Willow Ridge ripped from inside out

The pain was near intolerable, yet still by no means as horrid as her first litter had been on her. She had been far younger then, stressed by not only having had the event forced upon her, but locked within the confines of her den for the near entirety of her pregnancy, shied away from the Empire to prevent any from looking down upon her with pity and remorse. The first and only daughter of the King and Queen, raped by a vagabond from a bachelor band outside the Pack. She remembered those days locked away, with her brother, Deacon, to visit her more often then any with every attempt to brighten her spirits....
She was alone this time. Night had long ago fallen over the lands to leave a dark and clouded scene. As she stumbled into the entrance of the pack den, heavy with pants and convulsions, she was alone. She would not this time be surrounded by wet nurses and medics looking for any sign of complication in their princess. She would not hear the pacing steps of the Elite guard, ready to take away the children for execution at their birth, nor her older brother's curses, or her mother's attempts at sweet coos of comfort. She was alone.
Inching into the Infirmary, nestled within the earth dug out along the back wall of her pack's cave den, Elettra slips onto the flooring of furs and skins. She nestles within the thick coating of a black bobcat, an odd catch given to her by Sica who no longer remained within her ranks. She willed the sweet words of Tempest, the helpful aid of Kyrie, experience of Skana, protectiveness of Guiness.... She wanted her pack, but deep within her remained paranoid and tense at the thoughts of what happened to her last litter. Soon however, her thoughts were forced from her mind as the birth began...
Pants, whines and a sharp cry. The children forced themselves from her one by one, largest to slightest in size and all deep in coloration. The litter was smaller then her first, though large and filled with promise. They were black predominantly as all her family had been: one holding small traces of grey as herself and the others, one of ginger and one with creams. Colors of Kiche was upon them though her thoughts of the man remained removed from her mind as she began caring for her children: cleaning them, inspecting them, bringing them to her stomach. It was an odd feeling, this motherly affection to which she had otherwise been lacking in before. She had planned for these children, wanted these children and already a motherly protection of an iron grip came over her. These were her pups. These were her legacy.

(This post was last modified: May 08, 2013, 01:09 AM by Elettra.)

I knew a sailor once,

Angier Lyall

got tangled in the rigging.

In the days counting down to the event of Elettra Archer going into labor, Angier had done nothing more than follow in her steps, marking the trees she passed and pressing his paws wherever hers had seemingly landed. His attempts of keeping his Leader fed and well-kept were mediocre at best and he hoped maybe sometime soon he would find the reasons to move forward in his ventures. It was apparent now more than ever that something within the Lyall had changed. The willow trees and faces of rock here were so very different from his brother's forest, Alexander's plateau, and Indru's grove... Perhaps it had been too different as to shake Angier from the very roots of all he believed in.

Everywhere the canopy above him seemed to close him in, sealing his fate and holding him to his words. There was no going back and there was no moving forward unless it was in Elettra's footsteps. For some time it seemed her trail was headed along the usual markers until it occurred to the tawny man that she had deviated from the border. Standing before the fork in front of him, his head turned to look over the landmark he should have walked past then looked to where the willow monarch had hurried through the territory. He lifted his nose to the air, picking from the faint traces of her scent that something was out of place.

Heart pounding and thoughts racing to every possible scenario, Angier pushed past all notions of hesitance and doubt and followed her scent to a large underground burrow. While he thought to stick his head inside, to call out to Elettra and make sure she was all right, he held back at the noises of what could have been puppies.

Damn it.

Angier pressed his tongue to the roof of his mouth as he backed up and quietly sat down. He really should have brought her something. Grimacing to himself in the dark of night, he drew his ears forward, waiting if the dark lady would require his aid.

WILLOW RIDGE

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Doing what he had usually been doing for the past months seemed to be easy, while keeping a careful eye on his alpha seemed to be a tad bit harder. Trying to distance himself from his lady had not done well on his part, for he was protective over most of the females within the pack. Not being they needed the protection, for he was sure they could all take care of themselves, but because of his over protective instincts. This was why when he had been doing his run of the borders and strayed across the pregnant scent of Elettra and their newest male, Angier, he had tensed, unhappy with the man’s scent intertwined with hers at such a time within the year. None the less, Guiness did his best to shake off his fears, pushing them to the back of his mind and continuing on to marking the border. It was when he found the scent of El and Angier fading off from the border did the red hued Guard panic. With a disdainful grunt, he pushed himself, following the scent of the two wolves until he came upon a small den, the man standing outside.

Still the Thorben did not relax as he stepped forward, flashing a warning glance towards their newest member. He did not know him and therefore Guiness did not trust him either. Not daring to go into the den where he was sure he could hear small squeals…the shouts of Elettra’s children, of the pack’s future with their queen. Letting his red tail curl happily above his pack, he pricked his ears forward and sat attentively, waiting to hear from Elettra herself to see how she was fairing. He wanted to know if everything was alright and if she needed something. All in the meantime, he made sure to keep his golden amber eyes planted upon the Lyall, not wanting to let the man out of his sights. He did not know of Elettra and Angier’s relationship, but at that point in time Guiness did not care. The only thing he kept in mind was the protection of Elettra and her children.

Pillar of Strength

I just wanted to confirm that this IS inside of the pack's den. Elettra is within the Infirmary (an underground burrow within the pack's den along the back wall) and will with this, be in close quarters with the other pack members. But no entering the Infirmary without permission! :D

The children were silent, intent on their mission for milk and milk only. Deaf, blind, and relatively dull with lack of scent, they could only feel for what was right to them and this was the warmth of their unknown mother and siblings which only moments ago had been trapped at their side within the womb. Silence bestowed Elettra even, her head falling to the ground after eating away at the remains of birthing, was stilled with sleep. The process of long hours trapped within the Infirmary would take it's hold, awaking the child's senses to their mother and the very few herbs she had managed to collect in her pregnant state, much of which remained at the storage area along the edges of her territory in order not to impede her pup's smell of her and the pack.
Some time later, the Archer woman rouses in her placement, nearly jumping up in sudden nightmare fear that her children would be gone from her side. A yelp escapes her before she can hold in back, her silver attention quickly shift to the children at her side, no longer feeding, but huddled amongst one another in rest. Elettra's heart quakes and her nervousness eases, a panic like a buzzing echoing in the back of her mind.
With time, she takes note that their are others within the pack den, waiting at the Infirmary opening for word on their pack's new and first children. Guiness and Angier, their scents strong and their ruffing familiar with each breath. She did not know how long she had been resting, nor how long they had waited for the news of the pups (how many? where they all alive? healthy?). Elettra's gut twisted, knowing Kiche could not be permitted down here to investigate and relay back the news because Kiche was no longer here. Her jaw tenses, her heart skipping a beat and she shifts to be closer to her children now. "Come." She firstly whispered, raspy and drawn out with tiredness. "Come greet the princes and princess of your pack." Though there was only room for a few wolves within the Infirmary hole, she allowed them to peak in if they would like, cramp themselves for a closer look if they wished. Though Elettra had allowed it briefly, her body remained tense, close to her broad and ready to snap should they make any sudden movement towards them. Awaiting a moment, she would then touch her muzzle to each of the sleeping children, naming them all on her own accord without influence of Kiche at her side: "Asriel." The largest of them and firstly born, fitted with a orange hued saddle to brighten with age. "Sköll." She touches the other son, mingled with silvery hues in placements which matched Elettra herself. "Morganna." The third born and daughter in the group, darkest of black then all the rest and mixed with bits of cre

*Has a VIP pass to the infirmary* XD

A general awareness of being was something that the boy had had for a little time now. His thoughts were little more than feelings and instincts as they developed. He felt the movement of his siblings and his mother, the vibrations from her voice and the slight jostling whenever she moved. In an incubated environment, Asriel was unaware of pain or cold, cruelty or malady. These things had no meaning to him as of yet, so the very idea of anything unpleasant was something he couldn't fathom, nor did he feel any fear or nervousness that they might come. They were as non-existent for him as air was for a wolf with its head under water. There was nothing he needed to do- so he did as he pleased, and as there wasn't a great deal of space, he longed to do very little other than move every now and again and enjoy the fact that he was given energy without even having to consciously take it in. Life was good.

But that life would soon be traded for a new one- one in which the dark boy would experience a series of events which made him aware that life outside of a protected, pain and fear-free realm actually existed. His heart beat faster and he instinctively gasped and mewled- a sound he couldn't even hear- as he expelled his first breath of cool air. He was tended to, but the boy didn't know why. He felt so small, as though the space around him had expanded considerably- aside from his mother, whose licks soothed him, there was no womb to keep him close, warm and fed without him even needing to do anything. The entire event was such an onslaught of experience that he was still in a bit of shock when he was nudged to his mother's side, and instinct drove him to find a new source of comfort- milk.

He could still sense the vibrations from his mother's voice, something which calmed the child even further, and the memories of the birth began to fade away and would likely never be remembered again. He was hungry and even when those others whose touch he recognized were against his sides he refused to give up his position; he was the largest and would thrive. When the young prince had had his fill, he did not move far from where he 'd been, as though to guard his chosen place. Snuggled amid the dark fur of his mother and the small, warm bodies of his siblings, he heaved a small sigh and slipped into an easy slumber.

Avatars by Allie <3

I knew a sailor once,

Angier Lyall

got tangled in the rigging.

For what seemed like hours, Angier, and his superior, the still unnamed acquaintance that was Guiness, waited. When Elettra's voice came to the both of them, the tawny male nearly jumped; the silence had been easy to get accustomed to and her bidding caught him off-guard.

"Come."

A slight smile curled up along his muzzle and he perked up with renewed interest as he crept into the den, lowering himself onto his elbows as he approached the Infirmary, which seemed to be a separate room from the den itself. In the darkness his eyes sought the sight of the faintest trace of ink-black fur as his nose was filled with the scent of the birthing and Elettra's hormone-packed perfume. Having only been an uncle to his brother Borden's children, he had not yet culled the instincts that came with paternity, but just being a stone's throw away from the Willow matriarch's place of rest made something strange well up inside his chest and twist and turn and tug at his insides and heart. Then, all at once, a sudden surge of longing filled even fiber of his being.

Angier Lyall wanted those cubs... to take care of them, look after them, teach them, and raise them as they should be reared. A part of him now envied the fact that the cubs - the Princes Asriel and Sköll, and their sister, Princess Morganna - were not his. He successfully bottled up both whine and wimper as he finally laid eyes on the three nearly-indistinguishable forms at his Lady's breast. They could have been his... They could have been his if only he had had the mind to return to Willow Ridge, to Elettra, sooner. His large ears swiveled back. So much for taking his time in making up his mind...

He let out a sigh, focusing now on Elettra's face just briefly enough to give her a smile, one that wordlessly relayed to her that she had done well and that he, her loyal servant and meager provider of sorts, was proud of her. "They're beautiful, m'Lady," he whispered, keeping just barely outside the Infirmary entrance. "You've done well... Your legacy shall prevail from now on."

WILLOW RIDGE

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Both of them sat there for hours in complete silence, something that the large Guardian did not mind at all. It was probably the most comfortable thing a companion could offer him…just complete silence. Eventually, the yips and squeals from El’s pups decreased and all were silent. Their lady rested for as long as she so well pleased, for the two men would both still be there when she would awaken. When she did, they were alerted with a loud yelp and instantly Guiness was on his paws, hovering outside the entrance to the Infirmary. He did not dare enter though, in fears that he would get his muzzle bitten off, but when her soft raspy voice called to them, he calmed down and watched his subordinate’s back as he huddled down and crawled into the small space.

Not daring to even try fitting his large frame in the tiny space, Guiness merrily stuck his head in to the point of where he would be able to see. She named them in front of them, and a soft growl emitted from his mouth in approval. Elettra did not need his words to understand what he would be saying, through his actions. She had figured that out the day that the pair had met. He was much more of a doer than a talker. He let his tail wag behind him as he looked upon the future of the Willow Ridge pack. They would be strong and he would devote his life to protect the young that lay by his Lady’s side. He would not let her down like all the others had. He was so much more devoted than they were and he would let her know this. Never would he leave until the day came when she wanted him to say goodbye. For now, he had a new legacy to protect.

Pillar of Strength

Thought I should bring him here. :P + Just a note that he's outside the den.

The made him feel at ease as a warm wind blew through the forest. This time of year allowed the burnt male to feel hope knowing that the forest would spring to life in a short time. Not only the forest though, every animal readied itself for the prosperous spring and summer to come. New life also made the black wolf anxious for his alpha. She would be birthing pups soon, so he had to prove himself a good guardian and keep the borders well checked and marked. The patrols he took were nightly one's whereas Guiness seemed to take most of the daily patrols.

Daytime was a time for the black wolf to both hunt and then rest for the incoming nightly chores that would drag at his body. Though Kasai favored night patrols as the dark hid his pelt very well. He could sneak up on unsuspecting trespassers and swiftly enforce pack law upon them.

Right now the male held an old rabbit in his jaws. A meal he caught for himself though it would take more than a stringy old rabbit to fill his large frame. The rabbit would quell his hunger for a short time. As he approached the den a few scents triggered the males fur to bristle. Number one the birthing scent that came from the place. It was obvious that Elettra was having her pups now. He paused wondering if he was allowed in. Then Kasai noted the other scents that came with the noble lady's. Guiness and Sir Angier were within the den.

Cautiously Kasai approached until he was a few tail lengths away from Angier and Guiness. The dark male gave both the higher males a dip of his head in greeting, but was unsure they noticed him as they peered into the infirmary. Kasai waited behind the others knowing he wasn't allowed forward. Something told him that Elettra was finished birthing and that only the most trusted wolves would be allowed near.

There he waited silently for the queen to allow him close.

The large russet female had been running border patrols interrupted often by forays after some prospective prey or another. She had yet to catch anything and this frustrated her somewhat, but still she persisted in her efforts. Suddenly, Tempest took off at a run, hackles raised and a growl emitting from her chest. This time she followed the trail of some foxes, two or three that had dared to test the borders. Given her lack of speed she was surprised to have caught a pair of little red devils with one of last years litter. Instead of running the couple attacked Tempest and their incredible speed landed a few scratches upon her cinnamon and white muzzle before she convinced them to take their child and go. She spit red and white fur from her mouth and licked her bloodied muzzle clean before giving the retreating forms another snarl and heading back to the borders.

As she neared the borders the familiar scent of her queen came to her, mingled with the scent of one of their newer members, the one that had challenged Kasai at the pack meeting... and prevailed. A slight worry ran through the large fae for he was an ambitious wolf, it seemed, and she had seen males kill a defeated rivals young to secure their spot more firmly. She hastened on the trail, for Elettra's scent had changed ever so slightly and Tempest knew that she was on the verge of birthing her young. When the den came in sight she saw Kasai outside the entrance to the den, but scented Guiness along with Angier within. Giving the scarred man a brisk nod, she brushed past him into the main den. She saw her brother's massive form filling most of the entryway into the infirmary and his tail wagging. This eased her mind somewhat as Angier was apparently inside with their Queen and her young. He would not be so relaxed if the other man posed a threat to them.

Even so, she poked her own head in next to his to see for herself. There lay Elettra with three tiny dark bundles of fur curled up together for warmth and comfort. Her golden amber eyes shot sharply to Angier to judge the man's intentions. She felt the tension leave her shoulders as she realized that he absolutely meant no harm to the little one's. The besotted look on his face had her turning back towards Elettra with a small smile on her face. So, that's how it was, eh? She wondered if Elettra had any feelings for this man from her past. Was it possible that the Ridge might finally have a proper male to stand by Elettra and be a proper father to her children some day? She had nothing against Koda, for his situation had been unique, but every male that had filled or attempted to fill the position since his departure had been sadly lacking and she knew her brother had no aspirations to lead. He was a Guardian through and through.

She supposed that time would tell the tale. Giving her leadess a warm smile she dipped her head and whispered in an awed voice, "They are magnificent, my Lady!"

The Calm in the Storm

"Angier...." The name was a whisper off her tongue as he laid down, crawling to the entrance in order for him to stick his head through, paws curling around the opening rim. Her tail thumps once behind her to his words, a hidden smile dancing over the brightness of her silver eyes. "I've no doubts." She speaks on behalf of her bloodline and the healthy pups at her side, sure to make it far glorious then it had already become. Two boys would now extend the bloodline of the Matriarch and a girl to one day birth children to come far after Elettra was gone from this world. She breaths in deeply, her eyes shifting to Guiness to pops his face in next for view. His gruff acceptance and approval was enough for Elettra and always had been and they needed not words between each other to understand this.
Then, something else stirred her attention, something which got her nose twitching and her stomach growling out in an echo within the small corridor: food. The meal Kasai had intended for himself upon arrival would be tossed to sacrifice for his Leadess, as her body perked to the knowledge of his arrival with the kill. Only the few had been here the longest would be allowed with the children alone until the pups gained their senses and mobility, though Elettra was willing to allow him to look in if he was willing to give up his cache.
The approach of Tempest stopped her short, head snapping to the sudden arrival of the large woman and though she had been nearly surprised, gave a wagging of her tail none the less and a small smirk upon her lips in the aftermath as the woman overlooked her children. No harm would ever come from the large Thorben siblings and Elettra knew that over the months to come they would take a large part in caring for the children when she could not. Now sparing a moment for Kasai who seemingly awaited far back patiently, the newly mother juts her muzzle outward and looks to Guiness, hoping he may take the hint that it was okay but also take note of the tension of Elettra's form. Kasai had been good to them, was well with his Guarding and had helped them in the 'war' even just after joining the pack and without question. Though Kasai had first questioned if he was to belong here or not, what time he was spending here was well worth Elettra's acceptance of him.