For The Future

May 23rd, late afternoon. Sunny.


All BTP members are welcome, but only Inkheart and Iopha will be allowed in the den.

 Zia had awoken to a change this morning. While her complaints had been minimal thus far, today she was feeling incredibly uncomfortable. Her legs were sore, her belly tender, and despite the mild temperatures, she felt hot. No matter what she did, or how hard she tried, she just couldn't seem to keep from fidgeting. In the recent days, the pups inside her womb had also grown increasingly active, shifting and kicking impatiently, as if eager to be released into their brand new world. As a first time mother, she did not know what to expect...how her body would react, if this was normal for her or not. But she was not completely clueless, having seen Borlla give birth to two litters before, and most recently, Iopah. She knew her time was near, as she felt like a balloon ready to burst at any moment. Grumbling, she paced back to the shade of a nearby tree, to get out of the sun, hoping a nap would soothe the dull ache that had begun to build in her lower abdomen.

Several hours later, she awoke with a start. Not because of a bad dream or anything like that. Instead it had been a sharp, jabbing pain racing through her belly that had startled her awake. With a whine, she turned to gently nudge her tender stomach and the pups within, to make sure everything was alright. But it was no use, and a moment later, another more intense shooting pain overtook her. And then another. Gasping and crying out softly, she grit her teeth and forced herself up on shaky legs. There was no doubt about it...her pups were coming. She was excited and terrified all at once, but at least she was not alone. The sun was now just beginning to cast it's soft orange rays over the treetops, coating the land in the last light of the day. She didn't know where Inkheart was, but he couldn't be far. He never was these days. With a short, urgent howl, she called for him, to let him know that the time was finally here. She turned, hunching down in on herself as another strong contraction tugged at her muscles. As quickly as she could, she hurried over to her birthing den, which thankfully was nearby and ready. She had chosen it carefully, and by luck, or coincidence, it was just around the corner from Iopah's birthing den as well. Ducking down under the great tree roots that framed it's entrance, she  collapsed onto her side, the soft bedding of pine needles and moss serving as a cushion for her sore body. She twisted and turned several times, slender forelegs splayed out, paws pressed against the earthy walls while she endured the pains of labor.

How much time had passed since she had entered was lost to her. All she could see now was that the sun had long since set. Every once in a while, she would hear the shuffling of footsteps from one of her packmates. For anyone who got too close to the entrance of the den, Inkheart included, they would be greeted with a pained growl of warning. And any who dared stick their snout in during her time of vulnerability would be met with a faceful of teeth. Panting, she strained against the contractions, which were just as intense as ever. Just as soon as she felt as if this would never end, with one hard push, most of the pain seemed to subside. She looked down to see a tiny, wet dark bundle deposited on the floor. Heart racing wildly in hr chest, her instincts took over as she reached out and gently grasped the tiny pup, breaking the sac and licking it clean thoroughly. Once it's airways were clear of all the fluids, it emitted a shrill wail, wriggling clumsily. "Shh....shhh...I've got you my little one..." She whispered tenderly, nudging the pup, which she noted was a male, to her teat to suckle. Her single born son seemed to be placated, latching on, suckling heartily while nestled up to his mothers side. Sapphire eyes welling up with tears of sheer joy, her heart blossomed as she gazed upon the newborn. Their lives had come full circle...she and Inkheart now truly were a family. Looking to the entrance of a den, she called for her mate, who she knew must be waiting nervously outside. "Inkheart....you can come in, my love..." She said tiredly, utterly exhausted yet thrilled.

just a rambling Io post to keep Zia company while she waits for @Inkheart. Iopah won't leave Bracken/Ember, so I expect this to be her only post in this thread

It was just another day for Iopah.

The sun rose and climbed in the sky with only her brief notice. The den was her stronghold still and she left it just long enough to quench her thirst or relieve herself. Inside, changed were noticed gradually. The girls grew larger by their weight against her gentle nudges and more coordinated by the feel of them crawling over her. As the setting sun slanted sharply down the tunnel of the birthing den, Iopah lifted her head to watch it. The pull of her pups was far stronger than her curiosity of the outside. Nestled at her side, a pup moaned in lazy complaint at her mother's movement. Iopah touched her nose to the chocolate-brown body and sighed as the girl drifted back to sleep.

All of the habits she'd maintained for years had been set aside in the span of hours. While Ember and Bracken were so young she was limited to the den to the point of isolation. Surprisingly, the change didn't bother as much as expected. She had no problem stepping over game trails while hurrying back to her daughters. Maternal instinct was stronger than her curiosity.

She was curled around them -partly asleep for lack of anything to do- when a brief howl made her start up. Both girls fell away with indignant squeals. Iopah swept her nose over them in apology, before lifting it to reply. It was Zia. Iopah had been waiting for some sort of indication that her time had come. A low howl crooned in support and sympathy for the laboring mother, but the alpha would not intrude. It was not her place and Iopah was not going to risk tension with her friend.

(This post was last modified: Jun 17, 2015, 06:35 AM by Iopah.)

Flustered, ravaged and ultimately exhausted and he wasn’t even the one giving birth. Inkheart had been nearby trying to scavenge for some nice plush things to put in the den for his child(ren). It had taken him hours before ultimately coming to the conclusion that he didn’t know his way around their new home just enough and it was better to find them later. He would rather not get lost on his way back to the den; however, even with his quick self-advice he realized that he had already gotten lost and by the time he started trying to weasel his way back to the den and by the time he arrived Iopah was already here but he stayed feverishly outside. It was tempting to go inside and watch, but he knew that he might regret it or likely feel overwhelmed by fear if he went in during labor. It was best he stick to what he did best which was being alone and protecting. 

At least out here he could guard the den from any pup-stealing mongrels but luckily no one else aside from Iopah had shown. Within an instant – perhaps seconds before he was even called – Inkheart leaped to his feet and made entrance into their den. Orange ember eyes were bright and lit-up as he gazed upon his mate and child. While he had expected more, he was not the least bit disappointed in only birthing a single son. With obvious delight he reached forward, breaking through his hardened shell, and nuzzled Zia freely and openly. A small grumble pushing out of his throat in acceptance that he was indeed a happy husband and a happy father. “Arion?” They had talked about names for what seemed like ages and this had been one of the top-rated boy names that they had dubbed appropriate. 

(This post was last modified: Jul 10, 2015, 03:25 AM by Inkheart.)

i'm always looking for threads, so message me if you'd like one!