Oak Tree Bend rapture of the deep

Any OTB wolves welcome to poke their nose in if they'd like :3

The shift from day to dusk was taking it's steady turn across the forest, the last rays light gone as the sun sank below the western mountains, leaving the spectral woods shrouded in a soft blue twilight. Spieden had kept herself busy for the day as always, fishing little smelt from the river to sate the voracious appetite that had hit in full force once the nausea had subsided. It was easier to tune out and forget there were things growing inside her when she kept her mind and paws busy. But as birdsong gave way to the nightly chorus of frogs, she knew it was about time for her to head back towards the pack den to turn in for the night. 

She had started her slow waddle upstream, enjoying the pull of cold water over her tired paws when she felt a pain deep in her gut. Her ears folded, just cramps, surely? Perhaps she had just overdone the fishing today. But the ache persisted, coming in waves that finally had her doubled over, teeth gritted as she sharply inhaled. Her eyes widened as she felt a pop, a damp feeling soon trickling down her legs and though she didn't dare look she knew she couldn't deny the reality of her situation any longer.

"Fuck fuck fuck," She muttered through clenched teeth as she pressed forward. She hadn't made a den of any sort for herself, and of course it was too late to start now. She knew the river like the back of her paw though, and she figured the little abandoned otter den would have to do. With fresh spring growth it was harder to find, but eventually she found the little burrow set into the bank under a leafy hedge, it's opening sloping down towards the water. Spieden squeezed herself in, paws frantically scraping at the damp soil to broaden the long passageway that had once served the more lithesome creatures to allow her considerable bulk inside. 

Spieden squeezed herself into the end chamber, finding just enough room to lay down if she kept her back firmly against the wall. The waves of pain had become constant now, unable to do anything but become a spectator to whatever horrors her body decided to unleash upon her. She didn't know what to do, whatever talk of the birds and bees she had before was long gone and lost to dusty old memories. But somehow it came naturally, her body instinctively pushed through the persistent pain. 

When a slimy creature finally emerged from her backend Spieden knew to pull it closer, fighting revulsion as she cleared the effluvium from its coat. She could barely see it in the dark. Two eyes, two ears, a little nose, a chubby little body like a seal pup. A little girl. Her little girl. The sensation as the cub began to feed was one that wasn't entirely unfamiliar, but there was no wrongness to it as there had been before. But soon she was distracted as the contractions returned with renewed vigor, the pup that slid from her body tended to much more quickly now that she knew what she was doing. A little boy, determinedly squirming with vigor until he was placed alongside his sister to feed. 

Spieden sighed, her head tiredly flopping to the ground, watching the two new little lives she had created. She didn't know what was to happen now, but for the moment, she was proud.

(This post was last modified: May 09, 2016, 04:56 AM by Spieden.)

Surely Spieden would be due to have her children any day now? Jaws full of sweetgrass almost missing the familiar scent trail laced with... Oh. Well that little excursion was fortunate... The leaders trail might be lost in the flowing stream but the scent of new life was in her nose now as she waddled along, back aching, cursing herself for the umpteenth time for getting herself into this predicament yet again.. The water still ran brown where the holt had been torn away to make the opening wider. She wasn't sure that she liked it, all it would take was a sudden surge in the river height - but any port in a storm. Perhaps when the leader had been given some time to rest she might consider relocating? But Naira would not push her luck.

When it seemed as though the woman was done, Naira dared to clear her throat, ears pinned to her skull, muscles tensed and ready to retreat at the first hint of a growl. She would place the grass at the mouth of the den, if she could not bring it closer. "Everybody doing ok in there? Just give me a minute and I'll grab you something to eat."

Perhaps she had been in denial this whole time after all?

Sahalie watched from the shadows.

The girl was a shadow.

As Spieden swelled to an ever-impressive width the girl became aware of the time ticking on the massive bomb. Spieden would either explode or the puppies would be born. A week ago, she had awoken drenched in sweat having dreamt that being the real story of labor: of her own mysterious mother exploding to give birth and dying. But she was not a child anymore and she would not let herself be carried away by such foolish ideas. No, she was not sure how the puppies would come out of her, but she was sure that they would be coming out soon and Spieden would survive it all. Spieden was a good strong woman, and she would have Sahalie to help. Only, Sahalie was not sure to help so she just followed the woman around and watched, waiting to be asked to do something. Sometimes Spieden was aware of her being there and others, well, Sahalie was not sure. 

She huddled nearby the river bank that her dark caretaker had wiggled into, listening to the subtle sounds and catching the odd scents drifting from the hole. Her eyes watered. Something beautiful was happening somewhere in the depths of the otter den. She wondered if Spieden knew was was here, with her. She hoped she did. Sahalie crept forward a few more pawsteps, wondering how close she could get while simultaneously sensing the taboo of crawling into the darkness after the woman. Were her siblings here yet? When could she hold them? The wind ruffled her dark fur but the otter-girl could not feel it, she thought only of how beautiful the babies would be when they arrived, only of the bizarre, obscure miracle that was going on inside the depths of the otter den.

Out of the darkness came a high-pitched, quiet mewl. Sahalie thought her heart would break, and she had to hold her breath. She was desperate to hear more.

A paw hung in the air as she was about to step forward. That was when the wind changed and the scent of the woman came towards her. The woman herself appeared suddenly, placing some blades of grass at the mouth of the den. Instantly Sahalie's brow furrowed and she felt her muzzle wrinkling. Despite everything Sahalie promised herself, all the principles she wished to live by, they were all forgotten when the woman spoke. Sahalie did not know what came over her. Usually she could at least get a grip on herself, could force herself to tolerate her father's woman. But not now, not with the soft music of her siblings coming from the den. "Go away," she said softly, forcefully, not wishing Spieden to hear. A small, conscious part of her was frightened by the strength, the ferocity of her feeling for both her caretaker, the children that we not quite related to her, and the animosity for a woman she had not realized she hated until this instant.

"You're not needed here. I'll take care of her."

Spieden wasn't sure if she had fallen asleep or was simply daydreaming when a noise caught her attention. Her ears flicked at the sound of paws drawing towards the mouth of the den. The Coho woman quickly propped herself up on her elbows, senses directed outwards as she peered out into the settling night. Spieden couldn't be too surprised that the scents and sounds had managed to attract attention to her little corner of the world. The cubs at her belly grunted and squeaked in protest of being jostled around as she shifted to shield them, crouched over their plump little bodies with her nerves electrified in case she needed to act. She felt a surge of relief when instead of the hungry eyes of a cougar or coyote peering into the nursery, it was only Naira's hesitant visage with a bundle of herbs.


Spieden sighed, shifting again to lower herself back to the floor and accommodate the small family as best she could within the confines. "I'm... We're fine." Spieden assured the older woman, her tongue flicking out over a dry nose. But she was hungry, though, and certainly wouldn't refuse whatever bit of sustenance she returned with. "Thank you," she said with a small yet grateful smile.

It was then she heard a voice, fainter and farther back but unmistakable in it's indignance. Spieden winced, her ears crumpling back against her head. Had Sahalie finally figured it out? She couldn't tell if the ire was meant for her or not, but whatever intentions Spieden had of keeping this whole mess under wraps, the hare was out of the bush now and there was nothing she could do about it now. Everyone would find out, including Sahalie. Especially Sahalie. Even if it meant she would think less of her.

"Sahalie?" She quietly voiced, mouth suddenly feeling dry, "Is that you?"

There is a deer that was killed by a lynx nearby. +10 Health

She didn't need to hear the girl telling her to go away to know that was what she said. Her stance spoke more than words ever would and with a subtle shift of her head to better hear the small girl with her one good ear, her tail rested easily between her hocks, an uncharacteristic patient smile offered with a small chuckle. A step was taken back from the mouth of the den, her own voice low so Spieden wouldn't have to know what was going on just outside her den. "Of course you can, I was on my way to drop the sweetgrass with my other stores. You take that down to her, it'll settle her stomach, and I'll go fetch something nice for her to eat. You won't even know I'm here, I'll just leave it here and you can take it to her."

She knew from her own experience the last thing the leader needed right now was for half the pack to come crowding her, and at least Sahalie's presence would be less threatening than her own - another pregnant female, potentially looking out for her own children's best interests. Perhaps once upon a time she would have considered it but she was far too comfortable with where she currently ranked, high enough up not to take others shit but with little of the responsibility required of a leader. No. She was in no rush to fuck this arrangement up.

Expecting perhaps a little more venom (the girl hardly an angry skink when compared to the spitting cobra that was @Aponi), @Spieden's thank you was  what finally prompted her to move. Poor @Sahalie would quickly learn that Naira's age had granted her thicker skin than that. It would take more than an angry, protective yearling to ruffle her feathers.

Serach is just here to provide security. :) Unless anybody interacts with him directly, you can probably skip him.

Although he had kept mostly to himself since @Drestig and @Jessie's departure, Serach had not been oblivious to the recent developments inside of the Bend. With spring upon them, he had suspected @Triell to take another partner - Naira - but like the rest of the pack, he was thoroughly surprised when @Spieden and @Aponi also began to show signs of pregnancy. There was something unnatural about it, and although Serach was certainly not the direct responsible party, he was responsible to help preserve and ensure his packmates' wellbeing. Even if that just meant ensuring that the pack's food caches were filled as much as possible, he had no choice but to lift the weight and help fill the void to ensure that these future Bend wolves were given the best chance at survival.

He was headed towards the pack den as the sun began to set, walking along the creek that was the lifeblood of their territory. Downwind from the lifechanging events taking place at the otter den, the youth's nose twitched as he picked up the scent of Sahalie. The closer he got, the stronger it became, until it was joined by the scents of Naira and Spieden. Although his longing for sleep was great, the subordinate's curiosity was greater.

He could see them from a distance, standing on the bank of the creek. Spieden was missing, and by the outline of their heads, Serach could see that Naira and Sahalie were looking at something. As he quietly drew closer, the smell from within the otter den hit his nose and he stopped short. He had enough life experience to know what had taken place inside. He was also experience enough to know that his presence that close to the den would not be wanted, and so he remained where he was. They would see him, but now that Spieden had disappeared into her birthing den, Serach's role was to make sure that no outside predators attempted to attack the newborn wolf pups. Settling down on his haunches, he began to scan the surrounding woods, listening intently for any sound that might trigger the need for a thorough investigation.

@Spieden your turn :3

From inside the den came the nervous voice of Spieden. Sahalie could think of no reason for her caretaker to be so odd, but then again she had never not known the woman to be odd. "Of course it's me," she whispered back without knowing why she whispered, "How many are there?" she began excitedly, followed by "Did you name them? Did you tell them I'm their big sister?" Tears started to well into her eyes "I love you, I'm so proud of you."

But when Naira spoke again Sahalie turned sharply, wondering why the woman was still here at all. The smile and the laughter would have set anyone at ease but the small, dark girl who thought them awfully dismissive. Especially when paired with the 'Of course you can.' Her eyes narrowed. The woman was being too nice for Sahalie to outright refuse her, no matter how she wanted to. Instead she was just left to hope that she would trip on a branch somewhere and not get up.

Whatever, she was not worth the time.

Her head twisted haughtily away, by coincidence catching sight of Serach's understated arrival. For him, at least, the girl had a smile. There were no words for her gratitude, for it was clear what he was doing. Serach was far more trustworthy than Naira, even if Sahalie could handle this on her own. Bobbing her head, Sahalie's dark jaws closed over the tendrils of sweet grass and considered only for a moment chucking them all into the river.

"Is it okay if I come in, Spieden?"

(This post was last modified: Jun 03, 2016, 01:51 AM by Sahalie.)

@Sahalie I think?? Not sure if the others are still 'here'? @Serach @Naira

As Spieden watched the shapes and shadows that shifted outside the den, Sahalie's face suddenly appeared within the little opening. Spieden had expected the worst, but really should not have been surprised by the rapidfire questions that slipped from the girl's tongue, too quickly for any reasonable answers to be supplied before the young Tainn disappeared. Spieden tried not to look shocked, Sahalie wasn't mad at her? More hushed tones carried on outside on the riverbank, too soft to be heard over the sound of trickling water, before Sahalie reappeared with a bundle of grass in her jaws.

Spieden immediately nodded, quickly realizing that in the darkness the motion probably went unnoticed. "Of course, come in," Spieden affirmed out loud, shifting her body slightly in the close confines and pulling the two plump pups in towards her so that there would be at least a little space for Sahalie to squeeze in. "You're always welcome," She added, she never minded Sahalie's company, even if she seldom matched the girl's verbosity. The Coho woman waited for Sahalie to settle herself before she cleared her throat, a sort of sheepish expression settling on her features. 

"Your... Your brother and sister," Spieden finally said to Sahalie in a soft voice, her nose gently brushing over the cubs before pulling back in case Sahalie wanted a closer look. "I hadn't... I hadn't thought of any names for them yet," Spieden murmured, pointedly looking down at the pups and feeling a bit of guilt. It wasn't as if they didn't deserve names, but she had buried her head so far in the sand that it hadn't even occurred to her to think of any. Yet strangely enough, looking at the two little beings that stirred beside her and had only taken their first breaths minutes prior, it was as if she had already known them. 

Note:Triell would still been leader at this time/ and uninjured.
If Naira heads out, he's gone too.

I'll be the bright in black

If he hadn't been looking for Naira he wouldn't have known what happened. After caching a good chunk of deer meat he had found from winterkill when he didn't find her in her log, he worried. She should have more time, but he wasn't counting on anything going right. Murphy's law would throat punch him if he did that.

Low and behold it was along the stream he caught one scent, and eventually a hellava lot more. Stomach knotted itself, but as he came around the bend in the stream he could not see Spieden. Instead there was a den, both Naira and Sahalie outside. Relief flooded through him. Then his bright gaze fell to the pale form of Serach. Triell had to smile. The diligence of the boy reminded him both of Ice and Corinna. Some day he wondered if he would continue their legacy. For now Spieden could use a little looking after, and while he was sure Sahalie was all over it, his nephew would truly give him peace of mind. There were still two others to watch over. Too many things to think, to do, and fret over.

Quietly, he made his way to the group. Why he hadn't known everything that had passed, and why he felt he rather hang back with Serach he didn't. After brushing his shoulder to Naira's, he looked into the shadows. He could make out two small forms, and Spieden. She probably had been through some hell, but there seemed a change to her. A good kind. There was a warm smile, his relief, and awe somehow in that simple thing. "Well least they have a good last name, and I'm sure Hal will help you decide what goes well with them and Coho." Brief, but proudly he looked upon his daughter. She had a big heart, and he hoped her own siblings would fit into it. For now, he bowed his head, and took place by Naira, feeling that Spieden and Halie may need some time together.

(This post was last modified: Jun 18, 2016, 04:37 AM by Triell.)

are you with me through it all?