Lost Lake [m] takes me back to when we started

All welcome for a little bit.

She had absolutely no idea what she was doing. Her pregnancy had been rough - she'd had trouble finding enough to eat, and when she had eaten, she'd often throw it back up. She'd wanted desperately to return to Fallen Tree Cove, but she'd been too afraid to. Still, she'd stuck around, keeping herself hidden in the forest around Lost Lake for nearly the entirety of her pregnancy.

Eido had woken up that morning with stabbing pains in her gut; ripples that had her clenching her stomach muscles and whimpering in pain. The pale wolf remembered something about that meaning that pups were set to arrive that day, but she couldn't be sure. She didn't know how long gestation was supposed to last, or what was healthy, or how many puppies she had squirming inside of her. What she did know was that she didn't want to be out in the middle of the open when she did eventually have her puppies.

Something primal within her tugged her into getting to her paws and heading off to find somewhere more concealed to give birth. She didn't go too far, because the pain was only intensifying with every move she made. The young wolf ended up in a hollowed-out fallen tree that she could fit into rather easily. Her tail curled around her hock as she lay down, shaking and whimpering and waiting for the inevitable.

It wasn't long before she was pushing on impulse, attempting to rid herself of the grabbing pains inside of her stomach. Her mother had never explained any of this to her before, and she was more or less just working on instinct.

The puppy that slid out of her was pale-furred, as well, and came with a flood of fluid and blood - the umbilical cord still attached. Of course, the new mother did not know what the cord was, exactly, and her breathing picked up as she started to lick the fur of her infant. Fortunately, with the arrival of the new life - who was whimpering and crying and squirming healthily - the pain in her stomach had subsided, and she was left with a healthy little boy and a cord to deal with.

Eventually, the mother snipped the cord between her teeth and allowed her body to move on instinct and expel the afterbirth before she went back to letting her little one nurse. The boy was letting out soft, delightful little squeaks as he suckled at her side, his tiny paws kneading her teats in an attempt to get more milk. Eido was not prepared for the level of love and warmth that filled her chest as she looked at the cream-colored baby.

"Hello, Neel," she whispered, resting her muzzle on the ground beside the baby and curling around him in a protective semicircle.

OOC! No mummy should be alone ;(

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Guardian Post 1/3

Word Count: 250

He was trying not to stray too far from the den – Moon was due any day now – but Tagg still had a job to do.  If he was going to be a guardian, he had to show his leaders that he could do his job no matter what.  Even when he was worried about his mate. So he decided to run a border check.

The veteran had almost finished when a familiar scent hit his nose and he pulled up.  The breeze must have blown it in; it was faint but fresh, meaning its owner was still close. There was something off about it, so he decided to investigate.  He couldn’t quite put a name to it yet, but his gut was telling him they weren’t hostile.

As he neared the source, the sudden tang of blood clogged his senses. He then realized why it was different – it was a new mother.

“Eidolon?” He called gently as he neared a hollowed tree, where he assumed the smell was coming from. He approached carefully; he didn’t want to frighten her, and he knew how protective new mothers could be.  “It’s Tagg. From the Cove. May I come over?”

They hadn’t really had time to socialize after he’d gotten back, but they had fought the lynx together.  She’d seemed like a very perky, friendly girl.  Moon had liked her. It seemed wrong for her to be out her on her own, pushing children into the world without the support of a pack.

"Speech"  Thought

l

The young woman was just drifting off to sleep when she heard her name being called. Her orange eyes shot open and she struggled to her paws. The baby let out a soft cry as it detached from her belly and continued to whine in annoyance, no doubt still hungry. Eido gave him a few licks to try and calm him down at the same time as wondering how she would be able to defend him when it felt like her insides were made of mush.

Her breathing picked up in panic and she placed herself between the entrance of her makeshift den and the puppy, who was still crying on the ground behind her. Her tail tucked between her legs and she stiffened up with a soft, low growl of warning. She hadn't recognized the voice, and even if she had, she didn't want anyone near Neel. He belonged to her, and nobody else was allowed to touch him.

But then he continued, and she {I}did{I} recognize him. She didn't know him well, but she knew his scent, and she remembered him from the time when everyone had had to chase the lynx off. She relaxed a little, but still remained planted firmly between Neel and the opening of the den. Her throat went drier than it already was; she didn't think that he intended on hurting her or her baby, but shame burned her face at the thought of her old packmates finding out about her mistake.

Not that Neel was a mistake - she already loved him dearly.

But Tagg would probably be able to smell the blood, and hear Neel's cries, so ignoring him was a terrible idea. Eido crept over to the entrance of the den and peeked out, eyes round and ears pressed back. "H-hi," she whispered, her throat too tight to raise her voice any further.

OOC!  

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Guardian Post 2/3

Word Count: 255

As soon as he spoke, he heard the cries of a pup. His ears fell back and he halted, still several body-lengths from the place he suspected the girl was. There was a brief moment of hesitation before her face appeared and she stuttered out a quiet greeting.  The poor thing looked terrified and exhausted; what was she doing out here?

Tagg softened his voice and lowered his body to try and appear less threatening. “It’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you or your pup.” He told her, assuming from the sound of the sobbing child within that there was only the one. “You shouldn’t be out here alone; do you mind if I come closer?” He didn’t want her to feel overwhelmed or threatened.  He knew when Moon popped he would likely not let anyone near her, not to imagine how she might feel. “My mate is going to have pups any day now too.” He said.  The veteran knew his face could be off-putting, and was hoping the knowledge that he was about to become a father would help sooth her worries.

He glanced around, searching for any sign of the newborn’s father.  He couldn’t smell anyone else.  What kind of a man would leave the mother of his child to do this alone? What if there is a threat about? Tagg resolved to stay in the area for at least long enough to give the girl a rest so she could protect herself if she wouldn’t come back to the Cove.

"Speech"  Thought

(This post was last modified: May 08, 2017, 07:58 PM by Tagg.)

l

Tagg didn't seem to be threatening in the slightest, and Eido paid no mind to the scars on his face. But still, her heart was like a jackrabbit in her chest at the thought of someone being close to her or her baby. She glanced between the reddish form of the Cove male and the pale infant pitifully mewling on the ground behind her. Neel was probably getting cold by now - the 'den' was absolutely not designed for birthing, as it had very little insulation from the chill of the lingering winter air. Her tail tucked further between her hind legs at the dilemma, and she let out a shaky whimper.

"I-I know you're not," she stuttered, every part of her instincts screaming at her to not allow a strange male around her puppy. But she logically understood that Tagg wasn't a threat to her or Neel. But then he told her she should not be alone, and asked if he could come closer, and suddenly the logical part of her brain was having a bit more trouble.  "I just..." she croaked, her ears flattening down against her skull and her eyes filling with tears.

But she really, really needed help. How was she to leave the den to drink, eat, or take care of other business she had yet to attend to, with no one else around the den? She almost wished that Larkspur or Gitano had stuck around to help, or that she'd stayed with the Cove, instead of running away in shame from what she'd done. She was just so stupid.

He mentioned his own mate, and the idea of someone with puppies being around was slightly better than the idea of some stranger that didn't know anything about it. In the end, that wasn't what caused her to decide, but it was helpful. Orange eyes stayed locked on him, like they had from the moment she'd stuck her head around the corner, and she sniffled a bit before setting her quivering jaw and nodding her head. "Don't-don't touch him, okay?" she asked, still trembling a bit as she stepped back into the den and limped over to lay beside the pale infant. She curled protectively around him and let him latch back on to her teat again, her tail still tucked and her hind leg pressing the child to her stomach while she waited for Tagg to come in.

Hope you don't mind me sneaking Neha in here. <3

 

Depression. Guilt. Shame. Hopelessness. That was all she ever felt these days. The cycle seemed never ending, a domino effect of factors in her life playing out to state she was in now. Neha felt as if her entire world were caving in around her, her at the core, left to be sucked into the aftermath. Never before, had she felt so lost in her own home. Most of her blood family was gone, except for mom and dad. The only sibling who remained was @Lunette and she seemed to want nothing to do with her older sister. While new faces from the past had popped up, the cords of new friendships beginning to form, the promise of new life in the Cove, and above all, her newly ignited bond with Draven, the once proud princess felt anything but worthy of holding the title of heir.

In the dark midst of her deep sorrow and clashing emotions, Neha was forced to face one hard reality. She was with child. Her petite frame had gained weight, and her legs and joints ached as the weeks went by. The great swelling of her belly and sides, seemingly dragging her down, was undeniable proof that her harmless fling with Draven had been anything but. Having always pledged to do everything right in life, she at the cusp of adulthood, had failed. Now her entry into life as a grown up would be forced and swift.

She stayed away from the pack, from her own family, in fear of the repercussions she may face. In fear of judgement. She wanted to talk, to get her emotions out to a wiser adult who would understand, but hadn't the courage to do so. What would Namid think when she found out Draven was the father? The wolf they both had taken in, together and mended, becoming like a second son in the eyes of the lake Queen. She shook her head with a disturbed sigh as she slipped along the outskirts of her home, alone as usual, in search of food and fresh herbs for collecting. A breeze tickled her nose, bringing with it the scent of blood...and birth. But...Moonshadow wasn't due for a few days yet. Who else...? Then it hit her. Eidolon. How could she have forgotten? The poor girl must be just as terrified as she was. She recalled what little memories she had with her fondly, specifically when they worked with the pack in ridding the lynx from the Cove. Despite her low spirits, the nurturer within her won out, and guided her towards the new mothers place of hiding. A hollowed out tree log. Her breath caught in her throat, a wave of nausea flooding over her as she saw Tagg, knelt by the entrance. Slowly she crawled closer, pale agouti body hunkered close to the ground, ears back submissively. Eliciting a low whine, she paused behind the scarred male. "Eido...are you alright? Is...is there anything you need?" 

 

Neha can often be found close to Aleister's side and therefore may appear in any of his threads.

There are several fresh rabbit tracks in the mud. Hunt Opportunity

Vespertio Vuesain

At first, it was the scent of the tawny man and soon to be father that first drew the lakeside patriarch over and away from the lakeside abode they claimed as theirs, pondering what had caught the man's attention enough so to venture away from the den Moonshadow had hidden herself within in preparation for her upcoming litter. Any day now they would make their debut into their brand new world and there was hardly a moment the excited and first-time father was seen more than a few feet from the entrance. Always doting on the expectant mother which brought a smile to the patriarch's face, recalling memories of how he had done the very same when Namid had been pregnant. Already Vespertio knew he would make an excellent father.

Now, as cream limbs brought him further from his territory and closer to where Tagg had ventured off to, a new duo of scents lofted into the air and caused light brows to furrow in both curiosity and confusion. One scent he without a doubt recognized as the scent of afterbirth; knowing that distinguishable aroma well after being there twice now when his own mate had delivered pups, and the other belonging to a young girl he had accepted into their little family only to find her missing from their ranks come mating season. Her first, if he recalled properly.  Apparently, this was what had become of the missing woman.

Following his nose and the light sound of muffled conversation, eventually, the Vuesain came upon the duo. Or trio he should say. What the man had not expected to find near the hollowed tree was the silhouette of his own daughter swollen with the prospect of the cubs she too would bear into this world when the time was right. A twist of emotions making his stomach churn uneasily. A light woof announced his approach to prevent startling the young, most likely confused and highly protective woman, Be it her first litter or not, instincts were a powerful thing and he doubted anyone would be allowed hear her makeshift shelter. Molten gold irises took a moment to roam the bulge at Neha's abdomen where his grandchildren grew, a part of him wanting to reach out and brush his nose along that swollen belly to feel their little paws kick and shove in response to his touch, but he knew this was not possible.

Instead, his attention shifted momentarily to Tagg then back toward the hollowed entrance, keeping his voice light. The other's had already offered their help, there was little more he could offer the girl that his support and protection should she wish to accept it. "Eido, it's me Vespertio."

Word Count: 451

(This post was last modified: May 09, 2017, 12:22 AM by Vespertio.)

OOC! I walked away for FIVE MINUTES and BAM everyone runs in! Sorry for the wait :)

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Guardian Post: 3/3

Word Count: 301

Tagg understood her hesitation to let him near.  They didn’t know each other well, for one, and he was sure the strain of new parenthood resulted in over-protectiveness.  He was sure he would be just the same whenever his own children finally entered the world.  The only difference between them was he had an entire pack to help protect them, and he didn’t have to worry.  She was out here alone.

He slowly moved forward, making sure to keep his stance neutral while looking around to make sure she didn’t feel threatened.  “I won’t.” He promised, stopping just outside where he could peek in.  There was only one pup, and he was glad to see there were no stillborns.  Poor thing was going to grow up lonely… unless his mother brought him home to live in the Cove.

Before he could say any more, two of his pack members converged upon them. The veteran glanced back at the very pregnant Neha, surprised that she would leave the territory.  She wasn’t going to do the same thing Eidolon was doing, was she? He shifted sideways so the healer could also see inside should she desire to.  Being a female, he suspected the young girl would be more likely to allow her entrance. Tagg turned around, sitting up and gazing around the area like some kind of guard.  He was going to make sure this girl and her son were safe, even if they might not technically be members of his pack anymore.

Their leader was quick behind his daughter, not adding an offer of help. He instead simply announced his presence.  Tagg nodded to him in greeting, glancing once again back into the temporary birthing den Eidolon had chosen. Had Vespertio known about the girl’s pregnancy, and had he driven her out?

"Speech"  Thought

l

@Tagg Don't worry about it <3
@Neha your turn :3

The young girl was just getting used to having Tagg there, and had even given nonverbal permission to come inside the pitiful excuse for a den, when another scent approached, and then another soon after. She vaguely understood that they were talking to her, and that their voices didn't seem threatening, but it hardly registered from the overwhelming fact that there were too many wolves here. Instinct drove her far too quickly to her paws, tugging at something in her lower abdomen and lancing pain starting from the base of her tail to her stomach. She yelped, her tail tucking further, at the same time as Neel detached again from his suckling and squealed, angry at having his food taken from him again.

Eido panted softly, allowing herself a second to catch her breath, before turning her attention back to her baby. She gave him a couple of placating licks, smoothing his pale fur, and then looked back at the entrance where Tagg stood. He looked like he was standing guard, and he had promised not to hurt Neel, but now that more of his packmates had arrived... it made the new mother sick with worry.

It was pretty much impossible to leave her child the second time around, but the pale, trembling wolf limped back over to the entrance. Her belly fur almost brushed against the ground, she held herself so low, and a bit of blood speckled the ground behind her. Orange eyes flicked from Tagg, to Neha, to Vespertio, and then to her paws in shame. "I-I'm sorry," she whimpered, doing her best not to turn tail and run back into the hidden 'safety' of her den. "I didn't... didn't mean to br-break the rules, but..." She squeezed her eyes shut and willed her breathing and heartbeat under control. "But please don't- please don't hurt Neel. He did-didn't do anything wrong."

She understood that it was irrational to believe that they would want to hurt her baby, but for some reason, the illogical side - fueled by pain and fear and exhaustion - had taken over. She didn't think that it would be possible to defend him from all three of these wolves - even with one highly pregnant, herself. She kept sneaking anxious glances behind her at the crying pup on the ground, needing to return to him but unwilling to move a muscle from her terrified, protective position at the entrance.

"I don't know what to do," she admitted aloud, her voice trembling and hoarse. She was scared, not just of the Cove wolves, but of the dull ache in her stomach, and what to do about feeding Neel and herself, and the fact that there was very little that she'd be able to protect him from. She simply had no clue what actions to take, and she was more than willing to accept help, should it be offered to her.