Fallen Tree Cove Glory In A Flower

This is the Vamid birthing thread. Set in the late afternoon 5/22/15. Only @Vespertio will be allowed inside the den as well as @Asphodel or @Hemlock, the last two for only a very short time to give her medicine. @Desideria @Tagg @Anthem @Angele everyone is welcome to post!

Namid had been peacefully napping in the late afternoon shade, devoid of any stomach problems for the first time in weeks. Much of the weight she’d gained with the pups she’d lost, leaving her looking a little skinny about the legs and hips. However, she was more than willing to suffer so briefly to bring into the world her children. Suddenly, a sudden pain jolted through her abdomen, sending her mismatched gaze flying open in shock. She cringed, turning to give her belly a nudge with her nose. The queen had been having pains off and on for the past week, signaling to her that her time was very close. She didn’t suspect anything of it, until the pain came again sooner than before, and then another time yet again. A whine escaped her downturned lips as she gathered herself to her paws then began pacing, stopping with a groan as yet another contraction wracked her body. There was no doubt about it, they were coming now. And she had no clue where Vespertio was.

Looking around with wide eyes she called for her love, “Vespertio!” panic and pain lacing her words. The pale woman took a moment to steady herself, planting all our paws strongly and taking deep breaths to still her beating heart before offering another whine. She took to her belly, crawling through the entrance of the den and making circles in the soft bedding beneath her paws. Pants escaped her maw as she moved about restlessly, laying down and licking her parts, then getting up to rearrange the bedding. This cycle went on for hours until the sun had sunken beneath the horizon, drowning in the night that took over.

She was laying down when another contraction hit, a tired grunt escaping her maw. Namid was exhausted, but the pain wouldn’t allow her to sleep. Another one hit, and she felt something move within her. She wriggled and squirmed in discomfort, pawing at the ground before her and growling and snapping at anyone who came near the entrance. Instinctually she pushed, grunting and panting then pushed again. A small, wet bundle slipping from her and she blinked in amazement. Instincts once again took over as she turned and carefully picked up the pup, nipping away the sack that circled it and licking away the afterbirth from its pelt to reveal a tiny white girl. “Hello my darling,” she murmured, her eyes glowing as she nudged her firstborn to her teat to suckle. The girl gladly clasped on, eating happily with tiny mewls. She didn’t have much longer to admire the perfection that had come from her before another contraction hit, causing her to gasp. She pushed for a few moments before the second bundle came forth. The new mother cleaned the sack and wetness from this one as well, drying its fur with her tongue to discover that it was a boy. Already he looked much like his father, with dark agouti markings and a box-like muzzle. Carefully she moved him next to his sister with a smaller amount of protest from the boy, then he like-wise began to suckle nearly immediately. Her nose traveled between the pair to  nuzzle them affectionately, her contractions having momentarily ceased. She thought, perhaps, only two were the result of Vespertio and her’s coupling until several minutes later she was shocked by another bout. Pushing and panting once again, a final baby emerged from her womb. Cleaning it she found it was another boy, surprisingly chunkier than his siblings despite being the last to be born. His pelt was a fine mixture between the queen and king’s pelts, sandy and russet in coloration. He mewled and cried until she moved him to her belly as well to eat, where he was silenced.

The Star Dancer looked at her brood with wonder and unadulterated love. It radiated from her body and her expression, tears threatening to fall from her mismatched gaze as she looked them over from first to last. What names could they be given she wondered, of course that was something she’d need to discuss with her husband. Her eyes turned to the opening warily, where she was sure he was pacing to a fro. “Vespertio, you may come in,” she called, though her tone held a note of caution to him. He may be their father, but she was a new mother and she was yet willing to just hand them over even to him. They would stay safely tucked away at her breast for the next few weeks until they were old enough to venture, and at least a week would be given before any others were allowed even a look at her precious darlings.

Blood now stained the patriarch's lips as a rabbit dangled lifeless between his jaws. The last remnants of a growl bubbling in the confines of his throat in a verbal dare for the creature to continue fighting despite having drawn its last breath. With the sun warming the back of his slumbering beloved, the tawny man had decided to steal away from her side for what felt like the first time in ages. A rare occurrence as of late with the queen drawing nearer and nearer to delivering the growing heirs within her womb. Vespertio knew Namid would need to gather as much strength as she could in the coming days to prepare for the miracle that would eventually be blessed upon them. As of late the matriarch had began to lose the fat supplies around her legs and hips. Leaving her in a more gaunt state than he preferred to see. Thus, a quick hunting expedition to keep her energy reserves high was required.  

Hailing on the breeze the regal man caught the familiar sound of his mate's voice. Pondering only for the briefest of moments what had stirred his sleeping beauty. The pain and panic intertwined likes vines around her words enough to make the man relinquish his prize. A solid thud resonating as the rabbit's carcass collided with the earth. 'Is it happening?' The thought crashed between the walls of his mind as muscles coiled and released to force his paws to drive hard and fast against the foliage underfoot. Melting the small distance he had put between the two in order to return to the place he had left her slumbering form. But alas, the silver embodiment he expect to see was not there. Inhaling deeply his body was set into motion again, following the receding trail of the queen's scent to the birthing den. Fear and nervousness coursing like a raging river through his veins. Hesitantly he approached the opening as his ears were greeted with the sounds of grunts and growls. Relieved only slightly by the fact she was tucked safely inside.

Lifting his left paw forward as if to take a step inside a warning growl was issued from within the darkened depths of the den. Flattening his ears in response the king acknowledged her request at being alone, opting instead to pace back and forth in front of the opening in hopes of expending the excess energy that had his body tingling on high alert. Hours came and went as Vespertio took up the rhythmical pattern of crossing left to right, a small trail from his steps creating a grove in the soil. A glance toward the sky revealed the sun had lost its battle with the moon. Darkness cloaking the earth now as an occasional warning growl of his own was directed at members that caught wind of the event taking place. Noting the missing presence of both rulers. If someone wanted to get a sneak peek at the future princes and princess they would have to go through him first and a newly titled and protective father was just as deadly to deal with as a new mother.

After what seemed like forever the first sounds of tiny mewls caught Vesper's attention. Pausing his solider like pacing in order to listen closely to the first cries of his brood. The weary voice of his love soon following suit to soothe the tiny bundles of joy. Finally, she spoke to him. Allowing him access to the den, although he noted the caution in her voice. Glancing around at those who had arrived he gave a quick snarl in warning to keep away unless otherwise invited before turning his back to them to crawl into the confined space. Moving slowly and carefully to curl around the backside of Namid. His cranium peering over the silver fur of her shoulder to catch the first glimpse of their children. Wonderment and a raw love only a parent could understand burning like an inferno behind the golden depths of his optics. "They're so beautiful.." He whispered in a hushed tone of admiration before adorning her cheek with an affectionate kiss. Not wanting to disturb the suckling cubs.

Moving swiftly though the territory en-route to her brother, the yearling caught wind of newborns. It wasn't a scent she had experienced first-hand, but instinct did not leave her in the dark. Resisting the urge to roll her golden eyes proved impossible, knowing that the cubs would require attention. New mothers were supposedly finicky about their young, which would undoubtedly leave the siblings little room for their excursions, but that was the way of pack-life. 

Changing course, the tawny youth made her way to the hideaway she shared with Hemlock. They had taken up residence there upon their entry, which was only fitting since it was the previous healer's medicine den.  The place had been in a state of disrepair, and the siblings had make quick work of fixing it up. Old stores which had been dried to a crisp were now close to being replenished, loose soil was patted down once more. It was nothing compared to the Bloodwood's infirmity, but they would have to make due. Of course they would build it bigger if they chose to stay, but the twins had yet to really talk about their plans outside of waiting for Naira.

Scooping up some of their sweet grass stores between her jowls, and placing a few of the leftovers upon the den floor - just so Hemlock would know where she went should he return there first, Asphodel was off. Flying through their home with tawy ears flat against her crown, the youth played the part of worried healer. She was disheartened to see that Hemlock was not already there, as she hated being away from him, but she had a job to do. Stopping a few tail-lengths from the den, she announced her arrival to the new parents. 

Vesperito would be protective, no doubt, and the last thing that she needed was to have a scuffle with him. Gods only knew what Hemlock would do.

Halfway through her mid-afternoon snack, the subordinate caught sight of Aphosdel dashing by, ears pressed to her crown. Lifting her snout from her trout, she licked pinky flesh from her lips as she watched the yearling go, ears swiveling forward as she did. Des took a moment to lift a paw, rubbing fish scales from her whiskers as she decided that must have been one of the yearling siblings Namid had mentioned at their prior meeting. She'd have liked to speak to them, but so far they have proven rather elusive. Where the youth was going in such a hurry, she wasn't sure, but the healer best be careful of the alpha's birthing den or— Desideria's crown shot upwards and she froze, a deer in the headlights as the realization crashed into her like a bolt of lightning. Puppies! Why else would a wolf intentionally hurry towards a birthing den with a bunch of leaves in her mouth if not to assist a mother just given birth. The timber wolf's entire body gave a fierce wag, a shiver of excitement running through her before she set off in the same direction, her fish dinner abandoned on the forest floor. She arrived only a few breaths after the younger female, and halted a few lengths away. Her tail dropped and ears flexed backwards as she laid eyes on the russet male already arrived – she could only assume, given his proximity to the den and the brand new mother, that this was Vespertio, the lord of Fallen Tree Cove. Wagging her tail once, the female dropped to her belly, not daring venture any closer. "Congratulations," she whispered to the alpha, eyes bright as she watched the opening of the den. "If you need anything, either of you, I'd be happy to fetch it, yeah?"

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There is a family of deer nearby. Hunt Opportunity

Tagg had been knee-deep in the lake, patiently waiting for fish to grow accustomed enough to his presence to come close so he could catch them when he heard the call.  At first he'd thought he was hearing things, but as he though about it he realized it had been a female screaming for Vespertio.  He recognized the voice as Namid's from the pack meeting.  He continued his fishing as he mulled the meaning behind the tone in her voice.  Why would she sound so... panicked?  Was that what that had been?

His eyes popped as he realized what it might have meant.  Were the puppies coming?

Excitement filled his body and he dashed from the water, splashing everywhere and soaking his thick fur.  He didn't care.  He streaked towards the birthing den as fast as he could, hoping to find some answers.  He hit the brakes as he entered the small clearing and chanced to slide to close to Vespertio, who growled in warning at him.  Tagg leaped sideways away from the den. He hadn't meant to get so close - he was just excited! He loved puppies, especially newborns.  He was so glad to have joined the pack in time for this amazing event.

He noticed another wolf he hadn't met before offering her assistance should either of the alphas need anything.  Tagg moved over to her, intending to introduce himself, when a tantalizing smell drifted across his nose.  Deer!


He dipped his head in greeting to the smaller female.  "I'm Tagg." He said, wagging his tail.  "I don't know that we've met. I don't know if you can smell it, but I'm pretty sure there are some deer nearby. Care to join me in a hunt?  Namid and the pups are going to need all the meat they can get."

"Speech"  Thought

l

Word Count: 377

Angele could smell the change before she heard of it.  It was something she'd smelled many a time before.  She was hanging around the den, looking for Anthem.  She needed to discuss something important with him - and Vespertio - and knew that he was likely to be where he could quickly come to the aid of his alphas should they require his assistance.

The hairs along the back of her neck stood up as the scent of birth wafted across her nose.  She'd heard Namid's cry - at least she thought it was Namid - but had thought nothing of it.  Now, however, she realized things must be happening.  She was reluctant to join her pack en masse, but she knew it must happen eventually.  That was probably where Anthem would be, anyway.  Angele began making her way towards where she knew the birthing den to be.

There were already several wolves gathered, one of which was her alpha, pacing before the opening and growling a warning at a young thing that chanced to skid too close.  She rolled her eyes.  Great, the pack is full of adolescents. She huffed and sat at the very edge of the space, patiently waiting.  Anthem was not there yet that she could see, though she expected him to arrive soon.  She recognized Des, though she didn't know the young male that had joined her and mentioned something about deer.  Angele pricked her ears.  Hunting? Now that she could do.  She could smell them now that he had mentioned it.  Should these two go off to collect food for the new mouths, she would likely join them.  Especially if her brother failed to appear before then.

Now would not be the time to speak with him anyway.  He would be preoccupied with the new pups.  She twitched her tail over her feet in mild irritation.  Pups. She thought in mild disgust.  They always cause more problems than they solve. I thought I was done with them when I left home... I swear, if even one bites my ears I'm going to snap.  Angele angled her ears to keep tabs on the conversation happening a few feet away but continued scanning the undergrowth for any more wolves that should show up.

"Speech"  Thought

My brother is the Anthem we sing,
 
I am the Angele we follow,
   
My brother, Nathaniel, our guide

Together we shall not stray.

Anthem had spent the day in Spectral Woods.. He had gone to see if he could find something to hunt or to maybe bring back that might be useful. He hadn't found anything. There had been a stillness to the woods that he hadn't seen before so he had walked carefully. Now though he was coming upon the Cove's border when a faint cry echoed into the air. His ears went forward as he froze. He didn't know what they said or there were any words at all in the voice, but he took off like a shot. He was sure that the voice had been Namid's. His paws hit the ground, claws shredding the earth beneath him as he went. 

Coming to the den site he stopped his eyes bright with adrenaline and panting. His gaze swept over everyone, noting that the white woman hadn't arrived yet. That is if she decided to even show up. His tongue hung from his maw as he sat down feeling rather invigorated. The pups had arrived! He was extremely aware that he wouldn't be able to see them yet as Vespertio's pacing form guarded the entrance. Anthem's gaze followed the man looking down if he was glanced at. He didn't want his overprotective friend to think he was going to try anything. 

Blue eyes found his sister and he grinned at her wondering how she was doing within the pack. If she felt that this would be the place that she could stay. He felt a pang of guilt. They hadn't really talked to one another since her joining, but that would change with the pups now being born he felt that they would have to hunt more and patrol the borders more. The newborns would be protected. 

I am the Anthem we sing,

  

My sister the Angele we follow,

     

My brother ,Nathaniel, our guide

Together we shall not stray.

@Hemlock just join in whenever you want to c:

To put it plain, the new mother was exhausted. Her stomach hurt from the contractions that, while they hadn’t completely stopped and naturally wouldn’t for a little while longer though she had no more children to bear, had produced her children. It had been an hours long ordeal with the greatest pain she suspected she had ever felt in her young life, but that was long forgotten as she gazed lovingly upon her children. The journey had been well worth the wait and the outcome had been more than she’d hoped for. Of course she’d had no clue how many of them there would be, but when she had born three heirs she considered it a blessing. Three little bundles that she would pour of her unrivaled love onto. She was passing her tongue over their little bodies to ensure their warmth when her husband entered the den, her vocals automatically issuing a growl that was cut abruptly short upon seeing it was him.

He approached like a cautious lynx, skirting around her back. While she was still protective and likely would be for a few weeks, she would allow their father in. She knew he was no threat to them, and even if she had suspected that would be put to rest by the look of adoration that lit his golden gaze. He settled himself against her back and peered over her shoulder at their brood, whispering their beauty to her which she had absolutely no objections to. They were truly, in her eyes, the perfect trio. Unrivaled by any natural phenomenon she’d ever seen, and she’d witnessed the northern lights. Her head turned to offer a lick to his chin, a tired smile given in offering to him as she looked from Vespertio back to the children. “Look at what we have created, my love. How could anything be so perfect,” she whispered in turn, as to not disturb their hungry suckling.

The queen’s auds twitched toward the opening of the den, catching the footfalls and murmurs of her packmates. Surprisingly, it calmed her to know that they were just outside guarding her door, especially with the recent outbreak of foxes. Luckily none had shown up with the scent of afterbirth so pungent in the air, and especially lucky that they had not come during her weakest moment; birth. A different scent hung in the air then, the scent of deer. Perhaps some of them would go out and hunt one down for the pack as celebration… turning her head to her love she moved to suggest just that. “Perhaps you should tell some of them to go after one of those deer, as a celebration for our children’s arrival. It would be a fine fit for this occasion.” she coerced. She didn’t worry about protection by sending them off, she had her love to stay with her and the children. No doubt he would stay by her side, as she suspected it would take a bear to run him off. Perhaps not even then, she mused.

It seemed Dezzy was not the only wolf eager to witness such a joyous occasion. After she'd arrived at the den and settled herself down, a bubbly young male arrived with even more enthusiasm. He earned himself a small warning from the lord, but it did not seem to dampen his spirits in the slightest. The timber wolf returned his greeting, bobbing her head in turn as her tail wriggled behind him. This must be the other adult male Namid had mentioned. Before she could wonder after his name, it was supplied, and the small she-wolf allowed herself a small laugh. "Hello Tagg!" she rumbled happily, pleased to find such a pleasant wolf among the Fallen Tree Cove pack. "I'm Desideria! You can call me Des, though. I smell the deer, too." A bit odd, she thought, that a family group would move so close to a clearly marked pack territory, but she'd not look a gift horse in the mouth. If it made an easy kill, there was no reason to ignore it. Still, she wasn't quite ready to move yet, especially once Angele approached. The cloud-colored fae was eyed with temporary suspicion, though she said nothing. Anthem's arrival was met with equivalent concern, and the scout in training nodded her head towards the king's beta. If their last meeting was any indication, he would expect a larger show of submission out of her. Turning her attention back to Tagg, she kept her voice low, lest she disturb Namid and her newborn litter. "I think a hunt would be a fine idea – but… Well, if @Vespertio would allow it?" she trailed off, gaze shifting towards their alpha. Her tail wiggled slightly as she waited for the male to either approve or deny their wish to bring his queen something to eat.

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