White Fir Notch Beyond the horizon

OOC Comments!
Jynx's birthing thread! All welcome, but only Emrys will be allowed in the den.
@Emrys @Ambrosia @Sylva @Salix @Ishtar @Nauja @Ryker

Time & weather: Dusk, light drizzle. 47*F, 8*C
Jynx's den 

It had been early morning when Jynx had awoken, instinctively sensing that something was different. She couldn't quite place her paw on it. A glance to her swollen belly ensured that everything seemed normal. During the last week of her term, she had felt more bloated, more stiff in the joints. Just all around plain uncomfortable, as the pups inside of her wriggled with increasing activity. Any day now, she would be due. Soon she and Emrys would meet their very first children. Children of their own blood. No longer would they have to settle for a fantasy or for wishful thinking, while looking after someone else's pups. The time she had spent during the past year socializing with Gent's children, she had enjoyed. Being around them gave her valuable experience, but now that she was about to be a parent for the first time, she wasn't so sure it'd be quite that easy.

She had successfully chosen a birthing den in which to have her pups, where she would spend the next few weeks with them. It was centrally located, just a stones throw from the stream that carved through her home. In a combination of uplifted soil and intermingling roots, it was an ideal, sturdy structure. She had taken great lengths to expand it as she saw fit inside, to ensure adequate space for her and her children. She had even lined the floor with her prized reindeer hide she had acquired long ago, for an added comfort in addition to the bedding of moss and pine needles. It was with a warm swelling of pride in her chest, that she knew her children deserved only the best.

By the time mid afternoon had rolled around, things began to change. The russet agouti had been quenching her thirst by the stream, dark lips still wet with water droplets, when a rippling pain tore through her gut. Taken by surprise, she staggered backwards with a grimace. She glanced down at her swollen sides. Nothing seemed amiss. Maybe it was the pups kicking harder than usual. But when another white hot stab of pain lanced through her belly again, this time more intense, she let out a soft yelp. And she knew that it was time. With labored breaths, she paced back to the den as quickly as she could, forced to pause twice due to more frequent pangs. Teeth gritted together, she ducked into her den, collapsing exhaustively on her side. But even then, the contractions did not let up. She just couldn't seem to get comfortable, no matter how many times she turned, nor how she positioned her body. Settling for curling up in a ball, she eyed the entrance for any sign of Emrys, who she knew was always close by these days. Yet as much as she yearned for the comforting presence of her mate, a deeply ingrained instinct unlike any other, kept her on edge, ready to snap at the noses of any pack mate who came too close. This was a task she had to do alone, as it was for any mother. Resting her head against the crook of her fore paws, she elicited a low whine. She could feel the contractions growing more frequent...more intense, with an increasing urge to push. It wouldn't be long now.

(This post was last modified: May 15, 2017, 03:06 AM by Jynx.)

In the past week Emrys hadn't slowed down especially since the discovery of Sylva's deception.  He kept a close eye on the little she wolf but what was always on his mind was his mate and their pups.  He’d taken up staying close by her birthing den to ensure that everything was alright with her at all times.  Plenty of time had been spent preparing everything she might need when the day came.  He knew the time for him to finally meet his children was coming closer with each passing day. The anxiety about it also had started to grow within him as all the worries he'd had over the past month wanted to come crashing down on him. At night when he was alone was when the he could found pacing as his thoughts ran wild.  From the more serious of what could go wrong to the more ridiculous of will his children even like him.  It wasn't like him to be this unsettled but with it being his mate and their pups he’d become a regular bundle of nerves.

There were the happy thoughts too that he more often than not dwelled on and those were what kept him grounded.  It was only months ago when he had really considered the possibilities for he and Jynx.  Now everything he'd seen in his imagination had come to pass, he no longer would have to dream about what he couldn't have. As he watched Jynx grow everyday with their pups he couldn't help but be proud of her as she faced the unknown.  He remembered how she'd needed reassurance they what they were doing was the right thing to do.  He'd been sure then but his doubts had started to make themselves know. With what he believed to be the last week of her pregnancy Emrys knew without a doubt they had made the right decision. They were now making all of their dreams come true and the pack would be stronger for it.

As he usually did Emrys slipped away from the den to check on the pack and make sure everything was in order. He didn't want to stay away too long with Jynx due at anytime, she would need him to be close by. That particular morning he'd hadn't been able to return a soon as he would have liked. It was afternoon before he finally made it back and immediately he sensed something wasn't quite right. He quickened his pace to the entrance of the den to check on his mate, “Jynx, are you okay?" he said into the den before he entered.  What he found when he entered was her agouti frame curled into a ball. He could sense her distress as he came toward her and placed a kiss to her forehead. “I'm here love,” he told her calmly.  Inside he was just as nervous as he imagined her to be but he remained calm for her in hopes they it would help calm her too. Another kiss was placed to her crown before he retrieved the sweetgrass and set it down in front of her. “You'll need to eat a little of this,” he told her, “It will help with the delivery.” While it wouldn't stop the pain she was in it would help with the bleeding and afterbirth. “Whatever you need Jynx just tell me,” he told her wanting to make sure she knew they in this trying time for her.  He then settled down next to her hoping to bring her some comfort.

Please see Kajika's OOC profile for OOC preferences, thank you.

Her time in the notch hadn't been long which meant she was still adjusting to pack life. She'd been on her own do long that she'd grown accustomed to being alone and worrying only about herself. There were times she'd though dhrr forgotten what it was like to be in a pack despite having grown up in one at home in Bella Coola. It was strange at first sleeping in a den with other wolves in it but she did have Ishtar​ and that made things easier. The seagull didn't want to make the same mistake with her that she'd made with Pip and Tyne. This time she wanted to stick it out and make it work but there were times she thought back to the thicket and how she and Vasu we're going to make it their home. None of that mattered now and like everything else in her life she would move on from it.

The alpha female had been pregnant when Nauja had joined the notch but each time she saw the alphess over the past few days she looked much more swollen. Though she'd never had puppies of her own she'd seen enough pregnant females​ to know that Jynx time was growing near. It also wasn't hard to miss the absence of the alpha male in the afternoons. The sea wolf had learned quickly in the past days they if she wanted to speak to him about pack business it had to be before he disappeared. The dark woman wasn't stupid she could probably guess where he was.

There was something in the air when she'd awoken to find a steady drizzle falling outside the den that morning. Before rising from her resting place next to Ishtar she placed a lick to her crown. Once outside the den she set off through the territory in search of something to bring back to the cache as well as a border patrol. It took her most of the morning and into the afternoon before she'd finished. As she was passing back through into the heart of the territory to seek some shelter from the rain a yelp reached her ears. Then a flash of russet in the distance was seen through the trees, almost immediately she knew the queen’s time had arrived.

Nauja forgot all about seeking shelter in the den and weaved quickly through the trees in pursuit of the expectant mother. When she came to the area outside the den that the alpha had chosen as a first home for her children Emrys was just arriving. She watched he well most of him anyway disappeared inside the den. She could hear his voice as he spoke to his mate but it was muffled so she couldn't hear exactly what was said. Nauja knew better than to go poking her nose into a den with a pregnant female who was on the verge of giving birth so she going a place close by and sat back on her haunches​ to wait and offer her silent support.

Please see Kajika's OOC profile for OOC preferences, thank you

Having kept to himself mostly, Ryker barley kept up with how long Jynx was in her pregnancy. He had seen the woman now and then, spying her through the trees but he would scamper off before she could spot him.  He wasn't sure why he was playing some weird hide and seek from his other pack mates but he just wanted to be on his own.
 
Yet he could feel something was in the air as he trotted close to where he knew Jynx's birthing den was.  Were the pups on their way?  Already, he could tell Emrys and one the newer wolves whose name he did not know yet had already arrived by the time Ryker had figured out that maybe he could lend a paw. Taking a few steps close to the den, though still keeping out of it, Ryker just hoped Jynx wasnt in too much pain.

Emrys must be in there with her, he thought, just barely scenting the male leader but not seeing him as he glanced over to the other woman that was already there. There were no sounds coming from the den, at least not ones he thought that pups would make. Just Emrys' low tones that he could only just pick up and a whine here and there from Jynx.

"Jynx? Emrys? Did...did you want me to go get anything?" The boy didn't dare get to close to the enterance to the den, something telling him it was not a good idea to stick his nose in there unless Jynx allowed him. But he felt as if he had to help in some capacity. Yet Ryker had no idea he had been followed, and nearly jumped out of his skin when Ambrosia's voice rumbled out loud behind that he would help as well. Jerking his head around to stare at the man, Ryker wondered why he was offering to help as well.

(This post was last modified: May 23, 2017, 03:25 AM by Ryker.)

It was not until he spotted Ryker hurrying somewhere, did Ambrosia realise that maybe something was happening. And that something, he knew, would have to be their leader giving birth. It was the only thing he knew that would make the boy hurry along like he was.

Drawing closer to the den, though keeping his distance just like Nauja was, Ambrosia knew he had been right, since the last time he saw Jynx, it already looked like she was about to pop. Not that he would say that right to her face mind you. He just hoped it'd be a smooth run.

"I will help Ryker get any herbs or anything, if need be," The elder man tacked onto the end of the boy's offer, watching him whip his head around to stare at the scarred man, looking a little surprised but mostly confused. "Don't know many of them but reckon between the two of us and Emrys and Jynx telling us what they need, I'd say we'll be good." He attempted to assure the boy, smiling lightly at him. And it was the truth, he did wish to help their leaders and the boy if the help was wanted or needed of him. And right now it felt like the most important time to try and help if possible.

Moving this along. No posting order but @Sylva @Ishtar @Salix are still welcome.

Just as she suspected, Emrys was never far away. He was quick to make an appearance, answering the telltale whines coming from his mate. During this stage of labor, she was conflicted. She wanted him by her side, yet at the same time she wished for him to keep his distance. So when he poked his white head into the den, the rest of his body following soon after, a soft wrinkling of her muzzle warned him that he would only be welcome for so long. "I'm...I'm fine. They're coming..." She panted, between labored breathes. The moment was finally here when the new legacy of the Notch, of their bloodline, would come into the world. She felt a mixture of emotions. Excitement, nervousness, and yes, even fear. And of course regret. At the thought of Gent and Raela, her closest friends, who were miles away, she squinted her eyes shut, ears dipping back against her crown. How she wished they could be here for this momentous occasion. But even if they were not here in body, then they were certainly here in spirit.

At least one of their children had stayed behind. She could hear Ryker along with Ambrosia and Nauja outside of her den. Her heart swelled with gratitude in knowing that most of the pack had arrived to show their support and concern. But not among them was Sylva, also a first time mother, and new Lowest. Which was just as well, as she should be more concerned about tending to her own offspring whilst considering the ramifications of her actions. A grateful whine vocalized her feelings towards those gathered outside. Before she could get another word in for Emrys, another contraction, this one stronger than the last, rippled through her lower abdomen. She made not a sound, shaking slightly while she endured the pain. When it subsided briefly...for she knew the contractions would be closer soon, she picked at the sweetgrass Emrys had brought her. Rolling it along her tongue, she chewed it into a pulp before swallowing. Soon it's medicinal properties would kick in. Placing a loving lick to her mates snout, she thanked him. "I just..." She was cut short by yet another contraction, one which she had felt coming, and then another. They were close, and her immediate desire more than anything else, was that she wanted her privacy. Fixing him with a stern yellow glare, she was direct in her message. "Space...I need to be alone." Although he was the father of their children, just like any mother, she would not allow him to be present for the birth. A firm click of her teeth in warning sent him outside to wait.

Outside in the evening air, another good forty five minutes passed. Inside her den, Jynx lay on her side panting, enduring contractions which were only seconds apart. As a first time mother, she had no idea how long the labor would last, or if it would be easy or grueling. Each female was different. The longer it took, the more nervous she grew. But when at last, she felt something wet and slippery between her hind legs, she pushed one last time. Craning around to reach for the pup, she broke the sack with her teeth and set to work licking it's fur and face clean, to clear it's airways. Silently, desperately begging for it to move, to make a sound. Her efforts were rewarded with shrill squeals as the pup took it's first breath, and she could almost feel her heart stop. He was perfect. Fat and healthy, adorned in an earthy coat tinted with red. A smile reached her eyes at the sight of her first born...a son, to whom she nudged to her teat earnestly. There he suckled contentedly, whimpering quietly as he feasted. Before she could relax another contraction hit again, accompanied with the need to push. This time, the pup slipped out easily, with barely any discomfort. That should have been the first sign that something was wrong, but Jynx was too preoccupied in repeating the same pattern as before. The dark pelted body was far smaller than that of his brother. Frantically she licked him clean, to get him to move. To make the slightest of sounds. But as the moments passed he continued to lay still...lifeless. Tears welled up in the eyes at the loss of her son, a child who had never had a chance at life in this harsh world. His body was too frail...too underdeveloped to survive outside of her womb. Tears streaming down her cheeks, soft sobs in her throat, her mourning was cut short by more contractions. She pushed, dreading what she would find. Would she have lost yet another child? Was fate so cruel, or would there be mercy? Breaking the pup free, she cleaned it off in seconds, holding her breath while she searched for signs of life. And after a few dreadful seconds, the pale child cried out. Releasing the breath she had been holding, relief washing over her, Jynx nudged the smaller surviving pup towards her brother. In contrast, the female wore a coat of muted creams, with the barest traces of tawny highlights. As they suckled hungrily, she glanced down with still wet eyes to the infant who hadn't survived. Gently taking him in her mouth, she pulled him close to her side, tucked safely in the crook of her leg. For what may have been too long of a wait for the others, especially Emrys, she sat in silence. The news would break him...but he had to know. Lifting her eyes to the opening of her den, she called to him with a low whine. He must meet their children. All three of them. 

(This post was last modified: May 23, 2017, 01:32 AM by Jynx.)

It seemed when he entered the den and found her curled into a ball that he had not missed anything. He hadn't ever considered that he would be late to the birth of his own children but he didn't have to worry about that now. In that moment he wasn't sure if he should be the healer or her mate but he knew she needed taken care of and comforted. The wrinkle of her muzzle however was a warning that he respected but he did chance s kiss to her forehead. It was the least he could do without crowding her. She assured him that she was in fact fine and that the puppies were in their way. In a few hours or less they would be parents and that thought only caused the emotions swirling inside him to churn. “You can do this Jynx and I am here for you. I want you to tell me the moment you think you may not be fine,” he spoke gently but sternly. His mother had told him stories of childbirth gone wrong and he did not want to take a chance in losing her. His biggest fear in all of this was losing her or their pups, so much so that he tried to not think about it but he had to so that he could be prepared for anything. He could never experience what she was going through so he felt a sense of helplessness. The one thing he could do for her was to give her the sweet grass to help control the bleeding. Then he settled next to her hoping that just his presence would help her through.

The voices of their subordinates filtered into the den from outside making Emrys proud that they had come to support their alpha when she needed it most. His gaze never left her as he watched for anything that could indicate something was wrong. He saw each contraction as it went through her, a soft whine escaping him because he could not do more for her. A smile did cross his pale face as she whined to their packmates to show she appreciated them coming. Even in a time when she had to be in so much pain she still thought of the pack, he didn't expect anything less. They both lived for the pack and did everything they could to see it flourish. Since Gent and Raela left them Emrys had been worried that some of them would leave but this day showed that they were supported. She took some of the sweet grass into her mouth and ingested it before placing a lick to his muzzle. Before he could return the feature she had begin to speak only to be cut off as another contraction went through her. He had taken notice that they seemed to be coming faster and as if to confirm that thought his time in the den with her ended. She gave him a clear message that he needed to step out. He gave her a nod to show he understood, “I love you, please call if you need anything,” he told her before placing one more kiss to her forehead. Then with one last look at her he turned and slipped back out of the den.

Once outside he turned his attention to Ryker and Ambrosia, “Thank you both for you offer but as of right now she has what she needs and wants to be left alone. However, should the need arise I will take you up in your offer.” He them let his gaze fall on Nauja, “I want to thank the three of you for coming to show your support. It means a great deal to the both of us.” That said he turned back to the den and took up a position just outside. The drizzle continued to fall around them and making Emrys wish the sun had been out for this occasion. As he looked between the gathered members he wished that Gent and Raela could have been there to see his children come into the world. If it hadn't been for them then this day might never have come. He couldn't be more grateful for them allowing this opportunity before they knew they were going.

It seemed like time was ticking by so slowly for the pale healer as he kept his ear to the den for any sounds that would tell him what was going on inside. When he could sit still any longer hold pace across the entrance, the anxiety too much for him to remain seated. Finally the sounds and scent of a puppy reached him causing him to stop, one of his children finally arrived and it sounded like his mate had done well in cleaning the cub off. Then there was more waiting without any sounds and no signal from Jynx that he was allowed back into the den. Then at last the wail of another pup reached his ears a smile forming on his features, two healthy children so far. He had been curious about how many his mate carried and he wondered if there would he more. He settled next to the den entrance to wait for more puppy sounds but none came for what seemed to be a long stretch of time. Then her whine came to him from the den, a request for him to enter and he did.

The first thing he noticed once his eyes adjusted we're the tear stains on her cheeks and immediately he wanted to know what happened. He didn't have to ask as his gaze fell on the still pup in the crook of her leg. For a moment he wasn't sure what to do, this wasn't supposed to happen. All of their pups were supposed to be born healthy and ready to face the world but the one she held had not been ready and now would never know it's siblings. Emrys swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat as a tear for his lost son fell down his cheek. What had they done to deserve to lose one of their children before ever getting the chance to meet him. He lifted his gaze to meet hers the sorrow he felt held there.

A slow nod was given, she did not need to say it. He went to her and licked the tears from her cheeks, “I'm sorry my love,” he said quietly before placing a gentle kiss to her forehead, “You should not have had to endure this with your first litter.” Emrys then bent his head to place a kiss to the stillborns crown. “We won't forget him and we will honor him just as we will his siblings.” The tiny pup may not have come into the world alive but he was still their son and deserved to not be forgotten. The healer wanted to ask her how she was doing but hesitated knowing she couldn't be okay after having lost one of her pups, he was not okay. He soon changed his mind, “Are you okay?” he asked gently not wanting to upset her further.

He turned his attention to the two healthy puppies nursing contently at her abdomen, “They are perfect, a boy and a girl. I'm proud of you Jynx. Have you thought of what to name them?” He felt a little guilty for turning the attention away from their lost son but they needed to focus on the two that had lived.

(This post was last modified: May 23, 2017, 05:35 AM by Emrys.)

Please see Kajika's OOC profile for OOC preferences, thank you.

She'd watched as Emrys disappeared into the den followed by his low tones as he spoke to Jynx. The drizzle fell around her she was soon joined by two others she had yet to meet formally during her shirt time in the notch. An ear turned in their direction as they spoke about getting the leading pair whatever they might need but no answer came from inside. What did was the muffled sound of the alphess’ voice. The seagull was curious about what was being said but perhaps it was better that she couldn't hear.

The dark coated female wondered where ishtar was and why she hadn't yet made an appearance. Was she still asleep in the den? Nauja had left her hours ago she should be up by now. The sea wolf considered that her friend might be in the other side of the territory and didn't know what was happening. She was sure Ishtar would be there if she knew. Her attention was brought back to the entrance of the den as Emrys emerged. He first spoke to the man and the boy before addressing all of them, thanking them for being there. Nauja gave the alpha a nod, of course she would be there. She may not be able to help her alpha directly but the knowledge that she was out there giving her support to the woman she hoped helped a little.

It didn't seem like much time had passed since Emrys came out of the den before they heard puppy sounds from within the den, Nauja's tail thumped the ground happy for the new mother. Time then seemed to go on and on before they finally heard more puppy sounds and once again her tail thumped against the ground. It was only a few short moments after that she heard Jynx whine before Emrys disappeared once again into the den. Nauja waited with her ears forward and eyes on the entrance to the den and maybe a little impatiently for news of what had happened inside.

Please see Kajika's OOC profile for OOC preferences, thank you

A young deer has been separated from the rest of its herd. Hunt Opportunity

Moving this along. No posting order.

Emrys had many titles these days. Friend, mate, healer, leader. And now, in the lapse of just a few short hours, father. As he crept into the den for his first look at their newborn children, Jynx kept her eyes on his pale form, easily distinguished against the darkness. It didn't take him long to find the lifeless bundle of fur cradled in her leg. With another low whine, russet ears falling back, she could only shake her head. Pressing her muzzle in against the ruff of his neck fur, she took a shaky sigh. "No...but...these things happen." She stated thickly, swallowing a lump in her throat. First time mothers could be at greater risk of bearing still borns. Even the healthiest, most experienced dams would sometimes bear young that had not survived the course of the pregnancy. That was just how mother nature was. "I want to give him a name...and a special place to rest in the Notch..." She said, tipping her maw down to lick at the crown of the son they would never know.

Her tears dried up and licked away, but the joy and pain of loss and life still very real, her attention was pulled away just as his was, down to her healthy son and daughter. "I will be...after a few days, maybe..." Physically she was fine, if not exhausted from the hours of labor her body had been put through for the very first time. Emotionally, she would need time to heal, just as he would. The blow must be hard on him, as much as it was on her. At her belly the cubs had fallen asleep whilst suckling, contently latched onto a teat for the comfort and warmth from their mother. Shimmering yellow eyes settled lovingly on both of the perfect, precious little lives they had made together. Names... They would need names. "I've been giving it some thought for a while now." Her dark nose hovered only a hair away from the cream colored girl. "Arwyn...I've always liked that name for a little girl..." She said softly, so as not to disturb either of the newborns. "I...think it will fit her nicely..." She concluded, looking back up to Emrys with renewed hope in her eyes. He was just as much a part of their lives as she was now, and he deserved the chance to bestow a name upon his children as well. She hoped he liked the suggestion, and was curious what he had in mind for their first born son.