Willow Ridge Birthing of the Storm

Special tag for the two daddies, @Elias and @Blitz

and with a spark its going to be

The time had come and the Gods had insured the wolves of Willow Ridge as such with a storm none could easily ignore. Darkness had arrived hours earlier that late afternoon with the coming of dark, thick clouds. Now darkness had overwhelmed the lands with the coming of nightfall and it only broke when lightning flashed overhead, spidering through the sky and ending with a rumbling of thunder which rolled over the mountains to the east. The wind had picked up, the willows being whipped about so harshly their newly buds ripped from their hanging limbs and likely struck those with a sting who tried hiding under them for some sense of protection. Ravenna, hours now, had already found the protection of the den which she had chose to give birth in, the den which Enoki had created for the coming over her own first litter. She remained laying near the opening of the den, head poking out to view the raging display of the Gods. It reminded her of how Romanov, the very first Archer, had been said to have been created.

Though the silver Amazon may have been comforted by the wild display outside, taking it as a well sign from the Gods, this did little to stop the horrible wild feeling inside her gut. She had done her best to take in various herbs this day and more recently a high dose of sweet grass. It seemed nothing however could stop the pain of contractions and with each snap of thunder came a cry from the mother to be. The contractions were coming along more frequent now and her panting heavier, her body tensing with a shiver, a whine passing her lips every so often. It had already been hours of this, how much longer would this go on? How much more pain did she have to take before the pups could finally come?

Another quiver of pain took over her, causing a louder whine this time. Outside, a crack of thunder and flash of lightning caused her to flinch for it sounded far closer then she had expected, the sound of breaking wood causing her ears to fall back against her skull. With the sound came a sudden on pour, like a flood all at once plummeting onto the world. Had she not taken into consideration 'April showers' the rains may have been quite worrisome, able to not only flood the pack den but drown the birthing children within it. Though Ravenna's den was situated under the roots of one of the various willow trees she was lucky that the placement was also upon an uprising knoll, the waters moving down the slope and away from the burrow Ravenna laid within now. Still she wondered, with the storm, if anyone would hear her cries and if anyone would be able to be here to support her while she gave birth to the newest generation of Willow Ridge pups. Her pack members would be much safer in the pack den, out of the heavy wind and rain, away from any falling branches. She nearly willed them to stay away, all of them, even if it meant enduring this alone.

the biggest fire they've ever seen

(This post was last modified: May 05, 2018, 04:15 PM by Ravenna.)

not looking for some fairytale bliss

Throughout the afternoon Leotie had rested quietly outside her den, her time was growing closer. Something inside her told her as much even though she'd never experienced giving birth, motherhood, any of it before. She watched as the skies grew darker and the wind picked up ruffling the fur along her back. The scent of rain grew stronger on the air as night grew closer. Eventually she thought it wise to seek refuge in her den but she remained close to the entrance. As darkness fell on the willows a storm began to rage causing the trees to blow wildly.

Lighting lit up the sky all around her as it raged on and she grew worried about what the storm could do to their home. What did it mean for her and Ravenna as they both were so close to giving birth to the future of Willow Ridge. As the thunder sounded all around her almost shaking the ground beneath her she thought she heard a higher pitched sound. As first she thought it was just her imagination. Then as another crash of thunder and she heard the sound again she knew that it wasn't.

Her first thought was Ravenna, Leotie had made her den close to the silver woman's. Surely her alpha was inside her den during this horrible weather but had her time come already. Leotie wasn't going to wait until the storm was over to find out. Braving the rain that pelted her body she crossed the short distance to Ravenna's den. Peeking her head into the den she found the silver woman, “Rav, are you okay?” She called in concern clear in her tone.

i want something just like this

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

Darkness engulfed the skies. Threatening steely gray clouds loomed ominously overhead. From them sprouted spindly white fingertips of violent electricity, ripping the sky asunder momentarily. Accompanied with the bright flashes of light were earth shattering booms, torrents of rain that made the skin sting, and bellowing winds that ruffled the thickest of fur. Most wolves would be terrified, or at the very least, on edge. The weary would take shelter.

But not the dark sea wolf. His reasons for being out, away from the safety of the den were more than justified. He had been shadowing Ravenna for days now, glued to her side until she had made it clear she had enough. She needed her personal time too and the father to be honored her wishes, out of respect for her as his leader and friend. Although he hid it well, as the final days of her pregnancy approached, glimpsing her balloon sized belly, Blitz was an absolute nervous wreck. He was on edge, worrying constantly which lead to his increased guarding of her birthing den. Unfortunately, this translated into driving off any lower ranking male who got too close or showed too deep an interest. He didn't mean them any ill harm. It was his nerves more than anything else. Once the pups were born and everyone was assured in good health, he would relax.

Though violent, the storm did not deter him. He set out towards Ravenna's private den, the storm itself reason enough to warrant checking in on her. Dark ears pressed back, acidic eyes merely squinted against the unrelenting sting of the rain against his face. In his youth he had endured far worse than this. Many a time he and his birth pack had been forced to cope with furious storms that bombarded their coastal home. Such storms were just as potent as this one, if not even more so closer to sea. Through the howling wind he picked up the sound of a cry. Then another. His heart leapt in his throat and his legs were driving him forth in an urgent sprint. Ravenna! Had the time come already? It must be! He arrived seconds behind Leotie, who was also due any day now, and of whom he was almost as protective of. "Rav!" He called to her, scooting his upper body low to lean by the dens entrance. He pressed in tight to Leotie's side, albeit accidentally in the process. As a male, he was guarded and did not chance poking his head inside. But the way his eyes almost glowed like fireflies in the dark was enough to assure her that he was nearly by her side. "I'm here. I won't leave you." He nearly hushed, biting back a whine. "Is there...anything I can do?"p>

(This post was last modified: May 06, 2018, 03:02 AM by Blitz.)

the devil is & always will

The storm had been unable to keep Sven from the dens of the two women dearest to him, even as it swelled and threatened with its lightning and thunder. He drew closer as both Leotie and Blitz did, and would've taken up the space at his paramour's flank as he always did had she night decided to venture so near to the den's opening. Certain that he could gild information from the two investigating wolves, Sven opted to stay back, lest he crowd Ravenna even further.

She would know that he was there, even at a distance; he was certain of this, as though it were a written truth. Ravenna would know that whatever happened within the earth, her counterpart was there in the rain, solid and ready to do all for her that she might ever need.

be a gentleman.

(This post was last modified: May 08, 2018, 04:19 AM by Sven.)

Next round guys! @Leotie @Blitz @Sven.

and with a spark its going to be

It was not surprising that Leotie was the first to arrive, with how close her own birthing den was. Though Ravenna was also happy that she had been the first, for Leotie was her best girlfriend after all (family excluded). A whine shot from parted jaws as she heard her voice over the pouring rain, howling of the wind through the trees and rolling thunder. She lifted her head to move it close to the den's opening. Perhaps she should have thought to make the den big enough for the both of them so that she wouldn't be standing in the rain now. "Leotie, you shouldn't be out here..." She spoke breathlessly. If she got hurt my a fallen tree limb or slipped or even got sick...?? It was just far too risky and yet still she was happy to have someone, especially her, here with her. "I...I think I am." She spoke, trying to remember back to her one and only experience with this, when Enoki was having her pups. "It just hurts."

It was just a second or two and Blitz was pressed to the side of Leotie, their heads tilted down to her as they both looked through the opening of the den. "Hey..." She spoke with a smile, her tail padding on the plush floor of mosses, feathers and pelts. "Keep Leotie warm, okay?" She spoke, willing him to stay close to her side of they were going to stock with her through this. She couldn't think of anything else she needed that she had not already prepared for. She didn't have another moment to think on it either nor the safety of her pack mates. Another contraction took over. She cries out in a high whine, breaths on deep. She could scent Sven out there. He was here for her if she needed, a silent guard. She wouldn't have doubted his arrival through any odds.

The smell of blood was overwhelmimg in the den though the heavy storm outside hopefully would mask some off it, warding off any predator. She doubted any coyote would come in this far into pack territory however. Instinct took over and squirming little child was licked and nudged away from her backside and to the side of her stomach. Now pushed more up to her torso the pup would be just slightly viewable to the pair gathered at the entrance. With it being so dark outside of was not like they were blocking any lighting. If anything they helped block the winds and mist of rain from getting in. "Looks like we have a little boy." She spoke after she was done cleaning the child and was sure that everything seemed to be in working order.

With all the fiddling with her first child, her first son, the time flew by. The next child was coming. She knew there was another because the pain came back, could feel her body readying itself. In another few moments another child was born and she nosed it closer, cleaning it's wet dark tanned looking fur. "And a girl. We've got the best of both, hu?" She spoke, lifting her head up to smirk into her dark friend's direction.

Ravenna couldn't be certain if more pups were on the way. Enoki had only two, Greer one, but her mother often had three and Morganna had five once before! She felt her body ease for the time being, finding herself growing tired already. "Leotie, you should probably get back to your den soon..." She spoke, a small frown pressing her lips because she didn't want to shoo Her away but knew this storm wasn't letting up anytime soon. She'd already been out here for long enough. "Blitz can let you know if another comes." She insured her. Yawning, she turned her attention back to the two bundles at her side, cloaked in a seemingly solid dark tanned color. They looked exactly alike and yet she already wondered how the weeks would unfold their true markings and coloration.

the biggest fire they've ever seen

Thunder boomed above the Willow Ridge wolves’ heads. It swayed the branches, gusts turning them into whips that struck with no mercy. The dark Archer continued on patrol despite the stinging rain. The storm brought back memories of the one that had taken her away from her family. She kept tight within the borders. As she moved, a large crack could be heard above her head. Creaking and groaning, she looked up and jumped to the side with a yelp just in time to avoid a falling limb from the main tree. She stared at it for a moment, another boom vibrating the earth. She looked in the direction the limb had forced her, an eery sensation filling her. It told her to move, to go to Ravenna. And so she did. If she had been a religious wolf she might have said it was the will of the Gods. But Adeltra was no such believer, and so she pegged it as instinct.

She took off at a run, dodging the whipping willows and snaking across the the territory that she knew so well. Addy went to the den she herself had been birthed in, the same one she had been pleased to find Ravenna had taken up herself. It was good to see the place being used. It felt sad without it’s founder there. The scene showed Leotie, much to Addy’s surprise as the woman was ballooned just as much as her silvered cousin, Blitz, and Sven. She moved to her pale cousin, sitting at his side. She didn’t need to ask what was happening, the energy in the air not produced by the storm told her plenty. She shifted uncomfortably as the scent of blood wafted through the air, pressing herself to Sven’s side for comfort. She wanted to help in some way, but she knew there was nothing she could do. There was nothing any of them could do. Ravenna was at the mercy of fate.

not looking for some fairytale bliss

The Agouti woman had thought about all if the things that could go wrong going out into the storm. Just like with the coyotes not even a horrible storm could keep her from supporting her best friend through the birth of her children. “You didn't think I would let you go through this alone did you?” She asked as Ravenna showed concern for her being there. “Good good, you can do this Rav and I’m here to help with whatever you need just tell me what to do.” She would get the ridge alpha through the birth no matter what she had to do. Leotie placed a lick on her muzzle in hopes to give her some comfort. “I know but soon it will be all over and you'll have a healthy litter of puppies.” She supposed what they said was true, no pain no gain. That was certainly true in this situation.

More comfort came in the form of the father, Blitz, as ye appeared next to her. Usually Leotie would let out a growl when another male got too close out this time she didn't. She welcomed the dark males presence beside her where he could be there for Ravenna too. She did however offer him a smile, “I hope your ready to be a father.” There was no stopping it now as Leotie saw her friends body tense. The familiar scent of her lover was on the air too, Sven had come to support Ravenna as well which Leotie more than expected. She would have gone to him and pressed her body against his happy to have him there but Ravenna needed her.

As time passed and more contractions came before the scent of blood filled her nostrils Leotie remained. She witnessed as the first pup was born and Ravenna cleaning it up before leaving it to nurse. This one was a boy but Ravenna wasn't done yet as before she realized how much time had passed another pup was coming. She watched the same process all over again. This one was a girl though, “Congratulations to you both,” she said as she bumped Blitz lightly on the shoulder. “You were great Rav, I'm so happy for you.”

With two pups out and moments passing without further signs of more Ravenna suggested she get back to her own den. She knew the silver woman was right, “I will Rav, I just want to stay just a little longer.” She wasn't quite ready to leave her friend, not until she knew she was really okay.

i want something just like this

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

Crouched side by side with Leotie, their bodies sheltered the den, keeping the wind and rain out. As a wolf who had grown up by the vast ocean, getting wet was something he had grown used to early on in life. A single spring storm, no matter how ferocious, would not deter him. His eyes, bright with concern and affection, swept over Ravenna's laboring body. He couldn't imagine the pain she had to endure, such a feat. He knew she was strong...she would pull through without a doubt. Smiling, his tail breezed at his heels anxiously. Swallowing thickly, he nodded. "Count on it." He rumbled in his deep tenor. "Anything for you both." He finished with a warm glance to Leotie, whose encouragement for Ravenna seemed to know no bounds. The tawny woman was only a friend whom he had to work on his relationship with, but she was still an expectant mother, making Blitz equally protective of her. He would allow her smaller body to rest into the relative warmth of his side should she desire.

Behind them he heard the arrival of Sven, and shortly afterwards, Adeltra as well. But he didn't turn to look at them. He was too transfixed on the drama unfolding in the den before him, Leotie's words just a distant ring in his ears. The world slipped away, and all he was aware of was his silver Queen. Her labored breathing, high pitched whines and groans of effort. "Breathe Rav, breathe. You are doing great...c'mon." He encouraged sweetly, patiently. Then as she began to push, his heart fluttered as he watched with awestruck green eyes. He was graced with the good fortune to witness the miracle of new life. The breath he had been holding he let out in a low whine, barely able to make out the tiny body of her first born. A son. Moments later a second pup followed, equally as dark as the first. A girl. "A boy and a girl..." He repeated to himself, as if he were dreaming. When moisture not from the rain but from his own eyes trickled down his cheeks, only then did a proud smile break over his maw. "Rav...they're just..." He shook his head with a chuckle. "You did wonderfully." Turning to Leotie his smile didn't falter. The dark Mizuno looked every bit the proud father he should be. "Thank you. It means a lot." He pulled back to remove his head from the den, but still shielded the entrance with the bulk of his body. He looked between Sven and his mate. Soon they too would be proud parents. "My best to both of you, when the day comes. If there is anything you need, anything at all, just name it."p>

(This post was last modified: May 11, 2018, 05:05 AM by Blitz.)

the devil is & always will

Both distance and the lashing storm ensured that Sven did not hear a word Ravenna said. He had to guess from body language, both Blitz's and Leotie's, what was occurring within the den. Had anyone he'd known experienced the worst of what pregnancy could bring, he would have worried more, but so many births had occurred within the Ridge healthily that he felt certain Ravenna and her strength would come out of this no worse for wear.

Rather, it was when Blitz and Leotie moved closer together, sides meshing against the blowing wind and rain that the alpha prickled. It was jealousy that scratched at his skin, undeserved but still present all the same. Part of him wanted to step forward and nose his way between the two, maybe even shove Blitz away from the den altogether. Assert himself as the most important male in both Ravenna and Leotie's life. He knew better, however, and instead remained grounded against Adeltra's presence.

Time passed, and eventually his second turned to him, wishing him luck with his own litter. Was it over, then? He wanted to see, to poke his nose in and ask questions and be with them but instead he allowed Ravenna her privacy. So he settled for closing in on Leotie, settling his chin on the back of her spine in silent encouragement that she should make her way to her own den. Her own would be coming shortly, he could feel it.

be a gentleman.

Final round??

and with a spark its going to be

Ravenna had done her best to prepare for her first pregnancy and the birthing. Having grown up by her mother's strict paw it was only in Ravenna's nature to be as ready as one possibly could and after being there through Enoki's birth for the most part knew what to expect. Leotie's words were a comfort to get though she couldn't think of anything she needed. The rest would have to be up to her body and the strength of her pups and only this. Leotie's lick to her muzzle and she reached out to her, half out and half in the den, soothed Ravenna emotionally. She brought a calm to her, as did Blitz and this helped ease her body and as well too make the process easier. She couldn't imagine what it would be like to go through this is a loner. With no protection from predators, no-one to offer a helping paw, no comfort or guidance. The silver Alphess would be forever grateful to her pack.

"Thank you..." Ravenna then spoke to her friend as she congratulated her on the two healthy pups. Ravenna's tail thumped weakly on the ground, her head lifted with a smile as she looked between the two wolves at the den opening. Her second objected the idea of leaving just yet, wanting to linger a moment longer in the rain. Blitz seemed awe struck with the event and as she met his attention as he said she did wonderfully, she could see the shine of  damp fur on his cheeks. She had not expected tears of joy, even if he had become a father, though the raw emotion which he offered her and the words he had given Leotie and Sven there after as the pale Leader came nearer, brought a flutter to Ravenna's chest. Maybe it was the hormones talking, maybe not, but Ravenna felt herself feeling even more for the black wolf then she had before. Mates or not, nothing could break the connection they now had with one another by the two lives which now whimpered at her belly and they began their first feeding. There was not a single doubt in her mind that the seaside Mizuno would be everything of the father he could be to these two pups.

Though Ravenna did not hear anything from Sven or Adeltra outside the birthing den through the pouring rain, she smelt them there none the less. She shifted, wincing slightly from it as her lower half felt most uncomfortable. Situated now fully on her side, she yawns once more. Her body felt sore, stung down there, but there was no more contraction and she felt as though surely she was done. "Little fur balls wore me out..." She spoke as her head arched, looking at the two pups which had settled down at her side. No longer did they cry out and grunt, little paws pressing to her sides as they drank. They made the tiniest whimpers, their bodies moving slowly as it seemed like they too were growing tired, little bellies full. Ravenna's head fell back then, cheek pressing to a cool piece of earth not covered in furs of predator or prey that had been skinned. Her pale attention remained on the two wolves at her den entrance, her ears twitching to the rainfall, though her eyes grew heavy and sleep would soon get the best of her.

the biggest fire they've ever seen

(This post was last modified: Jun 15, 2018, 01:58 AM by Ravenna.)