Whisper Caverns The Meaning of Life

Not going to say where the den is or much else cause the other thread "The Perfect Placement" Isn't done yet. XD I only want two of you guys to join this thread just note that your wolves probably won't be allowed inside. Tag you guys in case you wanna show. @Simaea @Sloane Sloane would be first to post. Simaea can post once she's called by Nari to check on the little sickly pup.

That night a silver she wolf had gotten little to no sleep. Pains from her abdominal area cloaked her body making the female twist and turn in discomfort. Her nice nest was destroyed by the young woman's movements throughout the night. Only slight whimpers escaped her maw as she tensed up and bared with the pain.

The small birthing den was quiet for the most part. Outside of the gray wolfs dwelling the mists scoured the landscape; coming off of both the Lagoon and the marsh. The overcast skies allowing the mist to swell and thrive along the ground for there was not enough sunlight to burn the low flying cloud off. Once in a while a hole in the cloudy skies would allow small shafts of sunlight to pierce the land. Warming it up slowly to the new day.

Narimé's body shuddered as pain clasped it roughly in its jaws. A cry escaped her throat as her body pushed trying to rid itself of the pups that clung to her womb. No thoughts ran through the silver wolfs head, just that need to get her pups out of her pain filled body.

An hour passed and the first pup slithered into existence. The dark slimy thing wiggling and waiting for that first breath of air. Nari looked at it amazed at first, then realized that it needed help getting the birthing sac off. He can't breath! She quickly began licking the pup tearing off the slime with her tongue then breathed a sigh of relief when the dark pup squealed loudly. She nosed him all around making sure the little boy was uninjured then very carefully dragged the little male to her belly so as to look at him properly.

"You are so dark! why did y..." She was cut off by pain arching through her body once more. It caught her off guard, but once more the female was thrust into concentration. Experiencing the pain but still baring with it.

A half an hour passed until the second pup slipped into the nest. Its red fur immediately catching Nari's blue gaze. This time she quickly went to work on cleaning the pup off. Her tail wagged a little as realizing this little pup was a female. She's going to look just like her daddy... Nari smiled as a few unhappy squeaks came from the pups tiny toothless jaws. Apparently she didn't like being given a bath.

Once the second pup was snuggled into her belly next to the first Nari paused catching her breath and waiting for the next wave of pain to start. "Maybe... I'm done now?" She whispered then looked down at the two tiny bodies laying cuddled up beside her. About five minutes later discomfort started up again sending Nair back into her concentration mode.

The last pup came out easier. Perhaps due to its smaller size than the previous two. Narimé had felt ain but on a lessened scale which allowed her to more quickly get her attention to the third pup. Its dainty size scared the gray wolf. She began cleaning noting the little gray pups slow movements and lack of squeaking. Once done Nari pulled the little gray boy to her side and continued grooming him trying to get the little one to say something. It was another hour of watching him and grooming the barely breathing pup until he finally made a noise. An annoyed yelp came from his throat which calmed Narimé down. Her worry for him decreased as she watched the little gray pup snuggle into her fur and fall asleep. His stable breathing assured her that the sickly pup would be okay. I just have to keep an eye on him that's all. She smiled then looking at the other two of black and rust.

Tiredness crept at Nari. Her eye lids began to droop, but before she could sleep the fatigued queen had to cleanse herself. It took her about twenty minutes to fully clean herself then another twenty minutes to arrange the nest back to her liking. The gray wolf knew that she would have to show Sloane eventually, but for now she was contented to just rest beside her pups alone for a little while.

Another five minutes later and Narimé was fast asleep cuddled around her three children.

Sloane was restless. Narime' had spent most of the last couple of days in or around her birthing den and he knew that her time was coming soon. This knowledge both excited and frightened the huge male. His beautiful young mate had not had an easy pregnancy and he worried for her first birthing. He'd seen it all from a distance, but this was so much more personal. It was the lives of his mate and his young that hung in the balance. He didn't know what he'd do without Narime'. She was his heart and part of him wished every day that he'd not put her in this position. Of course the larger, more logical part knew that all of this was just the normal scheme of things and it would all work out in the end.

He walked back and forth between her birthing den and the main cave where the rest of the pack slumbered on, feeling edgy and nervous. On one of his many trips back to the birthing den, he heard a cry of pain call out and he ran the last couple of feet. He lay down before the entrance, knowing that he would not be allowed entrance, especially now. The scents and sounds told him that it had begun. The first generation of Thorbens born in the Lore were making their entrance. He gave a low whine to let Narime' know that he was there should she need him, but he wisely kept his distance. She would let him know if she wanted him closer. His large russet head poked into the mouth of the small cozy den, eyes adjusting to the almost nonexistent light and nose breathing deeply of his wife and children as they were brought into this world.

The scents wove together to confuse his nose, the smell of blood and fluids mixing with the new scents of his and Narime' brood. His heart had pounded fiercely as Narime' had struggled through the pain as the first large dark male came and a smile lit his face at the second one's complaints over her bath. He could clearly see the fiery color to match her temperament as her fluffy fur dried under her mother's ministrations. The last to come was lighter still and much smaller than the first it seemed. He watched as Narime' licked him vigorously to stimulate him and let a breath out at the first whimpers from the tiny bundle. He let out a quiet whine of joy, not wanting to disturb the little princes and princess, but his tail beat out a silent song of happiness that his queen and their young royalty had come through the birthing all right. His newly enlarged and much beloved family was safe and finally here.

Knight of Honor

She had rested for a short while. Three hours had passed and now the sun was high in the sky. Its weak rays had burnt off the remaining fog that had previously cloaked the earth hiding the little birthing den. Though the clouds still hung around casting a dreary look on an otherwise momentous occasion. A rusty male wolf sat anxiously outside of the tiny den awaiting his queen's invitation inside.

Narimé was awoken by the wiggly worms that poked and prodded her belly. Though not from the inside now, they still kept her from getting fully rested. When her lids opened Nari yawned loudly more refreshed after the three hour nap. Her blue gaze traveled over the three pups taking in each of their forms with a warm look. She began scenting them all over again to make sure they were clean and happy then paused scenting another most familiar smell. Her mate was outside of the den. I wonder how long he's been out there for? He must have came by while I was sleeping little did the silver female realize that he'd been there the whole time. Watching his pups being brought into the world. She had been too preoccupied to notice her mate just outside the den.

Another prod in her stomach turned her gaze down to the rusty pup who was squirming around the most. The black was strong but seemed to be nice and calm whereas the rusty girl didn't look comfortable at all. Not with how much she was moving. The squeaks that radiated from her tiny mouth gave Nari a crooked smile as she looked over the already pushy puppy. Then her gaze turned back to the little gray pup. He was very still, with light breathing that frightened the woman. Quickly she went to work grooming him again to get the pup to breath stronger.

Occasionally she glanced to the mouth of the cave. Nari knew that Sloane couldn't wait to come in. His tail beating upon the ground like a drum alerted her to this fact. So with a chuckle she invited her mate inside the cramped space.

"Sloane you can come see them now." She smiled waiting for the huge bulk of Sloane to squeeze through the small opening. Then put her head down to continue grooming the tiny gray pup. His breathing still hadn't picked up and she was worried about how weak his little body seemed to be. Maybe I should call for Simaea soon.. Normally the pack wouldn't see the pups this early.. but.. She might be able to help him. More than what I can do for him now. She debated on this worrying about the little gray while making room for Sloane as he came in.

It seemed as if eons had passed since he and Nari's young royalty. He dozed fitfully as they did, starting awake at the tiniest sound or whimper, only to drift once more and then repeat the cycle. He was tired, but he was blissfully happy. His mate and his children were safe and the pride he felt in them and in Narime's incredible gift to him knew no bounds. He'd dozed off once more, still with a slight grin gracing his creamy muzzle, although a sweet voice woke him in a heartbeat and his unconscious wagging grew both in tempo and strength, sending a small cloud of dust into the air behind him.

Sloane nodded his head and gave a joyful whine as he slowly wriggled his way into the small opening. It was a good thing that they were deep in the heart of their territory for as he wormed his large form through the opening his back end was in a most vulnerable position. He though of nothing but his new family though and made his way completely into the dug out area, pressing his large form into the sided of the den so as not to crush his little ones. For a long moment, his golden amber gaze met his mate's and love shown brightly there. Love and pride in her accomplishment. He nuzzled her gently, licking her silver cheek several times, before turning his attention to their newborns.

He breathed deeply of each one, committing each one's scent to memory, knowing that he would know them anywhere, anytime. The largest was black and he reminded him of his uncle Jacob, stout and dark as a moonless night. He seemed calm and quiet as his father inspected him. Then he moved to the russet female that had complained over last night's bath. Her fiery coat and feisty attitude also reminded him of another family member. Tempest. She had been named aptly for in her youth, she had often let her temper get the better of her. Perhaps this one would be like her much respected aunt one day. The littlest one was silver like his mother, with red-tinted legs to decry his Thorben heritage. He was so small and moved weakly. He caught Narime's look of worry about this one and he whined his own concern, licking all three of his tiny offspring.

He returned his gaze back to Narime' with a look of love and wonder. "They are beautiful my love! Look what we've done... the life that you've brought into this world...just... perfect." His voice cracked with a riot of emotions. Love, pride, awe... all rolled together.

Knight of Honor

@Simaea

Her eyes shined at Sloane's happiness as he entered the den worming himself into the small space. She had to stifle a laugh which sent a jolting pain through her lower stomach as Sloane began licking her excitedly on the cheek. Nari growled a little hoping he would calm down a little while they were all smushed into the tiny space. Her blue gaze watched anxiously over the pups as her mate settled in and brought his muzzle down to drink in their milky scents. She watched quietly proud of the little things squirming around her belly. For the moment the little gray pup had stable breathing so Nari was able to ease her worried expression for a short time.

Patiently she watched as he sniffed each little fuzz ball in turn. The black pup was now quiet snuffling around her belly just before latching onto her and drinking large mouth fulls of Nari's milk. She was sure he would grow up to be as big and strong as his father. Though the silver wolf was still unsure of where that black fur came from. She did not know that her father Sibo had family with gray and white fur. Neither was she sure about what her mothers side of the family looked like. Maybe there were black wolves in moms side of the family.

"I wonder what to name them." She gazed down in wonder at her pups. She couldn't get over how both she and Sloane had made these little living things. Life was miraculous to her in that moment. The bond she had with her pups was growing exponentially. Even now she knew that she would do anything for them, that she would fight to her last breath for them.

Sloane's voice broke Nari out of her staring fit. Taking her gaze off the pups she looked into Sloane's amber eyes. She saw reflected in them a storm of emotions that seemingly rushed through her. The young mothers heart swelled with the same pride reflected in her mates eyes. They had made these beautiful little creatures. This is my family. My family to love and hold forever.

Looking down to the pups again Nari nuzzled each one starting with the dark one, then to his sister, and then to the little gray. She paused over him worry creeping onto her features. The gray pup seemed to be having trouble breathing again. She listened to his gurgling wheezes and stood up promptly. Pain lurched from her abdomen but Nari ignored it since she wasn't bleeding from anywhere, at least not anymore since she last cleaned herself. He needs help. She turned to Sloane.

"Sloane can you lick the little gray one for me? Lick against his fur until Simaea gets here. I'm calling for her..." She hoped he didn't think she was being over dramatic. Nari knew something was wrong with the little one, maybe there was something Simaea could give him to make his breathing stronger?

For once she didn't wait for his permission. Nari faced the opening of the den and let out a howl for the young black healer. Even though Simaea was young, Nari was sure she would know more about what was wrong with her pup. She should have gotten a little training that might help... Was her thinking.

(This post was last modified: Aug 11, 2013, 05:02 PM by Narimé.)

Silence around the she wolf, silence through the cavern. Chaos in her head. Simaea had wanted to be near enough to help if need be, but now she could tell she should have waited farther away. The she wolf was hunched over in the very center of the main cavern with her eyes stretched wide and her breath coming in short gasps. The sounds of birth had come to her in the still air and petrified her. Simaea could almost hear the strangled cries of her parents mingle with Narime's own cry. So she sat in silence, trying to banish the memories alone, fighting hard to come to her senses.

After long moments soft voices came to her, Sloane and Narime were talking, but the soft vibrations merely circled her ears, she did not move a muscle, nor did she try to decipher the soft melody of voice. More time passed and then, a howl, she jumped. Her head flicked upwards and ears pricked forwards. It was for her, Oh no. please not more death, something must be wrong! She rose to her paws and paced towards the birthing den nose in overdrive scenting the still air for blood, and she scented nothing new, no new blood scent besides the stale birth.

Simaea took no time in entering the small den, breathing through her nose steadily. In... Out... In... Out. Sloane was steadily licking the a small grey pup. Such a tiny thing, I cannot let my fear get in the way of its life. Still in silence she took a very deep breath, steadying her paws and leveling her head. She heard a voice at the back of her mind, one that put a touch of happiness and much more strength in her young heart, Simaea are just going to stand there and let the pup die? What kind of healer are you? What kind of wolf for that matter? Straighten up girl I know you are much better than this, or those mangy dogs would have killed you. It was Shantai, her prickly irritable savior.

It was just the healers way to chastise Simaea in that way when she made enough mistakes, and it had by far been the secret to her inner strength. Self worth had been ingrained into her from every irritable remark the healer had ever made. All at once her eyes grew steel, as if moving through a dream, unfrozen she bent to sniff at each pup in turn, just to be sure there was no trace of any sickness on any of them, the last was the gray one. She firmly pressed Sloane's muzzle out of the way with a look that told him it would be best not to interfere.

it was apparent the poor thing was having trouble breathing, she nosed him once to roll him and put her ear next to the tiny nose, waiting for the breath to stir her ear fur. It did only very slowly and too soft. For a moment Simaea sat up, deep in thought before abruptly bending over and placing her muzzle on the ground before the pup. One... two... three As the pup inhaled Simaea puffed out her own breath hard and stirred some dust, which went directly into the young one's nose and mouth. A few seconds, a great intake of air from the pup. Simaea raised her head quickly just as a gurgling sneeze erupted from the tiny scrap which expelled a thick mucus. Much to Simaea's delight she heard a tiny cry erupt from the little one's muzzle. "Better little one?" She spoke softly and moved away allowing the little pup to find it's way back to Narime. Happiness apparent in her chocolate gaze as the little wolf cried the whole way to it's mother.

He was so proud of her, but her worry was infectious and as she made her way out to summon Simaea, he turned once more to the tiny forms before him. The large black male and feisty red girl moved about snuffling for their missing mother, but the little grey male was so quiet and still, barely breathing. He furrowed his brow and a low whine emitted from his muzzle before he did as Narime' bid, rhythmically licking him from rump to ear to stimulate him. The most reaction he got was a tiny whimper of complaint. He felt his own breath catch with worry and began whispering words of encouragement between strokes of his long tongue. "Hand in there little one! Simaea will fix you right up. There's far too much for you to see yet, my son." The last word caught in his throat. He hadn't been a father for long, but already he couldn't imagine life without each and every tiny bundle that he and Narime' had created together.

As he heard another approach, his words quieted but his licking never ceased. Eventually her heard Simaea make her way into the cramped space of the birthing den. He couldn't be sure in the dim light, but she seemed to have an almost panicked look on her face, as if haunted by some memory. Thankfully, she soon came back to herself and briskly pushed him out of the way with a no-nonsense look. Giving her a nod of understanding he shifted closer to the earthen walls to give her room to examine all of the pups and evaluate the smallest.

He exchanged worried glances with Narime' and frowning when the Healer appeared to blow dust in his face. Just as he was about to question her actions his son let out a huge sneeze, spraying thick mucous for several inches. After giving a startled look the tiny pup began to wail his displeasure. Much as he hated seeing him upset, Sloane was much relieved to hear the renewed vigor with which he cried. Simaea had helped him clear his airway and now he was breathing normally. With a look that spoke volume he said, "Thank you, Simaea.' in a deep voice that trembled with barely checked emotion.

Knight of Honor

She might have gotten a little too overprotective.. Sorry about that!

Her call was soon answered which brought relief to the young mother. Simaea came quickly walking right past Nari and looking down at the pups. At first Nari was okay with being ignored almost completely, for she wanted only for the pup to be looked after. So she stood behind Simaea trusting the dark woman near her tiny little bundles of fur. Please let him be okay oh please...please please.. She fretted quietly at the mouth of the den watching ever so closely at Simaea's movements with her little gray pup.

Her silver gray fur bristled a little when Simaea shoved Sloane's muzzle out of the way. (To her it looked like Sim shoved) Then, as Nari watched kneading the ground with her anxious paws like a giant kitten, Simaea began looking over the pup. The gray female's eyes flicked to Sloane noting his calm acceptance of Simaea's work space. Flicking her blue gaze back to Simaea, Nari watched closely as the dark wolf sharply blew dust into the pups face.

What the hell was that for! Nari came forward quickly shoving her way past Simaea and tried to nip the dark healers nose. A snarl came from her muzzle until her ears heard the sneeze and wailing of her newborn pup. Using her large silver back end Nari blocked Simaea's view of the pup and reached down to lick it a few times. The little gray was strongly moving towards her scent and breathing clearly as he whined.

He bristling fur relaxed as the realization dawned on the gray female. She made him sneeze for a reason... Her nose drifted to the splat of mucus on the ground which had come from the pups airways. It was to help him breath.. Instantly Nari was ashamed and angry at herself for treating Simaea the way she had. She was just doing her job Nari.. Your such an inexperienced idiot... chastising herself Narimé turned around and gave Simaea a few licks on her muzzle.

"I'm sorry for that.. For before.. I didn't know.." She tried to explain then glanced back to the gray pup and heaved a relieved sigh. At least he didn't seem in danger anymore.

"Simaea, thank you.." She said still looking at her pups as they grouped together underneath her searching for her warm belly fur and milk.

The moment after Simaea spoke to the pup, Narime came across the small room, and nipped her nose. The silvery leaders snarl resonated in her ears and Simaea stepped back with a look of complete surprise on her face. A snort of indignation left her muzzle and her ears pinned back to her head. Though the moment was fleeting, for Nari seemed to recover and realize just what Simaea had done. Which as far as the dark she wolf was concerned, she could have taken all day to realize it, and still Simaea would have done exactly the same. Regardless of the how, The pup was breathing now, and that was all that mattered.

Narime's apology however sparked a smile upon Simaea's maw, while Sloane's voice chimed in full of emotion, that only made Simaea's smile grow. Just don't let this one out of your sight! I expect He'll be quite the trouble maker, barely moments out of the womb and he already gives us a scare!" Her words were light, as if Narime had never nipped her muzzle at all, which in truth she had gotten a pretty good little bite, that was now just barely beginning to bleed. Not enough to drip, but enough to feel. But Simaea merely sat there, silently and awaited her dismissal or invitation to stay, it was entirely up to the new mother. Simaea would simply follow orders as usual from here.

Narime's reaction startled him somewhat, but not much for he had begun to react the same way. He suspected that it might have looked worse from his mate's point of view, but she was also a new mother, filled with worry and fear for her newborn son. Her instant aggression was what was so startling from the normally shy and often uncertain alpha. She was young and unsure, but her instincts rang true and he knew that her tender heart would blend perfectly with her new assertiveness to make the best possible leader. One that lead with compassion as well as strength.

He was sorry for the hurt that Narime' had caused Simaea and his mate was quick to apologize once she realized what had truly happened. He nuzzled his contrite mate, reassuring her that she had truly done no wrong. She had come to the defense of her young as any good mother might. He did maneuver his great bulk, careful of his wife and children and gave Simaea's injured muzzle a cleansing and affectionate swipe with his pink tongue. Perhaps a bit of warning might have been called for before her unusual treatment, but she had done her job and his son breathed easier and for that she would have his undying gratitude.

Sloane did not give her leave to stay or go as he felt that was Narime's place right now, but he had wanted to let her know that he appreciated her and her gifts. He turned his head back towards the three tiny bundles snuggled up to Narime's silky fur, drinking in their presence with nothing less that pure awe. He wanted to memorized every minute detail for he knew that he too might be made to leave the birthing den soon. Here, his mate reigned supreme, even over him!

Knight of Honor