never like that. Sure, she'd be happy, but it wasn't like some fairy tale. Her mind ran away with itself, however, causing the woman mild distress. It was hard to sleep with all this thinking. Groaning quietly, she shifted slightly, letting her ears search for something calming. The suckling of her children. That seemed like a good place to start. It was rhythmic and quiet. She smiled, filling her mind with dark, willing sleep to come over her, to lock her in this picturesque moment until consciousness found her again.

In time, monotony would come, and she looked forward to that. To knowing what every day could bring, knowing that she was finally doing something with her life. Something good, something selfless, rather than selfish. She looked forward to finally meeting her packmates and getting to know the man that had fathered these wonderful children. Maybe she'd search out Corinna one day and try to right things with her, and perhaps Triell would still be about, and Borlla would fix things with him as well. A list worked itself out in her head, somethings possible, others impossible, until she finally drifted off to sleep.<b style="color:#32527a">"speech."

(blah blah crappy exit post ;;)

Lurking until the end of July - Please PM/tag me to get my attention

He felt her shift beneath him and unknowingly he lifted the weight of his muzzle slightly to allow her to adjust herself. His eyes shifted to study her features, wondering what it was that seemed to ail her dreams as a soft groan emitted from her pretty jaws. Whether it was fatigue or distress, he couldn’t be sure, and the fiery-eyed male was not going to wake her. Despite everything she had been through in the day, he had been surprised at how long it took for her to fall asleep.

She seemed to settle once more, and again Phineas placed his muzzle to her side, feeling the gentle rise and fall of her stomach as she breathed in a more quiet slumber. The softest mewls of noise would interrupt the den every so often, and while not used to such things, the Leader found the sound soothing.

While he had not thought it possible for sleep to find him, within the dark confines of the newly established family den, Phineas felt his lids flutter shut slowly. The sound of the night was welcome to him – the soft hoot of an owl heard just to the outside seemed almost to echo in his mind as it began to lull itself to sleep. Every so often the shift of one of the newborns would stir him to a more wakeful state, but once assured that both of his cubs and mate were fine, Phineas was not long before he would drift off once more.