Hearthwood River You Will Be Safe In My Arms

Aytigin perked his ears when Inna started to speak from within the den, focusing attentively on the entrance past Lorcan's tawny form. Hazel eyes sought out a smidge of Inna's coloration among the shadows, but the chocolate-colored man could see nothing. He glanced over at Lachesis and offered the alpha a smile and a slow dip of his head in greeting. The white-furred wolf still didn't look overly thrilled with him being there, but at the very least, he was tolerant of his presence. Lorcan seemed to have a similar reaction to him being there, and Mace... Mace seemed vaguely uncomfortable.

The mocha-colored man gave the black wolf an encouraging smile and closed one eye in a lazy wink. You're good. Don't be so stiff, he wanted to say, but rather held his tongue. Inna probably didn't need to hear him teasing the newcomer while she was giving birth - it likely wouldn't do much to help her stress levels.

Which, of course, were quite the concern. As a brand-new mother - and so young, too - Inna was bound to be terrified. Her voice sounded so strained and worried when she asked about Mace, and then her mother. And, since no one else seemed willing to address the issue of the latter, Aytigin took it upon himself. "Your mom's probably busy with her own munchkins - you'll see how much of a pawful they are when your own get out here," he said warmly, his voice much softer than usual. "They're gonna be beautiful, just like their mama." He grinned then, though she couldn't see it, and hoped his attempt at something more lighthearted would be taken well by the expectant mother.

Really, the whole reason behind his words was 'Don't be scared.' He hoped he conveyed the meaning instead of simply irritating her with chatter.

“Mmhmm,” was the sound she made when he when he questioned about them coming. She'd never been through this before but it was like Lachesis had said, she would know. Everything inside of her seemed to be telling her that. Lorcan seemed a little surprised by the news which she felt was natural but he soon gathered himself as he seemed much happier about the news. Inna wouldn't fault him for being just as scared as she felt just then.

He tried to be reassuring which she appreciated and it did help but she knew she wouldn't feel completely at ease until her puppies were next to her safe and sound. Inna pointed out he was there just as he had promised and as he repeated the words she smiled despite the pain that was running through her body. It meant a lot to her to have him there with her even with the circumstances they found themselves in. She closed her eyes concentrating on the licks to her forehead.

They further helped to calm her frazzled nerves but it wasn't enough to block out the pain as a contraction hit her causing her to clench her eyes shut and her body to tense. She tried to be brave to get through the wave of pain but she couldn't help as a whine vibrated her throat. When it had finally passed she took a deep breath and released it. She knew another would be coming but they still seemed far apart, that knowledge kept her from relaxing. Lorcan was soon apologizing saying he needed to go and get something, she assumed plants. He was cut off by a whine she recognized to be Lachesis which brought Lorcan out of the den. She lay there and listened to the conversation between the two men about the plants that Lachesis had brought. Inna was still grateful she'd had the chance to speak with the pale healer before this day. As always he was there and it sounded like he had brought the plants that Lorcan wanted. She heard the thank you and the tawny healers question. Another wave of pain hit her then much like the last. It ended as she heard Lorcan thanking someone.

It was then she heard Ayti's voice with his words of encouragement which brought a smile to her face. They also gave her a little more confidence that she could bring her puppies into the world to meet their father. A moment later Lorcan had returned to her with some plants and a ball of moss which she knew to be from Ayti, she would have to thank him later. The expectant father placed the items in front of her before he spoke about Mace, she nodded as he said the dark man's name. “I’m glad he was able to make it.” he would be able to be in the lives of her puppies tight from the beginning just as she thought he should be. She'd heard him outside the den confirming that he was there and he sounded close by.

She was expecting an answer from Lorcan about her mother but instead he spoke about the plants and moss he’d brought back. She watched the healer waiting for him to say something about her mother but he never did. As she went to lick some water from the ball of moss it was Ayti who told her that her mother hadn't arrived yet. He tried to make it better by talking about how much of a pawful her pups would be and how they would he just as beautiful as her. She did smile but she still felt some hurt that her mother hadn't come to welcome her children into the world.

There wasn't any time for her to really focus on that though as another wave started, lasted a moment or two and was gone. It was in that period between the waves of pain that she brought her attention back to the plants that had been set in front of her, “I just eat them?” She asked looking to Lorcan before turning her attention back to the plants. She took them into her mouth and chewed a moment before swallowing. As another contraction started she laid her head back down on the fur as Lorcan coached her.

He told her to concentrate and push it she needed to which brought a nod from her to show she heard him. “It's getting closer,” she told him as another one hit. Her contractions were coming more frequently until the point her break between them wasn't enough to prepare for the next. Then came the feeling of needing to push like Lorcan had said and she did as hard as she could all the while looking into his golden gaze.

As soon as she felt the pup leave her body she moved to break open the sac with her teeth and Begin licking the tiny body to get it to breath. It was the Inna discovered she had given birth to a baby girl. Soon the den was filled with the tiny sounds of puppy whimpers, Inna didn't wait before pulling the puppy toward her side so she could start nursing immediately. “She’s beautiful,” she told Lorcan breathlessly as she met his gaze once more. The last part had taken a lot out of the ebony Baranski so she laid her head down on her paws so she could watch her daughter and wait for the next pup to be born.

After what seemed to be a very long time and no others had come and the contractions had stopped Inna looked to Lorcan once more. “I think it's just her,” she told him. Inna was more than fine either having just one daughter but she couldn't help but wonder if there had been more in there at some point.

(This post was last modified: May 18, 2017, 08:46 PM by Inna.)

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

 

Russet ears perked up as he listened carefully to Lachesis, intrigued to know what the strange looking root was used for. When the large white male explained to him that root, called alumroot, was prescribed to relieve pain and bleeding, Lorcan nodded his head in understanding. “Okay, I will make sure that she takes it. Thank you, sir.” The agouti male assured, before he grasped the root along with the other items his leader and @Aytigin had provided him with and crawled carefully back into the birthing den towards Inna.

Still within the tight confines of the tunnel, Inna asked him about a wolf called Mace. The agouti male had never met the wolf himself, but he assumed that the name could belong to the large dark male which lingered outside. His description of said individual was enough for the female to confirm that it was indeed @Mace and his presence outside her birthing den seemed to please her. Lorcan offered Inna a smile and a nod, glad that she was pleased with the male being there, but secretly inside his mind he began to wonder why exactly Mace was of such importance to her. The agouti male decided then that he would have to get to know the large male some time and found out more about his connection to Inna, but for now, the healer forced himself to focus on helping the female bring his pups into the world.

Inna also asked about her mother, Kisla, but having not seen her amongst the gathering of males outside, Lorcan purposely chose to ignore her question. The healer feared that if she became aware of her mother’s absence that she would grow more anxious and less able to focus on delivering their pups. Aytigin had different ideas though and his voice echoed down through the den. Whilst his words did sound comforting, Lorcan couldn’t help but feel a little annoyed with the other male’s interference. He said nothing though, and forced away the snarl that has wrinkled up his muzzle as he proceeded to crawl further down into the tunnelled entrance of the den. Carefully placing the plants at the mother’s paws, Lorcan watched closely as Inna eyed the medicinal plants and nodded when she asked if she should consume them all. “Yes, they’ll take effect more quickly that way.” He explained, nudging the plants gently towards her with the tip of his nose. 

Lorcan was watched helplessly as another wave of pain rippled through her body. He silently pleaded that the plants had at least taken some of her pain away as she continued to be hit with one contraction after another. “It’s okay, you can do this. Just try and stay calm and focus..” He said, trying to reassure her that everything was okay before he placed more comforting licks to her forehead. He pulled back though when he felt her body tense and his gaze darted from the deep orange of her eyes and down to the wet sack which appeared by her tail. He felt his heart stop as he silently observed Inna instinctively tend to their newborn. A smile pulled across his charcoal lips as he noted that dark colouration of their daughter’s fur as he carefully nudged its tiny body closer to the warmth of its mother, pressing a soft kiss upon its head as it nursed. 

The healer couldn’t relax though, not until the other pups had made it safely into the world. He remained inside the den with Inna, licking tenderly along her crown whilst he watched and listened to the precious sounds of their first born suckling. After a while though, Lorcan began to grow more anxious as Inna grew still, contractions no longer rippling through her body. Pale brows furrowed as he shot a concerned glanced across to her, growing worried for the safety of her and of any unborn pups potentially left inside of her. Inna quickly assured him that she believed it to be just the one, but the healer didn’t want to take any chances. “She’s perfect.” He breathed, smiling down at the tiny dark body which squirmed fervently at her side. “—and you were amazing.” he added, nuzzling the soft fur of her cheek. 

“What shall we call her?” He asked quietly, leaning down to sniff gently at the newborn. 

Once Inna and their daughter were settled and content, Lorcan shifted his way back out of the den, his golden eyes quickly falling on @Lachesis. “It could just be the one...but c-could you make sure, just to be safe?” He whispered, white brows furrowing in subtle concern as he moved away from the den to allow Lachesis to enter. Glancing across to the two other males present, his concerned expressed was replaced with a proud smile. “It's a girl. She looks just like her mother.” He explained, his tail waving excitedly behind him. 

Healer demonstration 3/3

(This post was last modified: May 23, 2017, 09:02 AM by Lorcan.)

# P O R C A N

sometimes, two people have to fall apart to realise

how much they need to fall back together

managed to get in one more response before i leave for my trip <3

The ebony male’s continuing encouragement even brought a smile to the grumpy, stoic father, which he flashed in Aytigin’s direction to show that he approved of his presence. Their previous disagreement was in the past, as long as the large male kept his toes (and tongue) in check they would have no further problems. He was proving to be an asset to the river wolves and there was no doubt in his mind that the energetic wolf would be a marvellous pup-sitter to the three river litters this year… as long as he did not pass on any bad habits, of course. (Which Lachesis would be looking out for.)

He gave a silent nod to Lorcán before he entered the den—he could tell that the agouti was nervous and Lachesis did not expect anything less from the healer. Delivering puppies was no easy task and could be very stressful, even for the most talented of healers. Nothing could ever prepare wolves for stillborns, as it was traumatic for both the mother and her packmates. After dealing with one of his own children being a stillborn XIX did not wish the same experience on any other wolf, especially his raven sidekick.

His chartreuse gaze was focused on the den as he waited, impatiently, by the entrance, ears perked for any sounds of distress coming from within. He did not worry (much) with Lorcán present, but it would be against his nature to not have any concern weigh heavy on his shoulders. The familiar scent of puppy filled his nostrils, his brows narrowed in concern as he shuffled uncomfortably in his seat. He could not tell how things were going inside and it troubled him, but he dared not crane his neck forward to take a peak until he was instructed to do so. Rank did not matter here—he just wanted Inna to be blessed with healthy children.

Minutes passed before the tawny healer retreated from the den once more, a proud grin etched neatly across his dark lips. A girl. Hearthwood was certainly going to have their paws full with females this year but he did not care. They were thriving and that was all that mattered. “Of course,” he responded with a soft nod before tucking inside the den, chartreuse gaze seeking out the dark mother and her newborn. Once his eyes adjusted to the light he beamed at the raven Baranski, his chest swelling with the same pride Lorcán wore on his face. “She’s beautiful,” he commented before returning his focus to Inna, his expression growing serious for a moment. “How are you feeling? Do you have any more contractions or is the pain starting to fade?” If another puppy was on it's way Lachesis was positive it would have already arrived, but the thought of stillborns were still fresh in his mind.

As the questions hung in the air between them his features relaxed, but only slightly, before he spoke once more. “You did just as perfectly as I thought you would. I’m so proud of you, Inna, and Maksim would be too.”

stick with those who stick with you

Pfft "bad habits." Ayti? Neeever. -sarcasm-

The mocha wolf's ears were angled sharply toward the den, feeling slightly anxious for his friend and her impending puppies. He'd witnessed childbirth before, and it was... well, to be frank, it was ugly. It was bloody, and painful, and difficult, and did not always go as well as intended. But Inna, with two healers present, would likely be alright. It was simply that the dark wolf didn't want to lose his only friend, or want her to lose a child.

He calmed himself down and continued to listen to the soon-to-be mother. He wished he could see her expression, so that he'd know if his words had been taken well or not. He thought he saw Lorcan stiffen up, but that could have just been his imagination. Still, he worried that he'd upset the young girl inside the den, and his ears pressed back to his skull anxiously for a heartbeat. He chanced a look toward Lachesis, wondering if he'd somehow screwed up again, but found that the white wolf was offering him a smile of approval. Aytigin's ears perked back up and he gave an uncertain smile in return, gaze flicking back to the den.

Inna said something about 'getting closer,' which Ayti took to mean that the pups were on their way. His assumptions were correct, it seemed, because only a few moments later, the precious sound of soft baby whimpers began to echo out from within the den. His tail thumped the ground a few times, excited at the prospect of new life, but he still waited attentively for more cries or for Lorcan to say that she was finished.

Soon enough, the healer did appear, and reported that it was just the one puppy. Apparently, healthy and beautiful, and the tawny wolf looked very proud. Aytigin's own chest swelled, and he wished that he could get to his feet and be allowed to see the infant and the mother, but understood that the urge was unreasonable. New mothers were allegedly protective here, and if she didn't want him around, then she didn't want him around. But that didn't mean he wasn't going to wait by the den, a protective feeling rising in his chest toward the mother and child. Perhaps not toward any of their packmates present, but just a protectiveness in general, driven by his caring of Inna.

"Knew you could do it," he boasted proudly, intending for Inna to hear, and shifted his position into something more comfortable. He didn't intend to leave the densite for a while, unless told to by the raven wolf herself.

Sorry did not realize it was my turn! Feel free to skip Mace for the rest of this, just tag me if someone addresses him specifically!

Much of what was happening inside the den was beyond Mace's realm of understanding. Pregnancy, childbirth, healing... all of these subjects were mysteries to him. He was a man of the physical world. He partook of physical pursuits. And while birthing was perhaps the most physical of all, it was something that Mace could never experience firsthand. He therefore spent little time learning about it when he was younger. He'd watched a woman die in childbirth in The Bloodbreakers, but all the other complications were well outside his ability to understand.

For that reason, and because he was neither immediate family nor a wolf of much rank or merit yet, he kept his distance. His ears perked whenever an interesting sound was made, but he was far enough away that the newborn's squeals and grunts were beyond his range. Nevertheless, the reactions of the other males present told him a lot. He watched them warily, blue eyes darting from the wagging hind end of Lorcan to the pale leader whose tension visibly lessened to finally land on Aytigin. Like him, the other dark wolf was outside the den. It was the man's whispered encouragement to Inna that told Mace the whole affair was finished.

Content with this, the dark Attaya eased himself onto his belly and laid his muzzle across his left forelimb. This was how he would remain until night fell or until he was otherwise disturbed, watching over the Baranski while she rested inside with her new pups.

(This post was last modified: May 23, 2017, 01:33 AM by Mace.)

gorgeous set by kydnt

This will be the last round so Ayti if you want to fade and archive after you post that would be awesome if not let me know and I will take care of it. Thank you everyone who participated.  Mace feel free to post if your up to it.

When she'd first found out that she was carrying pups and for weeks after Inna had worried it would just be her and Lorcan. Now Lachesis, Mace, and Ayti were there with her and Lorcan. Though she wished her mother and sister had come she was glad for the support she did have and she knew all the men that were outside her den would care very much for her children. That gave her not only comfort that she had them out there but hope that her children would have adults around who loved them. In that moment she didn't feel like the outcast she had felt like for the first weeks of her pregnancy. Inna listened as the men spoke outside the den until a contraction hit her and when it was over the tawny healer had re entered the den bringing with him plants and a moss ball soaked with water causing a small smile to cross her features.

The plants and moss we're placed in front of her and Lorcan confirmed with a nod that she needed to eat them. He then explained they would take effect quickly so she didn't hesitate, whatever he and Lachesis thought would help her. As another contraction hit her she focused on Lorcan and the words coming from his maw. She was glad that she had insisted he be there with her, she wasn't sure she could do this alone. Lorcan continued to try and calm her as the contractions came closer together and then the licks to her forehead stopped as one more contraction and the need to push. Not even a moment later she felt the puppy slip out of her.

Instinct took over then and she knew exactly what needed to be done as she turned to clean the puppy off before nudging it with her nose toward her side. Lorcan too gave the pup and little nudge before placing a kiss on it's head. Inna gave his muzzle a gentle lick before he pulled away. With her cub safe and sound nursing at her side Inna settled down to wait for the others to arrive. When it seemed that nothing more would be happening she told Lorcan she believed they would only be having one pup. A wide smile formed on her lips as he spoke of how perfect their puppy was and how amazing she'd been, “I couldn't have done it without you.” She believed that to be the truth. Then He asked about a name for the pup.

Inna had given it plenty of thought over the past weeks knowing her children would need to have names. Inna in that moment settled on one of the names she'd been considering that she felt was appropriate for their only daughter. She met his golden gaze, “Oksana, to honor where she was conceived and where we rekindled our relationship.” Inna wasn't sure what they had anymore could he called a friendship since they now had a daughter together. She also knew that in no way meant they were mates but she was happy with what they had in that moment and she wanted to honor that in their daughters name.

With her daughter named and Inna sure there wouldn't be anymore puppies she laid her head on her paws to rest. She was exhausted after what she'd gone through and all she wanted to do was watch her daughter as she nursed and slept. Lorcan took that moment to leave the den only to return with Lachesis, causing Inna tail to thump the den floor lightly. “Thank you,” she said in regards to his compliment of how beautiful their daughter and was. A more serious topic was soon to be discussed as the pale leader asked how she was doing and about the pain. “I'm tired but I'm not having any more contractions and the pain does seem to be fading,” she said as truthfully as she could since she still felt some pain but it didn't seem to be so intense. She smiled shyly as he told her how proud he was of her and how proud her father would be. “Thank you and thank you for coming it means a lot to me that you did.” She knew he had promised but she wanted him to know what it meant to her.

~Table by Jacqueline

(This post was last modified: May 23, 2017, 03:30 PM by Inna.)

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

 

Last post from Lorcan - @Lachesis @Mace @Aytigin

Stepping back to give the new mother and their daughter some room after making sure that the pup was nursing properly, Lorcan felt the lick offered to his muzzle as he did so. A proud smile pulled across his charcoal lips then, one which was mirrored on the raven female’s face as he looked to her and then to their dark furred pup. In that moment the agouti male couldn’t imagine anything to as precious as their daughter and his golden eyes flickered with fascination as he watched her tiny paws kneading hungrily at her mother’s teats. At Inna’s praise, the agouti male leant forwards again, just close enough to nuzzle at her face and lick her cheek affectionately before he recoiled again, secretly eager to speak to Lachesis to make sure that everything was alright as he hoped it was. “I’m just glad that it all went smoothly and that you are both alright.” He responded, his voice hushed within the dark confines of the birthing den. 

When he asked her about what they should name their daughter, Lorcan was intrigued to know what Inna had come up with. Golden eyes fell once again to their newborn when she made her suggestion, a smile of adoration swiftly sweeping across his features as he gazed across at the nursing pup. “Oksana Baranski.” He repeated, testing it out on his tongue before he gave their daughter a tender lick up the length of her back. “I could get used to that..” He mused, considering the foreign name, before flashing Inna a grin.   

With one final look at his daughter, Lorcan finally began to slowly back his way out of the den. “I will ask Lachesis to check on you and then we shall leave you to rest..” He explained, offering Inna a concerned glance before he focused back on scrambling his paws against the crumbling dirt of the dark tunnelled entrance. Once he’d almost completely exited from the den, he peered his head down into the warm birthing chamber one last time. “I will be right outside if you need me.” He assured her with a smile, before his head disappeared from the sunlit entrance to allow Lachesis to crawl in. 

(This post was last modified: May 23, 2017, 09:43 PM by Lorcan.)

# P O R C A N

sometimes, two people have to fall apart to realise

how much they need to fall back together

Hearthwood was blessed with five healthy puppies this year—four females and one male. He mentally groaned at the thought of the river pack being overrun with females, especially when the spring months arrived once again. But that was not for another year or so… for now Lachesis could enjoy their tiny frames and clumsy movements. Before their words turned sour and their tongues sharp.

It appeared the raven Baranski had the easiest delivery out of the three mothers, for she only bore one child with no stillborns. While he could have done without the heartbreak, he was glad that the tragedies stopped with him. The river wolves could only handle so much and this time of the year was supposed to be joyous; a time of celebration. Their pack was beginning to flourish once more. The time for suffering was over.

He nodded gently as the raven spoke, announcing that the pain was slowly disappearing. A good sign. “Drink some water,” he instructed as he motioned to the water-logged chunk of moss, his chartreuse gaze focused on the raven: “and get some rest. If you feel anymore pain, or if anything doesn't feel right, ask Lorcán to grab me.” He paused, a soft smile rolling onto his pale features. “This little girl is it. You certainly had it easier than most,” he chuckled as he nosed her cheek affectionately.

His cheeks flushed warm at her words and he dismissed them with a slow wag of his tail. “Of course, Inna,” he responded in a hushed tone. “I’m always here for you.” Nothing would ever change that.

With a final glance at the new mother and her daughter XIX retreated from the den. With the tawny healer present Lachesis did not have to worry about the raven too much, allowing him to focus on both his duties and his own children. He would still drop by periodically, for he could not help but worry about the Baranski’s health. “Let me know if you need anything,” he told Lorcán before turning away from the den, his tail swaying gently behind him. He would not stray too far, in case something happened soon after his departure. But, for now, his presence was no longer needed.

Exit.

stick with those who stick with you

From his place in the trees, Mace watched as Lorcan retreated from the den, allowing Lachesis to creep in. He watched as the white lead male emerged again and took his leave. All was surely well, then. The burly Attaya sighed softly through his nostrils, glad that at least he had been here to witness this. One day soon, he would get to meet Inna's cubs, but for now, he stationed himself as an additional sentry nearby. He would do the same for the lead female, although he was far more reserved about the third female in the pack who had given birth. Mace didn't know those cubs belonged to Lachesis. All he knew was that that woman was neither lead female nor a Baranski.

He opted to remain, lifting himself to his paws only to move further away before settling again in the wooden embrace of a knot of roots. He was within earshot of the den, but far enough that his presence would cause nobody any discomfort. Here, he allowed his eyes to drift shut and willed a light sleep to overtake him. It took a little while—strange, how his senses were suddenly magnified by the birth of the Baranski lass' cubs, as if there was danger around every corner—but eventually he did drift off, just enough that should they call for him, he would wake for it.

Quick final post for Mace.

gorgeous set by kydnt