Fallen Tree Cove I'm gonna give you all of my love

OOC! Baby Magg is here! @Tagg will most likely be the only one allowed in the den, but with her storm of emotions she may allow others of they dare try :)

Her wounds from the fight with the white demon had begun their last stage of healing. The deepest of which were still a fair amount of tender but it was nothing compared to what it had been. The ebony she wolf may not have survived if it weren't for her love and best friend finding her. Guilt roared in her mind from venturing that far away from home and ending up memoryless. She should have stayed closer to home. But whats done is done and now everything could move on now that she had her memories back.

Moon had healed enough to be allowed out of the communal den a week and a half ago. Since then she had found her old personal den from when she was alpha. She dug it out so that she and her russet mate could more comfortably fit within it. The expectant mother filled the den with any soft material she could find, partly working on instinct and partly working on the advice from @Namid. The pale queen had given her dark second some pointers that had proved helpful. She told her what to put in the den, what to expect throughout the labor, and what to do when the pups were born. Moonshadow soaked up every word like a dry sponge carefully storing each piece of information.

Being in the late stages of pregnancy along with being unable to keep most of her food down the midnight she wolf was thinner in her hips and legs despite her belly being swollen. Her love and @Kajika had made sure to bring her food, and despite the nausea she would eat to ease their minds and @Neha had been kind enough bring her herbs despite expecting herself. Throughout the last four or five days a dull ache had plagued her belly leaving her unable to get more than a few hours of sleep at a time. Namid said that it was normal and just meant that the pups would be arriving any day. So the dark soon-to-be mother stuck close to the birthing den never venturing too far away.

The sun was high in the sky but the grip if winter refused to release the lore leaving it colder than it should be. With her thin state Moon had a hard time staying warm when her love wasn't with her. Tagg had spent the majority of the morning by her side and had only just left to find her a meal. So large paws moved carefully through rocky terrain down to the lakes shore. A nap in the sun greatly appealed to the woman as she made her way to her favorite spot - the large boulder that half hung over the lake. Climbing atop the rock the large wolf circled a few times before settling down on the smooth surface. The warmth from the sun quickly brought sleep to the female.

Pleasant dreams were interrupted by a sharp pain surging through her midsection. The sudden pain jolted her from sleep as she let out a yelp. Her dark head flew up as silver eyes stared at her midsection. What was th- another one tore through her body causing her to wince and whine. Something deep inside her told her it was time...they were coming. Hopping down from her perch Moon broke into a trot towards the den. Then it happened again causing her to stop and catch her breath. Heavy pants now fell from her maw as she tried her best to quickly make it back to the birthing den. After what seemed like forever she finally made it back. Silver eyes darted around frantically trying to find his familiar red form. He must still be hunting, she let out a short call for her mate before slipping into the den. Another contraction hit just as she laid down on the soft bedding. A series of whines, yelps and grunts escaped her inky maw as each contraction came and went. Silver dusted ears heard the sound of paw steps outside the den. A purely instinctual warning growl came from her, these were her puppies. With another whine the dark beta pushed and pushed until finally her first born was here. She quickly went to work clearing away all the birthing fluids from the dark pup. It was a boy as dark as his mother. Happiness filled Moon until it became very apparent that something was very wrong. The boy wasn't moving or making any sounds. Panic arose within her as a whine of desperation was let out. No no no. Guilt began to fill the mother until yet another contraction came. Pushing once more another pup made its way from her. Moving with desperation Moon quickly cleaned this one - a girl - straining to hear a sound come from her. But she too wouldn't make a sound. "Tagg" she called pain and worry clear in her tone. Moon moved the russet girl next to her brother, pulling them to her as tears built up in her eyes. It wasn't until she caught sight of the man she loved did she begin to sob. This was her fault, it was all her fault.

OOC! Just in time for me to get out of my last final!

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Word Count: 363

The day was coming soon, this Tagg knew.  So why did he venture so far out today? He had gone for some food; he was very hungry, and he knew Moon would need quite a bit of food within the next couple of days.  He wanted to refill as many of the pack caches as he could, as well as get some new fur to pad their den with.

It had been a good day, and he’d managed to find three squirrels and even a fox sunning itself. He supposed he only got the red-furred canid because he caught it by surprise.  Still, its pelt would make a fine addition to his mate’s bed.

The veteran heard the call just as he was collecting his squirrels.  His head snapped up and his heart leapt into his throat. It’s time!

He buried the squirrels to retrieve later and snatched up the small fox, bolting for his den where his mate waited.  He could smell blood and heard her whimpers, yet as he approached the entrance she growled a warning.  He patiently stopped and dropped the fox, instead pacing across the entrance. Though he wanted nothing more than to be at her side, he would abide by her wishes.

Then she choked his name.  Her pain a worry pierced his heart, and he darted into the dark hole. Between her paws lay two tiny, unmoving bundles of fur. Moon began to sob when she saw him, and he felt his eyes widen in dismay. Anguish filled him as he stared at their children – children who would never know the love of their mother and father or the sweet scent of grass in the spring.  Children who would never have the chance to live.

The russet man curled around his mate’s head, giving each of his dead children a gentle kiss before turning his comfort to their mother.  He licked her crown and around her ears, murmuring soft words of consolation.  They had both been so excited to be parents, and now… who knew if they would ever have this chance again? Though they hadn’t done anything wrong, Tagg couldn’t help but wonder: were they being punished?

"Speech"  Thought

l

There is a moose carcass that has been scavenged by coyotes nearby. +15 Health

Since his discovery if his beloved Kajika had moved about his days in a rhythmic routine,it kept his mind busy for the most part. There had been times it had threatened to go to that dark place again. He thought knowing her fate would have been better before but now knowing she would never walk the trails of the cove again or a chance encounter by the lake impossible was even worse. She only lived on in his memory and with her death the dreams and nightmares that had once haunted him had stopped. Now he was plagued with the vision of a faceless male that he would chase and chase without ever catching him. She'd been murdered and all Kajika had was a scent to go on to find the one that had ended Des's life. He made a vow that the male would pay with his life and the dark man meant to follow through with it no matter how long it took.

He could not go in search of the murderer just yet with Moonshadow still recovering and Anaia still trying to find her place he couldn't leave them. Everyday he would bring Moonshadow food and check in with her to make sure she was doing okay but as her sides continued to swell the beta knew the time was getting close. He'd seen it in Namid the year before so he kept a closer eye on his ebony friend. She had been there for him through his darkest time and now that she was coming into motherhood for the first time he would be there for her and her pups.

When he heard her voice, it was only a short call his routine was broken as he turned to go to her. The way she sounded worried him as he ran at full speed toward her den. He didn't want her to not have his support for a moment, they had always supported each other and that shouldn't end now because she was starting a family of her own. When he reached the den Tagg was pacing outside a dead fox lying on the ground near him. Kajika didn't say a word to the tawny man as he went to take up a place to wait for news just outside the den. He remembered from the year before how Namid had reacted when anyone but Vespertio had tried to enter the den. Kajika didn't want to take any chances with Moonshadow.

Then the sound of her voice, the way she said Taggs name sent him moving toward the den any thoughts of what she might do to him gone. He only cared about making sure she was alright. He reached the mouth of the den just as Tagg disappeared inside. “Moonsha…,” he started but stopped as he saw what had her so upset.

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OOC!

Guilt riddled the new mothers entire being. Her thoughts flashed to the fight passed behind her clenched eyes. Her ears flickered as she heard the approach of her love. As soon as she saw him Moon couldn't help the torrent of tears from falling down her face. Silver eyes could only look upon the man she loved for a moment as shame fell over her. She had failed in carrying his children, how could he still love her after this? She felt the warmth of his body wrap around her head. She leaned into him wetting his fur with her tears. Her sobs were momentarily paused as the sound of another approaching. Her instinct was to growl but she knew she couldn't protect her young...the worst had already happened. Silver eyes took in the dark form of her best friend. Another wave of sorrow washed over her for her plan to ask the dark man do be her children's god father seemed to be lost. The contractions had seemed to cease so the hope of another pup coming dwindled.

Time seemed to have stopped as the dark woman continued to sob. Everything seemed lost until yet another shooting sharp pain ripped through her belly. Her head shot up with a yelp. The two males were forgotten as the new mother realized she was still in labor. The contractions were more powerful than the ones before. With a few pushes another bundle came into the world. Moon desperately began to clean the bundle begging for a sound to come from it. The pups coat as mixture between that of its older siblings. Her black coal nose nudged the tiny pup urging it to breath, move, anything. After what seemed like forever a shrill piercing cry rang through the den. Relief flooded the new mother as she let out a breath  she didnt know she was holding. shThe dark beta nudged her surviving baby to her teat so that it could eat. A broad smile crossed her maw as checked the gender of her baby. "its a boy" she breathed looking over to @Tagg. She wasn't a complete failure after all. Her heart still ached for her children who didnt make it. Moonshadow curled around her babies as exhaustion overcame her. She wasn't ready to let her son and daughter go just yet.

OOC!  

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Word Count: 268

Tagg really wished Kajika hadn’t followed him into the den, but Moonshadow didn’t seem upset by his appearance.  Every instinct was screaming at him to chase the beta away, but logic told him Kajika would never hurt his mate or children.

There wasn’t much he could do to them anyway.

He was settling in for a long night when Moon’s labor suddenly continued.  It wasn’t long before there was a third bundle of fur in the crowded den, and Tagg joined his mate in nudging and cleaning the small thing. He could barely breathe; his heart was in his throat, and he feared it might stop.

And there was life.

The dark woman was quick to guide the child to her teat.  The den spun around the new father as he fell back into his earlier position at his love’s head so she could rest. There was one.  One of their children at least had survived. He smiled, kissing Moon’s face. “Chan.” He murmured the name they had agreed on, beaming down proudly his son and his wife.

But his gaze returned to the stillborns. They couldn’t stay in here with Moon. She needed to say goodbye, and then they would receive a proper burial. This was supposed to be a happy, joyous moment. Tagg would have to wait to be angry.  He had whoever had attacked his mate to blame for this.

He looked at @Kajika, his best friend, with a dark look in his eye.  If he ever found who did this… if he ever found out who did this…

They were a dead wolf walking.

"Speech"  Thought

l

It wasn't the best idea for him to have followed Tagg into the den but the sound of her voice, what it held.  He'd never heard her sound like that before and he worried for her, he worried that something had gone wrong and she was in trouble.  After losing Des he couldn't lose Moonshadow too so he had rushed to the den only going in halfway, enough he could see that Moonshadow seemed okay. Physically anyway aside from the stress she body was under. It was the two tiny bodies that lay lifeless between her paws that caused a whine to leave him as he looked up at the couple.  He was immediately reminded of what happened to Namid the previous year.  Tagg had settled in next to Moonshadow and tried to comfort her as she mourned her stillborn children.  Kajika couldn't leave Moonshadow no matter what objections there might be no matter what the growl that had left her when he first entered or what he might do to him.

There wasn't time to dwell on what had caused  the death of the pups though as it was clear Moonshadow was still in labor. As she went through it Kajika whined once more the worry he had felt before returning.  He inched a little closer hoping his presence could give her some comfort as she pushed the next puppy out.  He'd never seen puppies born but he was glad that he could share this with her.  He may not be the father of this child that he watched as mother and father quickly cleaned it off but it was special to her and therefore it was to him as well.  A smile crossed his dark features as she announced it was a boy and the name of the child was given.  As Moonshadow curled around her pups Kajika saw Taggs gaze go to the stillborns before meeting his.  The beta gave a short nod understanding the meaning of the look he'd been given.  Whoever had caused the death of the first two pups would like Des’s murderer pay with their life. “Congratulations,” he whispered to the couple, “You've chosen a fine name for him.” He placed a lick on Moonshadows crown.  He decided not to say anything about the pups that hadn't made it for now, she needed to feel the joy of having one pup survive.

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OOC! Out of character comments here

Tiny mews filled the dark mothers ears filling her with bittersweet happiness. Her announcement of the pup being a boy was met with his father giving him the name they had agreed upon for a boy. "Chan" she breathed his name with an overwhelming amount of love. No one prepared her for the amount of love that filled her, not only for her little survivor but all of her children. Mercury pools looked over her two still bundles, a fresh wave of tears forming. "Nash and Zona" she choked out giving the pair a kiss. Chan for his grandfathers, Zona for her grandmothers, and Nash for his uncle. Her attention was pulled back to reality as @Kajika spoke. She smiled up at him "Will you do us the honor of being his godfather?" Moon hoped with all her heart that her best friend would say yes. She loved the dark man and wanted her son to grow to do the same. The new mother remained wrapped around her three little bundles. Deep down she knew what would have to happen...she would have to burry her firstborns. Something inside her just couldn't let go, not yet at least. Her large dark head laid protectively over Nash and Zona while her cool gaze watched her little Chan eat quite loudly. It was the most beautiful sight the woman had even seen. She was more grateful for this opportunity and @Namid or @Vespertio would ever know.

OOC!  

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Word Count: 219

His mate murmured the name, sending yet another wave of pleasure over Tagg and shoving his anger to the side.  He couldn’t be angry, not right now.  That wasn’t what Moon needed.  She needed his love and his support.  The anger could come when they were done mourning.

She whispered the names of their stillborns, wrenching his heart. Perhaps someday they could have a daughter to honor their mothers and sisters, or another son to honor his love’s uncles and brothers.  But not today. Fate was not with them.

Tagg looked up at his friend as his mate voiced the question of naming the other beta godfather.  They had discussed it, and could not think of a better wolf to do it.  Kajika was best friend to both of them, and should something happen to them, they knew he would care for their son to the best of his ability. He nodded as she spoke, pleased she hadn’t forgotten in the intensity of the moment.

As his love settled back down, the veteran resumed grooming her.  He was sure she was exhausted, and wouldn’t be surprised if she fell asleep then and there.  He would be beside her to protect her; he didn’t plan on leaving for the rest of the day. He could collect the morning’s kills tomorrow.

"Speech"  Thought

l

Papa Vesper is here. Might not do a whole lot since he's keeping a respectful distance, but he can dispose of the stillborns at Anthem's grave with his stillborn from last year if y'all would like.

Vespertio knew that it was only a matter of time now until Moonshadow would pop, having gone through this process with Namid twice now and surely his experience could be of some use to the new parents when the time did officially come. Already Namid had offered what advice she could not only to their ebony subordinate but also their daughter who much to her father's dismay was also expecting her first litter. That thought still left quite the sour taste in her sire's mouth, but little could be done about it now other than help guide her through the process of parenthood and ensure her children grow healthy and strong.


It was returning from a routine patrol that russet ears happened to pick up on the cry for Tagg and nostrils filled with the smell of afterbirth and other birthing liquids he had come to know quite well dealing with his own litters, creamy limbs picking up their pace to cross the terrain toward the secluded birthing den Moonshadow had chosen for herself. Upon arrival; although keeping a respectful distance knowing the new mother wouldn't allow a single wolf other than the father to enter the private quarters, it was of little surprise to witness Kajika already on scene and half-way into the den. The poor man having to deal with the recent loss of his beloved. An event the pack was very intent on seeking revenge over. 

Making a soft woof to alert the others to his arrival, he halted where he stood to give the woman and newly adorned father their space, unaware of the tragedy that had befallen the first time parents. Something Namid and himself had experienced the year prior and the very reason they had decided against trying for a litter this year despite how hard their instincts begged to cave in on their own decision. "How goes it?" He asks curiously, awaiting either of the two males to serve him the news of their new family.