Turtleback Lake [BWP] The Girl Before

day 42 of pregnancy, Inna is noticably pregnant and feels nauseous from time to time.
Weather: shower rain, 37.4°F, 3°C
All welcome especially DS wolves but special mention to @Oksana, @Lachesis and @Lilya
Also please don't feel you have to match length.

you fill my head with pieces

of a song i can't get out

She hated this part of pregnancy, the feeling nauseous all the time, she had not found any wild garlic like Ravenna had suggested. Her plan seemed to be falling apart and she grew more and more worried for the survival of her children. She was traveling north now, the thoughts she'd been trying to keep at bay were now something she could not ignore. She made her way through the lore as quickly as she could but she felt she grew wider everyday. She was heading north now, to her home. Hearthwood was where she felt safe, she knew she had a den and everything else she needed there. Most importantly she felt safe there.

That was until she started noticing more and more signs of coyote’s. She had come across a few trails and even kills by them. Whatever had been left she had taken for herself and her unborn children. Still she worried,what if she was being followed, constantly she checked behind her but she couldn't afford to double back nor could she afford to be caught by them.

When she finally reached turtleback lake she knew she was almost home. She also knew she was close enough to Oksana that she couldn't go on to Hearthwood without seeing her daughter. As much as she thought the little Crow would do better without her it was unfair of her to stay away.

So instead of turning toward her old home she headed in the direction she knew Oksana's new home was located. It took her a little while but she finally came upon the border, the familiar scents of the wolves filling her nostrils. For a moment she stood there are the border wondering if she should call out to her daughter. It would surely draw the attention of others in the pack, Ayti especially, but there was no scent of him there. She found that odd but it made her feel more comfortable calling for her daughter and that was exactly what she did. Raising her muzzle into the air she sung a song to invite her to come and see her mother.

(This post was last modified: Apr 18, 2018, 03:53 AM by Lachesis.)

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Oksana hasn't yet arrived at the border she will next round. Any one who wants to post feel free to do so.

Seven weeks had passed since she'd broken her leg and the little Crow was finally able to put some of her weight on it. She didn't feel any pain when she did just a weakness in it, she knew she would have to strengthen it back up. At least now she could do more than just lay around the pack lands. She knew she couldn't go out and hunt but there were other things she could do. Maybe have Lachesis teach her about plants that might be needed or find some food to scavenge.

It really didn't matter because all she cared about was being able to get around. Though she still had a limp she didn't have to stay cooped up all the time. Her first stop before going to do anything was to the river to get a drink of water. It was there that a voice she hadn't expected to ever hear again reached her ears.

Her mother had come and was calling to her. She hadn't seen Inna since that day she had left her behind in Hearthwood. The excitement that not only was she getting to see her but the happiness at the fact that her mother hadn't just forgotten about her threatened to bubble over inside of her. Every part of Oksana wanted to run to the border to greet her mother but she knew that she couldn't or she could reinjure her leg. So she contained herself the best she could and started toward the border.

(This post was last modified: Apr 17, 2018, 02:42 PM by Oksana.)

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Lachesis couldn’t help but feel a little unsettled. One of his daughters had come to him in search of adventure; her overwhelming curiosity driving her beyond the borders. He couldn’t help but wonder if he would see her again—or if it would take years like it had with @Kyrios. He hoped, for his sake, that she would return in a timely fashion like she had insisted. That she was heading north with her cousin, @Seven, and would return once they had both found what they were looking for. What worried him the most was the increased stench of coyote that smothered the territories nearby. He just hoped that the rambunctious Stark had escaped the lands of Lore without encountering one of the mangy mutts, and that her older cousin, despite being timid and nervous, would keep her safe. Otherwise it wouldn’t be coyotes that Seven would have to worry about.

His thoughts were interrupted by a strange call that rang through the trees—one he had not expected to ever hear again. A frown creased his features as he pulled himself away from his border patrol; his pace quickening. What was the raven Baranski doing in the north? Had she stayed in the Kingswood after the move, or had she ventured elsewhere and was merely popping by for a mother-daughter visit? But, unfortunately, with Inna it was never a simple explanation. There was always something.

His tail twitched behind him as he arrived at the edge of Driftwood territory; the fur on the back of his neck bristled. The first thing he noticed was the notable swell in her stomach—the same one that Lilya wore. Huh. Evidently the young mother had not learned from her previous mistakes, but he wasn’t surprised. But how would Oksana react to her mother being pregnant? He did not doubt that the little crow was on her way, but her injury had hindered her once quick movements. Well, this is a surprise, he commented in regard to her unexpected visit, his maw canted slightly to the side as his brows narrowed.

stick with those who stick with you

In the distance there is a large pack of coyotes howling.

you fill my head with pieces

of a song i can't get out

Inna waited on the borders careful not to step over, the last thing she wanted was trouble. The only thing she had come for was to see her daughter. To let Oksana know that she hadn't been forgotten. Everyday the little Crow was in her thoughts no matter what else she had in her mind. In recent days she had also felt that Oksana deserved to know about her pregnancy and that she would have siblings soon enough.

The Raven grew nervous about the scent of coyote so strong and the fear that maybe Aytigin wasn't really gone. Would he come and hurt her before she had the chance to see her daughter? She only prayed she hadn't made a mistake that would cost her a lot more than what she'd already lost.

It felt like it was taking a very long time for Oksana to arrive and that worried her. Had her daughter fled the pack and was now living on her own or with another pack? Had something happened to her in the time that she'd been away? Inna found the last one hard to believe, despite whatever differences she and Lachesis had she had always believed he would take care of her daughter or else she wouldn't have left the crow with him.

Her fears only grew stronger as the pale figure of the alpha appeared through the trees moments before he was standing before her. “Hello Lachesis.” she greeted politely with a dip of her head, “I apologise for showing up like this. I was returning to Hearthwood the ethos actually and I couldn't not stop and visit with Oksana. I hope it's okay that ai come to visit sometimes?” She asked. It was his territory and she had given her daughter up to him to protect her. “Is she okay?” Was the next question out of her maw hoping that Lachesis would tell her.

Her head turned in the direction that she had come as the howling of numerous coyotes could be heard. Her ears flattened, they were much too close to where she wanted to go. Looking back to the pale healer, “I traveled from the south and during my journey I noticed an increased sign of them in the lore.”

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She had to get to the border, she couldn't kiss the visit from her mum. It felt like forever since she'd seen her and she didn't miss her very much. No matter how much he she tried to put everything in the past or be different from Inna she still loved the Raven. She always would because her mother hadn't ever given her a reason to doubt the promises that she made to her. This visit was only more proof of that.

The crow limped her way to the border at a walk not wanting to mess up the progress she'd made with her leg. The last thing she wanted to do was be den ridden again. It took her awhile but she finally came to the edge of the trees that would lead out to the border. When she got there though she realized that Lachesis had already made it. Her mother and him were talking and she noticed that her mother looked a lot different than the last time she'd seen her.

Oksana could see that her belly was swollen and she remembered that she'd seen Lilya carrying the same kind of extra weight. Then she realized her mother was pregnant again and for a moment she was frozen in her place. Until she realized that she didn't care her mother was pregnant. She was just so glad to see her so much so that she started to limp toward her as fast as she startled when the howling started. It stopped her dead in her tracks right next to Lachesis. They sound really close, she said looking to the alpha wondering if they should do something.

(This post was last modified: Apr 19, 2018, 01:33 AM by Oksana.)

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Unlike Inna, the ghost did not worry about her daughter’s tardiness. As far as Lachesis was aware it had been weeks, maybe even months, since they had seen each other; it was likely that Inna was unaware of Oksana’s situation. Despite their differences, and recent disagreements, Lachesis hoped that his former subordinate would not blame him for what had happened. He had already done enough of that; he did not need it from Inna either.

His gaze remained level, chin slightly raised, as he waited for his visitor to speak. As usual, the ghost did not have to wait long. The expecting mother announced that she was making her way back north—to the Ethos, specifically. He assumed it was where she was planning on giving birth, much like a spawning salmon returning to where it came from. Familiarity; comfort. Home. The land did not belong to Lachesis any longer; he could not chase her from the north. She had every right to den among the familiar redwoods. She also would not prevent her from visiting her daughter, even if he was a little uncomfortable with her surprise visit. But, he was a man of his word. He had (for the most part) kept Oksana safe. Allowed her to visit.

But that did not mean he intended to let her cross the Driftwood borders. Hearthwood was her home, but the mountain forest? As far as he was concerned, there was no place for her at the edge of the surging river. Her swollen appearance showed the Stark how little she had changed in the weeks that had passed. It was possible he was being quick to judge—something could have happened to the raven Baranski. Something he would never have wished upon her, even with their strained history. But, everything Inna did had a reason behind it. Even if she wasn’t aware of her intentions.

Yes, she’s fine, he assured her with a soft nod, his chartreuse gaze sweeping through the tree line as he waited for the crow to appear. The visits are fine, he added, his tone clipped as he returned his attention to her.

A familiar sound caused his ears to cup forward and the fur on the back of his neck to raise. His upper lip wrinkled as the sound of howls and yips filled the air—why were there so many of them? His thoughts, however, were partially answered by the raven. … I noticed an increased sign of them … Well, shit. He blinked, a frown appearing on his lips. It was at this time that Oksana finally appeared at the edge of the Surge territory as she hobbled in her mother’s direction. The girl didn’t seem to mind that her mother was pregnant, which surprised the alpha. He had expected her to be the most surprised—or angry. But, he suspected she was just happy to see her.

I haven’t noticed them near the borders yet, he admitted, his expression still grim as his gaze refocused on the dark duo. They shouldn’t be travelling in groups. His frown deepened. What had brought the onslaught of coyotes to the Lore? An abundance of food, perhaps? Or maybe a lack of food wherever they had come from? His tail flicked in frustration behind him. It wasn’t good news for any loners out in the Lore—especially Inna.

stick with those who stick with you

you fill my head with pieces

of a song i can't get out

Since Lachesis had moved the pack she hadn't had the chance to speak with him to ask about visits. She knew she should have asked before but she'd been in such a place she wasn't even sure she would come, things had changed for her and while she knew she couldn't be a constant in her daughter's life she also wanted to make sure Oksana knew that she still cared about her. Now that Lachesis had met her at the border it was a good time to ask about visits. She also worried that something was wrong since Oksana hadn't yet showed.

Lachesis though assured her that the little Crow was fine which brought relief to the mother. “Good, and she's been behaving herself for you?” Though Inna didn't think she had the right anymore to tell the girl what to do she wanted to make sure that she hadn't been any trouble for the pale alpha. <B “Thank you Lachesis. I really do appreciate you allowing me to visit with her.”</b> She wanted to make sure he knew that as it did mean a lot considering what had transpired between them. It was clear by his clipped tone that he still wasn't happy with her but she didn't let it get to her. She hadn't come to start anything just see her daughter, it was all she wanted.

She soon got that chance and the first thing she noticed was how much her daughter had grown but there was something wrong. Inna saw the way the girl hobbled toward them which caused her brow to furrow. Oksana didn't quite make it to greet her as she was stopped by the chorus of coyotes. It sounded like a large group which sent a shiver down the raven’s spine. She knew what it could mean for her and her unborn children. She'd been worried about the presence of them as soon as she’d started noticing the increased signs of the scavengers. She'd hoped Hearthwood would remain untouched but of they were close to the lake it was only a matter of time.

Her fiery gaze went to her daughter as she spoke, “They do my love but you needn't worry your safe here with Lachesis and the rest of the pack,” she tried to reassure her daughter offering a smile in hopes it wouldn’t help Oksana not to worry too much.

Inna's gaze then turned to Lachesis as he spoke, “Hopefully they won't come this far and leave you all alone.” She said trying to keep a positive tone for the man but the truth was she couldn't be certain the coyotes wouldn't come to their borders. “No, they shouldn't which makes it even more worrisome. I've been able to avoid running into any groups of them but traveling as they are can't mean anything good.” She also worried about prey and the abundance of it. With them grouping together they would he able to take down their own.

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When she saw her mother and the way her sides had swelled just like Lilya’s Oksana knew what it meant. She could smell the same scent coming from her as she did her alpha. She didn't know what to think about it and she didn't want to address it just then. She figured her mother would explain it all when the time was right as she usually did. Oksana did catch the way her mother's brow furrowed which she assumed was because of the way she was walking, she would have to explain that too. They had a lot to talk about it seemed but for the moment she was just happy that her mother had come and that she hadn't stayed away like Oksana had thought she would.

The little Crow was under no illusions that Inna would be staying or visiting more often but just knowing she hadn't been forgotten was enough. She didn't get the chance to greet Inna the way she wanted as it was all interrupted by setting that seemed to have both adults worried.

Inna even went so far as to reassure her that she was safe among the pack. That was all well and good, she was glad that she had the pack to keep her safe but what about her mother? Who's going to keep you safe mum? She asked was there someone that her mother had that hadn't come to the border? The father of her child maybe. The conversation went on between Inna and Lachesis about the coyotes as Oksana finally closed the distance between her and her mother.

She gave her mum a lick on the cheek before turning her gaze to Lachesis, Do you think they will come to our borders? She asked still worried about that. If they came what was stopping them from crossing them. They didn't live by the same laws as wolves, she at least knew that much.

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He nodded in response to her question. Aside from disregarding her injury, the ebony girl had behaved herself just as Lachesis expected. She was an adventurous girl, much like his own daughters (hence her injury), but she was also eager to please. The girl took her duties very seriously and was eager to return to them, even though she might not be able to jump back in one-hundred percent… ever. But that was a conversation that could wait for another day—when Inna wasn’t present. He believed, deep down, that Oksana knew that she would have to pursue a different, or an altered path. He just hoped she knew that, as long as she resided in the pack, Driftwood would support her no matter what. As long as she didn’t make any mistakes, like her mother or Aytigin. The ghost wasn’t making exceptions for any one anymore.

Who’s going to keep you safe, mom? The girl’s question caused his tail to quiver. Lachesis had a history with the raven; he couldn’t deny that he was worried about her being on her own. But he also did not want to invite her across their borders. It would have been hypocritical of him to allow her refuge after kicking Aytigin out for breeding without permission. But, Lachesis was also not a heartless wolf. He wouldn’t usher away a wolf in need.

Or could he?

It’s possible, he answered, his chin tipping toward the younger girl, but I do not think they’ll cross. They’re not smart creatures, but they aren’t stupid enough to pack borders. Not where they are outnumbered. He hoped. Are you going to continue north, then? He asked as he returned his attention to the orange-eyed Baranski, the corners of his mouth tightening with silent concern. 

stick with those who stick with you