Secret Woodlands May It Be

@Enia @Cinaed @Miccah + everyone else :P
Puppy meet and greet! All SW wolves more than welcome, but puppies post first please

Rain had fallen steadily through the past days, though in the Woodlands it didn't matter much, the ground still mostly dry beneath the dense canopy. Instead the patter of droplets against leaves formed a calming backdrop, creating a feeling of shelter and peace for the wolves below. Once again Aideen had freed herself from the puppy-pile to sneak out of the den and enjoy the fresh air. At this point everything was so squashed down there she almost felt unable to breath; We can't keep this up… Perhaps it was time for a change, personally she would enjoy some more room, as well as the chance to once again cuddle with her mate rather than having him sleep outside the den. She couldn't keep their children sheltered forever, certainly not from the rest of the pack, and neither did she want to, they were family; And it's time they get to know them! Nodding to herself, the mother turned her head, peering into the darkness of her narrow birthing den. Before she had time to lose her resolve, she gave a soft yip to call for her children, getting to her feet and shaking out her fur, sighing lightly as she cast a quick glance down along her flank. She sorely needed a good grooming, her normally immaculate fur looking rather shaggy after three week of motherhood. Oh well… She shrugged her shoulders, hopefully her subordinates would be understanding, and maybe, once the puppies were well installed in the communal den, she'd have a chance to steal a few moments to herself. There was a grin on her face when she crooned at her emerging children: "Come on my dear ones, it's about time we introduce you!" Once they were all out and ready, she would start moving, leading them through the Woodlands to the small clearing in front of the main den, where they would meet the rest of their family.    Word count: 322 "Speech" Thoughts

Malleni-Stock @DA, needanewname @DA & Dawnthieves.de

He’d been resting carefully alongside his littermates when his mother had freed herself from the mass huddle that he’d known for the first three weeks of his life, his eyes opening softly as his head raised, stirred from the movement of his mother, still blurry vision noting her movements towards the outside of the den before he pushed himself up, a soft yowl as he let out a yawn, his eyes blinking rapidly for a few seconds as he drew himself from his napping state. He let out a few soft whines as he pushed himself up onto his paws.

He didn’t quite go after her, however. Cináed was fascinated by the world that surrounded him from the dirt to the sun to the moon and the stars… not that they sky was easy to see through the dense thicket by any means. His nose cringed slightly as he moved closer to the outside of the den, much more stable and on his paws than he had been on his first venture out. He was fascinated, but the outside world was intimidating to the little pup, his ocean blue eyes eager to learn everything that made him curious though he still wasn’t sure what questions to ask or even how to ask them.

The curious pup tried to stay close to his parents, though he did occasionally find himself wandering off a little too far like any puppy trying to get used to the world. He tried for form a word, “ma”, something short and simple, but it came off as another whine from the still-waking up pup as he heard his mother’s voice beckoning him to step out of the den, a light skip almost as he scampered closer to his mother, sticking close to her as he let a wide smile onto his face.

(This post was last modified: May 30, 2016, 01:32 AM by Cinaed.)

   

She'd wiggled herself to the warmest spot of the sleeping pile – half hidden under her siblings and pressed against the mother's belly – this was something she had mastered over the first weeks of her life. Here she could lie cuddled up nicely, never fearing the touch of midnight cold on her fur. It was so cozy, she didn't even notice when Aideen got up, simply shifting slightly to pull her tail in underneath her brother's warm body instead. Of course, then he moved. Tiny brows knitted in frustration, Flair rolled over, stretching out to find her brother and burry underneath him once more, but he wasn't lying down anymore. Instead she felt him stirring near her feet and kicked out, a demand for him to stop wiggling and lie back down. But there was no result. Growling lowly in annoyance, the fiery girl opened her eyes, glancing around the dimness for signs of movement. To her surprise she found, not only Cináed, but her mother gone too. She'd just located her brother at the opening of the den, when the familiar, soft voice reached them, ending their sleep for good. Flair whined loudly to announce her dismay, but then got to her feet, knowing better than to cross their mother. Besides, she was excited at the prospect of an outing, having long since grown bored of the den and the small clearing in front of it. So she bounded after Cin's charcoal rear, not bothering to wait for Nia, but instead lounging a surprise attack on the wagging, black tail once she was clear of the darkness. Cin's tail was the best to chew! Word count: 274 ”Speech”

Tambako the Jaguar @flickr

A lynx has left behind the remains of a deer. +5 Health

As per usual, she awoke to the movement of her siblings. Enia's eyes popped open curiously, watching as her brother made his way towards their mother's voice, Flair quickly following. Huffing in disappointment that she would once again be the last one out, the dark pup focused on the entrance, yawning before getting up and walking towards where her family was waiting. The young girl wondered as to why they were being called out into the world today. She always enjoyed going outside, especially when she got to be with her mother.

The runt of the liter observed her siblings silently. Cin close to their mother and Flair getting ever closer to their brother's rump. Nia let out a small squeal of protest in order to warn her brother of the incoming attack of their scheming sister, but she did not know if her warning was sufficient in helping him. Her attention was now on her beaming mother. Their dark father was not their to steal her attention for the time being and the small child took the opportunity to prance up to her mother happily, a bright smile on her lips, tail wagging enthusiastically. Yipping loudly, she did her best to call her mother's attention to herself.

(This post was last modified: Jun 11, 2016, 04:56 PM by Enia.)

He had not at all expected to be the first wolf to arrive here, to be the first other then their mother and father to lay eyes on the children of Secret Woodlands. They were not Nina's children, which was odd to take in, though they were just as cute as he could remember pups being. As he came forward, his moments were slow and easy, each fluid step well thought to not startle the children. To Aideen, he smiles, dipping his head low respectfully to his new leading female. His eyes glance to each of the pups until they finally land and catch interest to the smallest of them - a little dark colored girl that he had yet to know the name of. Enia was the runt of the litter and he was instantly attracted to her to her because of this more delicate display. In a way, she could remind him of himself when he was so small, though this girl was far more lucky then him. She had siblings to play with and two parents to love and protect her. He smiles ever so delicately to the girl, though does not move closer to her. Instead, his eyes glance to the other pups again so he would not be 'staring' and then he comes down to a lay, long forelegs stretching out in front of him as he watched them silently.

(This post was last modified: Jun 12, 2016, 06:48 PM by Bane.)

Nios had been a phantom in the lands of Secret Woodlands – his stocky form took guard about the borders, and his conversations were left minimal. It was not that he kept himself from his fellow pack mates, but that his mind was upon other matters – primarily, his brother, and now, @Morganna . She had offered him a place in her pack – but not at her side. The pups that’s had swelled in her belly the last time he had seen her were no doubt brought to the world now, and he could not help but wonder if their blood was his own. She had made it clear that they might not be – was he a fool for hoping they were?

There remained little here for him. Nina was perhaps the only solace he could truly seek, should he want any. He had seen little of Belladonna and Duckweed, but that likely stemmed form his own seclusions more than anything else. Still, the woman had intrigued him upon his first impression of her – but she had seemed far more interested in learning about his brother than himself, and Nios could have already seen where that would have headed.

Copper Rock Creek remained elusive, now, with a pack taking residency close to it. Morganna’s words had not been missed by him though – and while he had not grown numbers to reclaim his old home.. he almost wondered if the fiery she-wolf would aide him with her pack, should the request be given.

But what could he give her in return?

His train of thoughts were broken from him as he realized he had come closer to the den. The scent of the pups was overwhelming – although, certainly welcome, and as Nios emerged from the foliage of the woods, the wolf would lower himself submissively, maintaining a respectful distance from the small gathering as his amber gaze sought out Aideen to interpret if he was even welcome here for the moment.

(This post was last modified: Jun 14, 2016, 02:25 PM by Nios.)

'cause its home, but it's gone

Nina stopped by to check in on Aideen and the children only when she felt it was necessary. They were developing quite well and the Hervok woman was ever happy for her protegee. It would only be a matter of time now before the pups were causing their own mischief around the pack lands. The graying woman was intrigued to see how Aideen would handle her children running around on their own. Things were easier on Nina now that she did not have the stress of a pack sitting on her shoulders. She found that she could breath much easier now that she had passed her torch to someone else.

Of course, the future of that someone else would also have to be ensured. Nina was already on her way to the den in order to check in on the little rascals. She was particularly found of Flair, she had a fire in her that the graying golden woman enjoyed seeing in a pup. One that would, no doubt, get her in trouble some day. When she arrived though, it seemed that there was already a welcoming party gathered. Nina greeted all with a smile, her single eye, however, was attracted mostly to the children, the emerald orb sparkling with reinstated happiness. With Daniel's death, Nina was unsure of how she was going to take the birth of the new children, but now that they were here, she knew it was exactly what she needed.

It seems when you're around, my life is complete.

The man had woken early to head to the borders. Chuffing a soft goodbye to his family, the dark king had gone to do what he did best. More and more he was leaving his border responsibilities to his subordinates below him to spend time with his family and he felt like he was starting to neglect his leader duties. Yes, his wife and children were important, but so was his pack and his responsibility as their alpha to keep them safe. The dark king would have to find a balance, and soon. After a long morning, Miccah had decided to briefly check in on his wife and children. The stoic guardian and his mate had touched upon the subject of moving the pups to the communal den before, yet had not decided concretely on when to do so. When he arrived to Aideen's birthing den, he found an unusual sight. A few of his pack mates were present although like usual the children were happily surrounding Aideen. A low rumble was his only source of greeting to his pack as he headed towards his children, his eyes warming as he looked them over. With Miccah there was never a need for preamble, so he looked at his pack mates and spoke, introducing his children with a nod in their individual direction. "These are our children - Cinaèd, our firstborn, Flair, and our youngest, Enia." He then turned to his attention fully onto his children.  The dark king knew his children couldn't yet quite understand every word that fell from his maw, so he stated the rest of the pack's presence with a simple word they probably long since understood. "Family.""speech"

Burtn @DA, Colourize-Stock @DA, Momotte2stocks @DA, Celem @DA & Dawnthieves.de

thanks for joining everyone! Second round, let's get the puppers moving :D

Her children, as always, where quick to respond, Cináed this time the first out of the den. Her beautiful, brave boy running to meet her with a wide grin. Smiling back at him, the mother lowered her head to offer her muzzle for a quick cuddle before his sisters joined them. It was not a long wait either, a flash of red soon springing from the den's darkness, a loud shriek of warning following behind her. Aideen had no time to react beyond widening her eyes as Flair flew towards her brother, clearly intent on connecting with her bared teeth. This was no unusual sight though, the fiery lass seemed to have quite an affinity for fighting, and her dark counterpart was usually more than ready to engage her; Even if Flair was mostly the instigator. Aideen was starting to learn that she couldn't keep her pups from brawling, her duty was simply to observe, and only interfere if things got out of paw. So for now she just shook her head, keeping an ear perked for sounds of distress as her attention turned to her last daughter, trailing behind her sister in a more leisurely manner, coming to a halt at her dam's side and eagerly begging for attention. Enia was much quieter than her siblings in manner and as such often went unnoticed beside them, but Aideen did her best to give the more reticent pup equal attention, and she had a special love for her youngest daughter with the black and silver fur. Nia in turn was good at spotting the opportunity to steal time with her parents when they weren't preoccupied with her more demanding siblings, and her mother dutifully gave what was asked, touching her nose to the tiny black one and humming lovingly. In all the commotion she hadn't noticed their company and was rather surprised to look back up and see Bane only a few steps away, giving a silent greeting. She returned a sheepish smile, nodding back as the boy lowered himself to the ground in a reassuring gesture towards the pups. No sooner had her settled before an equally surprising visitor appeared, Nios emerging out of the thicket like a shadow. The older, but equally dark wolf kept some distance from both Bane and the family, clearly seeking permission before venturing even closer. Aideen turned her smile to the Tainn, thankful for his courtesy even though she knew he wouldn't hurt the pups. She would have beckoned him closer, but had no time for words before Nina too joined their little group; Looks like the introduction has come to us..! The petite woman chuckled to herself, meeting matriarch's glowing gaze with a cheerful shrug. Nina looked mounts better than she had a few months ago, even with the steady graying of her golden fur, and growing wrinkles on her face. It seemed retiring had suited her well, and Aideen was happy that the former queen seemed  content in her new position. Already she was building a relationship with the pups, and the role as granny was one that suited the aging lady well Looking out at the little gathering, Aideen grinned widely; "You've come at a great time!" She announced it merrily, glancing down to the children bumbling at her feet; "You play nice now." Then a low call announced the arrival of yet another, and the mother looked up at her mate with a smile. His dark eyes were full of love as he looked over his children, and it made her own heart swell to see him so happy, as happy as she was. They both turned back to the pack as Miccah took the opportunity to formally introduce the pups. Aideen continued to smile, looking down at each child as their names were mentioned, an approving nod given to them when their father said the word family. There was no need for names at this point, they would learn them once they were old enough to properly understand. For now all they needed to know was that the pack was as close as their biological family; "They'll help look after you, and if you're nice they might play with you too." Turning her attention back to the adults, she said: "I thought it was time we moved the puppies to the main den, let them get used to everyone." It seemed as a good a time as any, with Bane and Nios already here the pups would have a chance to get to know them a bit, and they might run into Bella and Duckweed, or the Hervoks on their way to the center of the thicket. A paw puffed lightly at the little tails; "Come on, say hello. We're going on a little walk." Word count: 797 "Speech" Thoughts

Malleni-Stock @DA, needanewname @DA & Dawnthieves.de

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