Cut Rock River m'anam, mo chroí, mo ghlóir

The northern lights are particularly brilliant tonight.
AW, though rounds will only include Kisla and Maksim.. pack members are welcome to post as waiting outside the den, but none will be allowed in. :)

Note: Backdated to the 15th. -kicks work-

The pain was intense -- the physicality of it only beginning as she felt a tremor course through her lithe body, and yet it was not the possibility of what the reasoning of her physical pain could be that weighed so heavily on her mind, but the loss of what she had once more endured the moment she had swept herself away from Oak Tree Bend once more.. and possibly for a final time. Corinna was dead. The thought alone took the air from her lungs, and the silence she had given since her return to her new home was enough to solidify the misery she felt.

As her green eyes cast out upon the skies above she noted the ethereal beauty of the mystery above her. Every so often it was illuminated in Relic Lore, and tonight was such a night. The myriad of greens and purples glowed in perfect sequence across the night sky, and as another tremor of pain coursed through her, this time she released a small gasp, realization finally coaxing her to a full reality of what was happening. The puppies were coming.

Fear wracked her at that moment, and how desperately she wanted nothing more than her mother by her side -- aiding her in this new journey of her life. Corinna had done this three times in her life.. surely Kisla could do this at least once?

A low crooning growl escaped her throat, enticing her mate to notice. @Maksim had barely left her side these days, and even as her eyes swept through the trees that cloaked their home, she knew he would not be far. It was a warning of what was happening, and that he should call for @Lachesis, should anything happen. Without another word, the honeyed female slunk to the confines of her den, her eyes no longer cast upon the brilliant sky above. Instead, another sharp pain would bow her to flatten to the ground, causing her eyes to squeeze shut as the moments passed.

The process was a darkened memory to her -- coherent thoughts were impossible, and all she could recall was the wash of relief as each was born... and the occasional snarl that would slip past her lips the moment the sound of paw falls would come to close to the den entrance -- she would allow none to enter.. not even her beloved.

As hours passed, the later evening would find three bundles curled to her chest, her tongue smoothing over each in peaceful unison. Fatigue pulled at her, and yet the miracle of life kept her awake. Each so perfect as they suckled -- two boys and one girl.. a blend of perfection of their parents. Gently, she glanced up, her nostrils flaring as she attempted to decipher who awaited outside the den.. though she did not know. "Maksim," she finally called, beckoning him forward to reveal to him the perfection they had created together.

(This post was last modified: May 17, 2014, 03:15 PM by Kisla.)

sparking up my heart

♦♦♦♦♦

It was chance alone that Naia was already nearing Kisla’s den when she growled for her mate and Cut Rock River’s healer. It must be time, the scout realized, and her heart skipped a beat in anticipation. She dropped the squirrel she had been holding to bark a short summons to Makism and Nineteen, just in case they hadn’t heard the laboring alpha female. Surely they were nearby—Maksim had been stuck to his mate’s side the moment she started digging out the den. The rest of the pack, Naia included, had also been visiting the whelping site often to drop off sustenance for their very pregnant leader. She was carrying the future of the pack, and that took precedence over all other matters.

Taking the squirrel up in her jaws once more, she approached Kisla’s den with caution to deliver the meal. Naia dropped the carcass at the mouth of the den for Maksim to take inside, and that small noise alone was enough to elicit a growl from within. Backing up a few steps, the scout settled down for a long wait, dropping to her belly in the soft spring grass. As one of the swiftest runners in Cut Rock River, she would be here through the whole process, ready to run if there was anything her leaders or the healer required. This was the final stretch; the pack had worked hard to nourish and protect Kisla throughout the length of her pregnancy, and Naia was confident that for all their work she would now bless them with strong, healthy princes and princesses.

♦♦♦♦♦

The news of Corinna's death had struck Kisla hard and there was nothing Maksim could do but comfort her as best as possible.

His own heart ached, for the realisation he knew nothing of how his parents were slapped him across the face. Were they alive? Would they thrive well into their twilight years? It's not like the journey back home would span over days, either. Weeks, maybe, if he focused on the task of running with as little rest as possible … but, no. He couldn't do that. Not to Cut Rock River, not to Kisla; not to the mother of his children.

Kisla ushered a soft growl, Maksim blinking through his groggy thoughts, his eyes widening as Kisla moved onwards, leaving his side. The pups … they were coming.

He laid dumbstruck for a while. He knew it was inevitable, but now that it had finally arrived, he leader felt pride and nerves swell within him. The agouti regal rose, his tongue sweeping across his top lip, and set off, following his mate. She'd disappeared into the den that had been dug and Maksim paced, hearing the growls of Kisla as her protective, motherly instinct kicked in with full force.

The king glanced to the sky, widened in awe as the Northern Lights danced above, welcoming the new Cut Rock River royalty. Even the skies have come to bare witness, he thought as a tiny smile tugged at his lips. Naia approached, dropping a squirrel at the mouth of the den. Briefly, the agouti wolf raised his lip, though his growl was beaten by Kisla's and the loyal second of the pack backed off. Maksim watched her, satisfied when she retreated enough.

His name came from within the den and, without missing a beat, the Baranski father—by the stars, he was a father—approached the opening and slunk in far enough so his shoulders and head were past the mouth. Maksim would come no closer, as his honeyed mate would be tired and aggressive, protective of the new life she had birthed.

Instead, he whined, his ears folding back as he glanced from Kisla's face to the equally gorgeous cubs that lay at her belly, suckling. Three small bundles. “Kisla,” he breathed her name, “they're …” He found himself shocked, silenced, unable to say anything. The words that sprang to his mind in order for him to finish the sentence consisted beautiful, healthy and, most importantly, ours.

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

It was time. Lachesis didn’t have to be told, he just knew. The air was different in the Cut Rock dens; it was quiet, tense. He began to organize his herbs, ticking off the mental list he had made since first learning about Kisla’s pregnancy. While he had never experienced a birth before, he had enough knowledge to know exactly what to do for Kisla and her children. Excitement bubbled up inside of him – not only was he excited to prove himself to Maksim’s mate, but he was also excited for the arrival of the River heirs. Puppies, as far as Nineteen was concerned, were the root of happiness; their innocence was infectious, and would turn all the adult wolves into mush in their presence.

The first thing he grabbed was a pawful of juniper berries; the plants he was about to gather for Kisla weren’t the most appetizing, and he knew that the new mother would appreciate the berries to mask the unpleasant taste. Next was blessed thistle, a plant used to promote the flow of milk – which was essential for first time mothers. He also grabbed a piece of white fir bark and yarrow for pain; they would also aid the mother in resting. Practically trembling with excitement the slender male wrapped his plants in a large leaf so he could carry them easily to Kisla’s den.

He padded quietly to the birthing site – the scents of both Maksim and Naia slapped across his nostrils as he drew closer, his brows narrowing slightly as he slunk up to the entrance. Without a word the tall healer dropped to his hindquarters as his bundle of herbs swayed from his maw. With his head bowed, the youth waited; he would not move until he was called for. Maksim was a new father, he deserved some time with his children before Lachesis swooped in. As far as XIX could tell Kisla had given birth to three healthy cubs without any fatalities – her breathing, although heavy, signified that she was fine and had suffered no trauma during the birth. Good, he thought absently to himself, his pale eyes focused on the dark entrance as he waited for his cue.

stick with those who stick with you

The northern lights are particularly brilliant tonight.
AW, though rounds will only include Kisla and Maksim.. pack members are welcome to post as waiting outside the den, but none will be allowed in. :)

Note: Backdated to the 15th. -kicks work-

Despite her enclosure from the outside world, the den entrance seemed to glow with the brilliance of them. She was quiet as she awaited Maksim's approach -- her nose tilting upward to catch scent of Naia as well. The pack's Second was indeed a treasure among them, but even she would not see the pack's newborns this evening. She could also scent Lachesis, and their previous conversation came to her mind -- he had promised to come with herbs for the birth, and the aspiring healer had not failed. As far as she was concerned, he had done more than fair to earn his title, and despite her fatigue, she was eager to reward him with such -- but for now, the warmth of her children curled at her side was all she could truly focus on.

Maksim maneuvered in then, leaving a respectful distance and easing the she-wolf of his presence. Her green eyes cast up, looking to him with soft pride as he took in the sight of their little ones. Words did not seem to come to him, and she gave a silent nod of agreement. "They're ours," she finished. They were beautiful. And they were theirs. "Two sons and a daughter," she murmured softly to him, her muzzle moving down to gently brush the crowns of their tiny heads with a wolfish kiss. "I would name her after my mother, Maksim," she voiced, her tone growing softer at the thought of how Corinna would react to see her grandchildren. Would she have been proud of her daughter?

sparking up my heart

<< sorry for the wait.

Ours.

Yes. Yes, that's what the three mewling bundles were. Maksim watched as Kisla gave them each a wolfish kiss, a gentle lick to the princes' and the princess' crown. Two sons and a daughter, just like the River king's generation. He inhaled softly, his body the most relaxed it had been in a long time.

He had been tense and protective of Kisla, spending most of his time with her and making sure she was safe. But now that his children—the heir of Cut Rock River—had been born, it simply melted away. It would be replaced with fatherly instincts, and, once again, the protective side would rear up again. He would defend the first generation of Baranski-Tainns until death came. Even then, he would watch them from the stars. Maksim did not intend to leave soon, though. Not willingly.

The agouti male nodded quietly at his mate's words. She wished to name the girl after her mother, something Maksim could and would respect. He had never met the matriarch, though he had no doubt that she was a fair and just woman. Just like Kisla. “Of course,” he responded, waiting for her to find the perfect name to honour her mother with, before his eyes settled on the largest cub.

A smile tugged the corners of his lips upward and though he was desperate to inch forward, to physically bond with them, he dared not infringe on Kisla's space. “The first born … how about Aleksei? To remember my family by.” He missed them, sometimes. His heart ached for his father to see him now, but the journey was long and he could not risk leaving his family here.

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

He remained where he was, waiting patiently outside the den for the new mother to call for him. Maksim needed to see his children first – when Kisla was ready for him only then would Lachesis step forward. For now he waited, observing their surroundings and relishing in the thought of having new puppies to play with (as soon as they were able, of course). The slender ghost had joined Pitch Pine Trail when after Karpos and his sister had been born, as it was Anastasia who had saved them after their birth mother abandoned them. He cared for the Slayer children as if they were his own blood, and would do anything for the orphan children.

The presence of puppies was uplifting; he knew the rest of the pack would be in good moods once they discovered that Kisla’s litter had arrived safely. That was the one thing Lachesis had fretted the most – something going wrong during birth. It was not something he had dealt with yet, and while he knew what to do in case something did go array, there was always the possibility of it being too late. It was not a thought XIX liked to keep present while in ‘work mode’, but it was a reality that he knew he might have to face.

His pear-coloured gaze drifted over the agouti pelt of Cut Rock’s second, and another former member of Pitch Pine, Naia. He offered her a lop-sided smile, although his pointed ears remained tuned to what was happening inside the den. Kisla’s breathing, although still laboured, sounded normal – healthy. There was movement from within, and the scent of new wolves. His tail thumped instinctively at the thought, his smile widening as he allowed his gaze to wander back to the dark entrance. He couldn’t wait to meet the children of Cut Rock.

stick with those who stick with you

It was hard to not keep touching them – the surreal thought of even having children of her own seemed so astounding to the she-wolf that she had to refrain from touching them gently to prove to herself that yes, they were indeed real. A rumbling croon would escape her through moments as she fussed over them, cleaning them and pushing them closer to her belly and to their source of nourishment – her milk.

Maksim agreed to her wish, and with a gentle smile, her peridot eyes roved over the little girl, her mind considering the possibilities that could honor her mother – “Karina,” she finally spoke, her tone still soft so as to not disturb the calm atmosphere that had surrounded her fatigued body. One ear cupped in the direction of her mate as he too made a request, and repeating the name quietly in her mind, a slow smile spread to her lips. “Yes,” she murmured, nudging one of the males with her creamy muzzle. “A strong and fitting name,” she decided, regarding the lighter and slightly larger boy.

Shifting her weight, she drifted to attention to the final boy, noting the dark flecks of coloration that would soon grow to a beautiful pelt. “How about Orren, for the river that has marked our own family?” They had honored their birth families – now it was time to honor their new family – the wolves of the River.

Fatigue would soon come across the new mother, and blinking slowly, she stretched one paw before her, resting her muzzle upon it as she gave a content sigh. “Lachesis is at the entrance, love,” she murmured, a smirk twitching at her lips. “He has spoken of herbs to aide for the birth.” Her words were a quiet request – whether the new father would be comfortable or not to allow the pale healer so close to his newborn children was another issue entirely. She would not even let the father of her children near them yet.. but that did not mean the pack's newly acclaimed healer was not welcome at the very entrance to deliver what they had spoken of before.

sparking up my heart

Karina. Maksim couldn't stop the smile that sunk into his features. It was a beautiful name for a beautiful girl, one that would surely make Kisla's mother, Corinna, proud. “Strong and pure,” he whispered. “She'll take after you with a name like that.” The agouti wolf offered a soft, playful chuckle at his teasing statement. He wanted to creep forward, to gently nose his children, but he had to constantly remind himself that, no, this was not the time to become physically acquainted with his offspring—their cubs. Kisla was fatigued and needed rest and the youth needed to feed. These moments were most certainly important, for mother and child to secure their bonds.

His honeyed mate agree to his suggestion of Aleksei and the Baranski's heart fluttered in his chest. He was glad she liked it, and glad it fit the larger boy so well. What would his brother, Arman, say if he saw the litter? Would the second born be proud of Maksim? Would he tell them that they looked healthy and fit? That they would thrive? What of Anzhela? Would she call them beautiful? Would she be the doting aunt? All questions he had no answers to, but it mattered little. His new family, the one he had made for himself, were bundled before him. The agouti king cherished each one equally.

“Orren,” he repeated, letting it roll off his tongue as he eyed the middle child, with those dark flecks. He gave another chuckle and nodded softly. “You have a knack at naming, love.” They most certainly needed to honour the River wolves. Each member had played a vital role in the survival of the pack and the Baranski couple were blessed to be followed by such loyal wolves. The king would have no qualms with showing them that he cared, that Kisla cared. They deserved it.

And now, each of the first Baranski cubs had perfect names that effortlessly fit, like they were made for one another. His ear swivelled as Kisla spoke up after a soft, sleepy sigh. Lachesis was outside, with herbs that would soothe her. He stiffened ever so slightly, but relaxed quickly. The ghostly boy was well trusted, and had helped within the pack as much as possible. He could be trusted to crouch within eyesight of newborn litter—one of two, excluding Kisla, who would see the mewling, squirming, suckling cubs.

“Of course,” Maksim nodded, shuffling backwards and slipping out of the den. Focusing his gaspeite eyes on Lachesis, the leader softly gestured with a nod of his head. “Take to Kisla what she needs.” No doubt they had discussed this before the birth, in order to be properly read.

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

AHHHH I'M SO SORRY GUYS FOR DELAYING THIS SO MUCH, CRAP. I definitely didn't realize it was my turn, I am SOSOSOSOSO sorry <33333333333

Although the slender healer tried to be respectful of the new parents, he could hardly avoid eavesdropping as Kisla allowed potential names roll off her tongue. Maksim was right; she really did have a knack at naming. While he had yet to see the newest members of Cut Rock, XIX knew that the names would suit the children perfectly. He couldn’t wait to watch the puppies grow; watch them attempt to grasp the concept of walking; watch their blue eyes shift to their adult colour. Just as he had been a part of Karpos’ life growing up, Lachesis couldn’t wait to be a part of their lives. He would do whatever necessary to protect them, as Cut Rock River had become his family, making the new arrivals his family as well.

With his hindlegs tucked beneath him Lachesis waited patiently, his pale eyes observing the entrance to the den and its surroundings. So much had changed since he and Anastasia had decided to leave Pitch Pine Trail to join Maksim’s former pack. Now, Cut Rock River was flourishing as new wolves sought entry into the pack – and with the arrival of puppies it showed that they were healthy; and a potential threat to any rivaling packs. However, with their arrival, it also meant that the wolves of the River would have to do everything in their power to ensure the safety of the puppies. They were now the pack’s first priority.

His attention returned to the entrance of the den as Maksim’s large frame retreated from its depths. Composing himself, Lachesis dipped his head in respect, his pear-coloured gaze avoiding his leader’s. He nodded softly in response as a soft smile rolled onto his maw; his body buzzed with excitement as he shuffled over to the mouth of the den, the bundle of herbs in his jaws quivering as he crawled part way down. Knowing how temperamental new mothers could be – especially with their first litter – Lachesis wanted to give Kisla the space she needed. He laid the herbs down in front of him so he could push them toward her with his paw. “They are perfect. Perfect and healthy,” he commented softly as his ears pulled back against his head. The air was thick with the smell of newborn and milk – and pride. Kisla and Maksim had every reason to be proud of their children; they really were perfect.

“The berries will help take the bite away from the plants. This will help milk production – take half now, and half tomorrow. And these will help with any pain and discomfort, and will also help you sleep. Take them only as you need them.” As he spoke he motioned to each plant, his gaze focused on the selection before him. He ended with a soft smile as his gaze travelled to the three lumps of fur. “If you need anything else let Maksim know and I’ll have bring you some more. They really are beautiful Kisla, congratulations,” he added before dipping his head in a slow nod. With that, Lachesis shuffled backward out of the den in order to give the new mother (and father) some privacy. With his gaze adverted down, XIX turned toward Maksim with a soft wag of his tail. “They are wonderful, congratulations,” he commented, echoing his previous words, almost in awe at the small creatures curled up against Kisla’s belly. He took several steps back before falling back onto his hindlegs once more. Once the new parents got settled in he would leave them to their children; he had completed his duty and he knew that the new family would want some alone time.

stick with those who stick with you