Hearthwood River regal

Birthing thread! AW for pack to post, but should be noted that only Maksim will be allowed in the den.

There was much to be explored in the land they had tentatively settled in. The vibe from the lands had swiftly stolen over their hearts and reminded them of the home they had just abandoned, and while the honeyed woman would have loved nothing more than to continue along with her pack mates and seek out every crevice that existed in the very place they now desired to call home, instinct instead had stirred her to find a place to give birth to the next heirs.

They had dug out a cozy den at the base of a tall tree – it remained close to the riverbanks, and yet it did not worry the pregnant she-wolf who had once dreaded water. It had come to be a part of her life – Swift River, Cut Rock River.. and now Hearthwood River. Home.

The birth had been silent compared to last – her whines and snarls she attempted to keep at bay, lest she elicit fear in her yearling children now. At the dawn of the 14{sup}th, [/sup]the Baranski family welcomed their next litter. Two beautiful pups lay suckling at her side.. having only be cleaned moments before by their exhausted mother. Two stillborns lay at the mouth of the den – perhaps the victims of the stress and hardship the pack had just recently endured. She did not mourn for them, though each had been planted a parting kiss. Her focus was upon the two that lived.. two little girls that would now grow among the regal trees of Kingsfall. After tucking both closer, a sigh escaped the she-wolf, her bright eyes straying to the den entrance, where no doubt, her family lurked in eagerness. A crooning growl was offered to Maksim and he alone – he would need to come look upon his daughters for the first time.

(This post was last modified: Jun 18, 2015, 10:32 AM by Kisla.)

sparking up my heart

   

Orren Baranski
I wanna feel like I’m somewhere I belong

-

Taking over this new land had been like a dream come true to the adventurous young Baranski. Once he'd overcome the initial shock of leaving his birth home, the sorrow and anger had quickly faded, drifting to the back of his mind in exchange for excitement and enthusiasm. Once they had decided on the forests of Kingsfall to be the area of their new home, Orren had wasted no time in starting his exploration, while the older wolves laid out borders and worked on a den, the coal and copper boy sought out every distant corner of the woods, marveling at the giant trees and amusing himself by springing across the river on the many rocks; lighter and rounder than the ones that had given name to his first home.

Now that they had settled, the youngster found himself more comfortable with leaving his mother to herself - and one or more of the core pack members who were always around - no longer so anxious for her well being after their travel had ended. But once the new den was finished and Kisla withdrew to its dark confines, the expectant big brother saw his anxiety returning. His curiosity dimmed for the time being, and he once again took up his role as the mother's protector. Not that he was needed, Maksim was always nearby, and both Naia and Lachesis, and the other healers were sure to check in on their queen as time passed. Still, the middle child stood post outside the den, every nerve in his body itching as he waited.

Though the birthing mother did her best to stay quiet, Orren heard the occasional whine that escaped her, and it made his hackles stand on end. He wanted to go in and help her, but he knew enough to keep out, there was no way for him to stop the pain; Other than wait... And wait he did, either sitting guard, stiff as a statue, or trotting back and forth in front of the den, feeling the time pass, unbearably slowly. Finally the sun began to rise, pale light waking the boy from a short, restless slumber. He shook his head, stretching out stiff limb and turned his head to look at the dark den opening; How long has it been now? Right then, he heard his mother's voice, exhausted and weak, calling for her mate. With slow, careful steps, Orren walked over to the den, gazing into the darkness, but leaving room for his father to pass by and enter the burrow. The boy blinked, trying to adjust his eyes to the dim light, and opened his maw, speaking in a low, hoarse voice; "Ma?"

"Speech" Thoughts

PLOT WITH ME!

 ♦♦♦♦♦

The moment Maksim and Kisla finished the birthing den, Naia refused to let the expectant mother out of her sight. The perceptive scout sensed that the pups were ready, and the completion of the den was all Kisla was waiting on. As family-oriented as Kisla and the Hearthwood River wolves were, Naia was well aware of the deep-seated instinct within a pregnant she-wolf that drove her to seek seclusion when her time came. Leaving Bastet to continue scouting the new territory of Kingfall, the River Second kept a sharp eye on her Leader, waiting for the moment when she would attempt to slip inconspicuously away to deliver.

Vigilant as ever, Naia trailed the alphess to her densite when she withdrew from the company of her pack. The Timber woman settled a wolfslength to the side of the opening, making sure her scent would not waft inside and irk the laboring mother.  The Baranskis and some of the extended family were also present at the densite, and since Kisla was unusually quiet within the chamber, Naia took it upon herself to warn the others away from the mouth of the den. A warning growl would rumble from the loyal scout’s chest whenever one of the curious yearlings ventured too close, and Kisla’s trusted Second watched even @Maksim very closely.  

Kisla’s beckoning croon for her mate echoed from within the den, and Naia stood to pass her sentry duty on to the cubs’ father. The woman’s work within was complete, and now at their King and Queen’s discretion the rest of the Baranskis would enter to behold their newest additions. ”Congratulations,” Naia offered Maksim as he passed into the den, honey eyes glowing with excitement and pride for her dearest friend. She knew not exactly what Maksim would find once he entered, but her ears had picked up the tiny suckling sounds within, promising at least one new addition to the Baranski name.

Two little bodies had appeared at the mouth of the den, presumably gone before even drawing their first breath. It was a mournful but yet not particularly surprising sight; Kisla surely understood even before they left the Cedarwoods that this would be the price for delivering in the sanctuary of Kingsfall. The River wolves had made a long and difficult journey to ensure the safety of each member of the pack, and this was the sacrifice they paid. @Orren approached the mouth of the den, seemingly unaware of the stillborns that lay in the shadows nearby. The scout swooped in and removed the lifeless bodies before the yearlings could look at them too closely.  Naia wanted the family to remember this as a day of happiness, and so she would complete the dirty work. Without even a glance behind to see who followed, the scout disappeared into the sequoias of Kingsfall to bury and venerate the Baranski family’s great sacrifice.

♦♦♦♦♦  

(This post was last modified: May 15, 2015, 07:00 PM by Naia.)

It had been a long, stressful ordeal for the River wolves to pack up and move. The migration had been tough, left them hungry at times and even sore ... but had it been worth it? Yes. For the Baranski father, this was a fresh start for his family. One far away from the difficulties and dangers of the Cedarwood Forest.

The king would not dwell in the past. Whilst he felt a strong hatred for those who had uprooted his family tree, he knew there was a future to look forward too--one within the warmth, thriving territory of Kingsfall. They had struck lucky here. It was bustling with life of all kinds and that left Maksim hopeful. Flora for the medics to inspect and fauna for the whole pack to bring down when necessary. To say the agouti king was relieved would have been an understatement. And yet, there was one hardship that the leaders of Cut Rock River--no, Hearthwood River--had yet to face.

The birth of their second litter.

Kisla had stolen away in the night to the den they had dug out, and Maksim waited for her call. She offered her mate a crooning growl and he was quick to step forward. He offered a rumbling, quiet growl to Orren as the yearling crept closer to the den entrance--it was not yet time for him to gaze upon his siblings. Naia swept forward like a blur to steal away two stillborns--nameless heirs that had suffered the consequence of urgent travel--and, for that, the king was thankful. Ever was the scout their support.

The agouti lord crawled into the den's mouth, a whine escaping him as he gazed at his lover and the newest additions to their family. He offered Kisla a wolfish smile, his tail wagging out of her sight. "Are they boys? Or girls?" He dared not get too close for fear of enraging or stressing out his mate ... he would remain a respectful distance, just close enough to cast his gaze over the mewling, suckling figures tucked against their mother's belly.

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

Still waters run deep

The River wolves had laid claim to their new territory just in the nick of time. Although she was no expert at motherhood, nor child rearing, just one glance at Kisla's large belly was enough for Jynx to know that the newest additions would soon be here. As much as the young red girl wanted to go out exploring every new niche of her new home, particularly to identify prime hunting locations and to take note of the abundance of prey in the area, she remained glued to the heart of the territory. More specifically, only a few respectable feet away from the private birthing den that Kisla had excavated for herself. The mere thought of more young, innocent lives christening their new home was a fitting start to the lives of the River wolves here in Kingsfall. The perfect opening to yet one more great, lengthy chapter. And Jynx wouldn't miss it for the world.

Although by far not the closest of wolves in terms of relationships to Kisla, not a day went by where Jynx did not feel a sort of kinship between her. At a passing, unattentive glance, one might even assume that the two were related somehow. So when the tawny woman showed signs of stress, Jynx knew the time had arrived. She remained in the immediate area, but allowed her Leader the space and privacy she deserved as she fought to bring new life into the world. She along with others of the pack, including Maksim himself, were present, outside and waiting. Situated in an attentive seated position, ruddy ears perked, swiveled or folded back at each sound that came from within the den. At first there was nothing, and then the air changed. A strange mixture, of blood life and death. Upon seeing the two tiny lifeless bodies set aside at the mouth of the den, her yellow eyes dulled with sadness. An unfortunate loss, for sure. With a soft whine, she glanced towards Maksim, but offered him a soft smile of congratulations for his two surviving pups. Knowing that he and Kisla would want some time alone, she followed Naia's movements, watching as she swept the stillborns away. Brushing past the entrance of the den swiftly, just as the Baranski male stepped in, she spoke softly. "I think I'll go with her." Was all she said, before turning away and following the scout's lead, vanishing further into the spacious forest to find a suitable burial ground.

Shallow water has trapped several fish in a small pond. Hunt Opportunity

Karina was a bundle of nerves awaiting the delivery of her brothers and sisters.  She had previously lined the birthing den with lavender blossoms so their scent might sooth and calm Kisla as she labored, and the pup was starting to wish she had saved some blossoms for herself. With every grunt that echoed from inside the den the aspiring healer wanted to rush in with a mouthful of white pine bark to take away Kisla’s pain. Standing in her way was her mother’s detestable Second, Naia, who was proving to be just as obnoxious when she was cross as she was when she was boisterous and happy. Had no one informed this self-appointed guard that Karina was the medic in charge of delivering medicine to her mother? It had been decided among the healers that Karina ought to administer care to her mother during such a stressful event, but clearly someone had forgotten to inform Naia of that fact.

Another one of Naia’s growls sent the pup scampering away from the opening of the den, and with a huff of annoyance the girl set about counting her herbs again, a task that she found soothing. The journey north to establish Hearthwood River had yielded some surprising advantages; most notably the healers had been able to gather herbs that had previously been too far out of reach. They were more than prepared for Kisla’s delivery, and Karina had brought along some brand-new medicines that she was sure would work just as well—if not better than—the old. They would certainly taste better, at least. Karina inhaled the sweet scent of the pineapple weed, knowing from its scent that it would energize her mother after the birth and cure any lightheadedness she felt. Next she counted her sweetgrass blades, confident that the vanilla-scented stalks would reduce bleeding and restore her mother’s womb after the trauma of birth. White pine bark, yarrow, and thistle had also been collected, traditional cures for the minor complications that could occur such as pain, excessive bleeding, or lactation difficulties.

“Dad? Is she ready? Can I bring the medicine?” the medic’s apprentice questioned, calling into the darkness after her father entered the den. “I’m going first!” she hissed at Orren, bumping him roughly in an attempt to shoulder him aside. His cooing and awwing at cute little brothers and sisters could wait; she had important business to conduct!  Herbs already wrapped in a large leaf and ready to go, Karina bent down to grab the bundle. Naia was at her side in a flash of movement, and for one abashed moment the pup thought she was going to be in trouble again. Instead the Second paid her no more than a glance, grabbing up something from within the den and dashing off into the woods. Karina hadn’t seen what the scout grabbed and really couldn’t care less, she was just glad that prickly Naia was gone. The pup returned to peering into the depths of the cave. She held her breath as she waited to be allowed inside, periwinkle eyes adjusting to the darkness so that she could just make out her mother lying on her side within the den.

   

    
 

It was time.

The River wolves would have fresh blood among their ranks once more; the new Baranski litter would strengthen the pack, as they would need to work together to ensure the survival of the puppies. Excitement flooded the older as he made his way toward his den, herbless. It had been decided that Karina would be the one to deliver the herbs that Kisla would need after the birth. Last year it had been Lachesis, which had secured his rank of Healer within the pack. The slender ghost had been grateful that the River queen had trusted him to enter the den so soon after she had given birth.

As much as he wanted to repeat last year and be the one to deliver the herbs, he know how badly Karina wanted to prove to her mother that she was becoming an excellent healer. XIX had watched over the River princess as she delivered lavender to her mother’s den with pride swelling in his chest; she had learned so much so quickly. There was no doubt that the gentle sparrow would become a marvellous healer as she aged – and he hoped that she, too, would transfer her knowledge to an apprentice who was just as keen as she was.

He had arrived at the same time as his apprentice, but hung back from the den. It was Karina’s time to shine, and XIX would only intervene if something serious was to happen. He knew that the little Baranski would be able to handle the situation despite the nerves that rattled her insides. His pear-coloured gaze was soft as he observed her anxious movements; as much as he wanted to comfort her and coach her, XIX knew that she needed to do this on her own. She had correctly identified the herbs that her mother would need after the birth and he had complete faith in his pupil’s abilities. A sour taste filled his mouth as he watched Naia, Kisla’s dutiful second, silently disappear with the little ones that had not survived. As disheartening as it was to see that there were stillborns, it was not a surprise to the alabaster healer. Kisla had endured some unavoidable stress during her pregnancy, and had travelled a long way before giving birth. The most important thing was that some of the litter survived, and that the River wolves would continue to flourish.

As he observed the growing family before, Nineteen realized that this could have been him and Bastet. The smile quickly dissipated from his lips at the thought – although he was fond of puppies and was over-the-moon excited for the new additions to the pack, Lachesis was not so sure fatherhood was for him. He cared for the raven-coloured female deeply, but he was also married to his profession, which left the healer in a difficult position…

stick with those who stick with you

Her family and pack were the foundations of strength – she knew they awaited for the news of what was to come, and at her signal for Maksim to enter, Orren made an attempt at first – who was possibly subdued by his father. She was grateful for this – protective of her new brood, and while it did not lessen her love for her older children, the less that came within the den the better for now.

She recognized Naia’s snout as she swept forward, sweeping away their miscarriages, and a grateful sigh fell from the lips of the honeyed woman. She could no longer bear to see the sight of them, and as natural as it was for stillborn to occur, she could not help but place the blame solely upon herself for this.

Comforted by her mate’s presence as he moved forward, barricading the light somewhat, her eyes gleamed upward at him, a sorrowful smile tracing to her lips despite her best efforts to put forward a brave face. “We have two beautiful daughters,” she informed him then, not talking of the two cubs that had not made the journey. Karina was coming forward then, determined to deliver herbs that she had so carefully selected over the past few weeks under the watchful eyes of their healers, Lachesis and @Amisun . The girl remained just upon the outskirts, and so fatigued, Kisla gave a nod to her husband, silently requesting he move just slightly to allow her entry – “Thank you, my darling,” she crooned, placing her muzzle now upon one outstretched paw as the two cubs continued to suckle against her belly.

sparking up my heart

   

Orren Baranski
I wanna feel like I’m somewhere I belong

-

The newly deemed older brother was quickly deterred in his advance, and he instantly stepped back, bowing his head submissively as his father passed into the den. He glanced over at Naia as she offered her congratulations and furrowed his brow as he saw her grab something from the shadows at the edge of the den. He had no mind to follow her though, too nervous about his mother and the newborn siblings.

Karina came right on their sire's tail, carrying her precious bundle of plants that she had been watching so carefully while their mother was in labor. Orren didn't understand it, he knew the medicine could be helpful, but he could not imagine how one could be so fascinated by them, that they were able to collect and arrange them while someone they loved was in pain. but his sister had never strayed from the herbs, seemingly finding her obsessive counting and ordering soothing. Now she walked towards the den with determination, even snarling at her brother and pushing him further away from the den, leaving him no chance at all of seeing what was going on in there. He was about to snap out at her and pull her back, we're not supposed to go in yet! But he held back, not wanting to cause a ruckus right now.

So instead, while Maksim went to his mate's side, and Karina peeked into the den with her herbs at the ready, Orren simply laid down, as close to the den as he could get away with, and rested his chin on outstretched paws. He sighed lightly, he wasn't even planning to go in, he just wanted to see, to make sure his mom was alright. While he was curious about the newborns, most of his mind was occupied with Kisla and making sure she was alright; the new siblings were exciting, but he didn't know them yet, and the mother's health was more important to him. Still, when he heard her low words from within the den, his ears perked and he lifted his head slightly; Two, girls. Sisters! A small smile played at the corners of the youngest older brother's mouth, but he was still too nervous to be truly happy and glanced longingly towards the den opening; I hope everything is alright!

"Speech" Thoughts

PLOT WITH ME!