From the Morning springs New Life
#1
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Private for the First post, reserved for Heath. Afterthat all close friends are welcome to come welcome Ruri and Heath's new puppies ^_^

It was still early morning when she awoke. She was in their bed alone, so Heath must have been up already if not headed for the stables. At the moment the pregnant Dauphine was too groggy to find the answer just yet. She needed something to snap her body awake. So, with both hands lazily rested atop her round belly, the blind collie woman waddled out to the front porch of their house, to let the chilled morning air wake her. She paid little attention to the fact that for the first time in several days the pups had actually not woken her up with their movements. However, as soon as she got all the way outside, away from the comforting warmth of the indoors, she was awake. Her breathe turned to fog as it left her mouth and almost as quickly as she walked outside she was ready to head back in. However, something stopped her. The first was faint, but a few moments later the second brought with it unmistakable pain and discomfort. Instinctively she knew what was coming. It was time for the pups to enter the world. Still unsure whether Heath was inside or not, the lautari loosed a brief howl, hopefully alerting him, wherever he was to come home quickly.

Her call complete, the Dauphine hobbled inside, braced for the next of what she guessed would be numerous painful contractions. First-time mother though she was, she knew from the tales of other mothers that the labor, which signaled the end of the pregnancy, was its worst part. So, she hobbled back indoors to the fireplace where she gently eased herself into a sitting position, her back leaned up against the front of the couch. She didn't know why, but at the moment this seemed like the most comfortable position for her in her bipedal form. A soft hand caressed her belly as if to offer some comfort to the pups within, letting them know that they would be coming into the real world soon. Then, the next contraction came, her brain sending signals to muscles she scarcely ever used to suddenly start working. It hurt a bit worse than the last one, but not unbearably, not yet. She guessed she still had several minutes more before the real pain of labor began. Heath would be here, though. That would make the process easier. He'd be there, holding her hand doing his best to help her bring their babies into the world. Of course, she knew there was only so much he could do, and that it was her body that would have to do most of the work, but there was no better moral support than one's soulmate. She would need the support too, for deep down, beneath the excitement, she was afraid, afraid for her pups and afraid for herself. She had never had a high pain threshold, and labor was supposed to be the most painful thing a female could go through. The delicate collie woman couldn't help but worry that she would fail and be unable to do what was required of her.


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#2
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yayyyyyyyyy!

He hadn’t noticed anything different in the new Fall day when he woke. Amber eyes had looked at his sleeping mate for a few prolonged moments before rising and getting read to start the day. The air was brisk, cooler then the one before and the coy-wolf walked slowly to the stables. All his horses had remained there for the night, and he thought casually about the problems Soucis would cause as he moved everyone to the pastures for the day. The day before it had been rearing and bucking nipping at his hands. Would today be the same? Or would he be kicking and yelling so that they other would become fearful and just as crazed? Heath tried not to dread, and he stood in front of Lumière to calm his nerves. He leaned his nose against hers, breathing in her scent and finding that sleep was still touching the outskirts of his mind.

Then a call.

Heath’s ears shot back, his body moving before his mind could even truly understand what was happening. The mare stood beneath him, but then they were riding in the next heartbeat. His thoughts cleared, and he held her mane and kicked his legs with the realization of what drove them both forward. The cabin wasn’t far, he could have run himself but bringing his companion was just instinct. Heath dismounted before she had even stopped completely, paws falling hard and running. The door didn’t stand much of a chance against his two large hands, and he would have to repair one of the hinges later.

Ruri? He called with question, there were scents in the air that he had never known before. The tinge of blood’s metallic hung around him as well, faint but still present. He could hear her, and ran around the couch and knelt to the ground. Is it time? He spoke, trying to hide and fear and franticness in his tone. Blankets, towels, water, they would need them but all the father could do was look at her face. She needed to tell him what to do, for he had no idea.

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300+

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#3
300+[html]

Table by Gen
Yay puppehs!

The morning air was cool and crisp, summer already beginning to fade away and give way to fall. Fall was her favorite season, when the trees showed their true colors. At least, that was how Anann liked to think of it. The temperatures would be cool and comfortable, without the frigid bite of winter. With the coming with winter, Anann's morning rides with Rem would probably come to halt, at least in the worst of weather. For now though, there was still enough warmth in the air for a ride down the beach. Even if it was a bit too chilly to run through the surf.

While to some it would surely seem a thing of pleasure, for Anann and Rem saw it as little more than training. The sand creating more resistance for the horse than typical sod. That was not to say that the view was not enjoyed though. The morning sun rising over the ocean waters, still spreading the warm hued colors across the sky, reflected back in water's surface. It was to be a short ride this morning as a call broke through the morning air. It caught the attention of both horse and rider. The horse did not even break stride, simply altered coarse and headed towards Heath's cabin. It was time.

Anann did not know if she would be much help or if her help was even needed at all. She did feel that she should be there though, just in case. She was excited for both Heath and Ruri. Heath had quickly become something of a brother to Anann and she was as excited about his litter as if it had been one of her own brothers. It hadn't taken long at all to reach the cabin. Lumiere awaited outside, looking rather anxious. Sliding quickly down off the horse, she took the stairs quickly. Heath had nearly ripped the door right off its hinges, as it hung open. "Is everything alright? What can I do?" She asked as she came in the door, immediately spotting Heath crouched by the couch. She made an attempt to shut the door. Perhaps they should start a fire, what with the morning chill and all.

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#4
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Poor Ruri...here's hoping the labor is fairly short.

The brief minutes that passed between her call and Heath's thunderous arrival brought with them only a few contractions, but with each one the discomfort grew. As Heath burst his way through the door, Ruri half smiled, half cringed as her body shook with another contraction of those unfamiliar muscles. His voice, as worried and concerned as it sounded was a comfort to her and she was more than ready to answer his question. "Y-yes...ouch...it's time," the expression of pain was more or less a release from the past few throbbing waves that coursed through her. She was ready for this, though she hoped Alaine, the pack healer had heard her cry as well. The Dauphine knew she would do better with Heath here, but having a healer nearby with more experience than she had would have helped too. She would just have to wait, though.

Anann was next to arrive, and while Ruri had not known who would hear her call, she was glad that the warrior woman had come, if not to support her but to support Heath. Ruri knew of the close friendship that Anann and Heath shared, like that of the sibling relationship she and Jac had shared for so long. For Heath, who seemed almost more nervous than she was, having a trusted friend here to help him get through this would be invaluable. "Everythings...fine, Anann. That is," she paused as another contraction shook her petite form, forcing some tears to well up in her milky blue eyes""I think everything's fine. It doesn't hurt...too badly yet," she replied, her chest heaving, trying to keep herself calm with some deep breathing.

Of course, by now Soleil had come to investigate the cause of his mistress' distress. He could not tell precisely what was wrong, for such things as the birth of luperci pups were a mystery to his adolescent feline mind. However, one thing was certain, she was in pain and there was little he could do about it. His coy-wolf master was here, tending Ruri, and another woman. They both seemed to be ready to care for his mistress, so the fluffy orange cat kept his distance, not wanting to interfere when he had no clue how he could help.




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#5
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table © Alli
Hi guys! You called? :3 Hope you don't mind me jumping in!
wc: 300+


The woman's cry had, indeed, reached the floppy ears of the healer, just as she'd been settling down to take a well-deserved nap. However, the special ring to Ruri's howl had Alaine leaping up from her reclined position on her bed in the Chien hotel, practiced hands rummaging around, looking for a refreshingly different set of equipment than her usual outages. The Apothecary was fast, and professional, and by the time she'd reached the winding footpath she was wide awake. Although moving on four legs was faster, it would have been impossible to carry all the rags, and so the lithe foreigner sprinted towards the Lautari's home in Heath's cabin. The wind caught in her auburn curls, tossing them recklessly, and by the time she reached the door Alaine was panting and out of breath.


Not wanting to hesitate, in case her timing had been off and the pregnant collie was further along than expected, Alaine barged in through the already damaged door that Anann had just managed to shut, medical bag under one arm and a large mound of cloth under the other. By scent alone, she could tell that Ruri was at the beginning of her labor, as there was not enough blood in the air to suggest that the birthing process was much farther underway. Her quick emerald eyes spotted two figure asides from that of the mother-to-be - Heath, undoubtedly the father, and also Anann, a previous patient that the healer woman recognized.


"Good!" She stated in a loud but gentle voice, to announce her presence if it hadn't already been noticed, "Two willing helpers! I hope neither of you are squeamish, hmm?" A smile curved the woman's pixie-like face, her emerald eyes merry. Childbirth was a sacred and happy time, and by the looks of Ruri, everything was going according to plan. Besides, she had seen many father faint before the gruesome stuff enough began - Jade eyes alighted on Heath, curious to see how well he would handle his mate's predicament. Breezing further into the room, the Apothecary smiled politely to both Anann and Heath, nodding her head in greeting to each before settling her equipment beside Ruri. In a soothing tone (for nothing was worse than a panicked first-time mother) Alaine greeted Ruri, "Lady Ruri, I suppose you are the cause for all this fuss! Not to worry. You're going to be just fine." And it should be, if everything went according to plan. If the pain got too bad for Ruri, the healer had some painkillers in her leather satchel, although she preferred not to give them out unless absolutely necessary.


Maintaining a cheerful demeanor, Alaine glanced back up to the other two occupants of the room. "Was somebody about to light that fire? That would be a great idea. We need to soak some of these towels in warm water."


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#6
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!!!

It was time! And Heath didn’t know what to do. He knelt beside his mate and looked at her face with concern. There was a fear in his gut, and yet he could also feel the growing threads of excitement. They would be here, so very soon. Only one more hurtle to jump, and their children would be welcomed into the word. He hated to see her in pain, and as she quivered with hurt Heath took he hand and drew close to her smaller body. The thoughts of blankets and rags were lost to him. He couldn’t move from her. Your doing great. He said as an automatic need for reassurance. For Ruri, and for himself.

Anann’s voice, and then sight of her face brought Heath great comfort. He let a breath that he had been holding go, his chest heaving with a heightened breath. His heart was in his ears, and yet he remained as grounded and solid beside his beloved as he could manage. An arm found itself around her shoulders, bracing her as she trembled once again. Amber eyes looked back at the golden female, glad that she was here even if he didn’t yet have the voice to speak.

While gathering his words another walked through the door, a face he hadn’t seen in some time. Alaine looked at them calmly, the exact opposite that the soon to be father figured he looked at the moment. She spoke softly and with the air of experience that Heath was searching for. But when she looked for an assistant the male was paralyzed beside his mate, reluctant to leave her side. He couldn’t, his protective instincts on the rise and wanting to hold her hand through every moment. He looked at Anann, pleading that she would help.


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300+

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#7
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sorry I'm a little late to the party! 300+

Usually Haven was a fairly early riser, liking to get as much out of the daylight as he possibly could. Idle wasn't something the Knight often let himself be, but he had laid in bed with Princess a bit longer than usual this morning. The weather was beginning to change, a definite chill in the air that had not been there before. The Aatte didn't look forward to winter. Not only was he not a big fan of the cold, but snow made doing his duties significantly more difficult. Hopefully fall would be longer and they could stave off winter as long as possible. A vain hope, but one he had nonetheless. When he finally got up and was getting ready for the day, a familiar howl rent the air with an unfamiliar note to it. His bi-colored ears perked forward and it took him a moment before the meaning fully came to him. Ruri was pregnant, it must be time! Bright jade eyes looked to his mate as a big grin spread over his face. Haven hurriedly put on his jacket, grabbed Princess' hand, and they sprinted out the door.


Both of their feet were spurred on by the excitement of their friends imminent joy and it didn't take them long to reach the cabin at all. Haven noted the odd skew to the door and could make a good guess as to what had happened there. Carefully opening the broken door, he and Princess slipped into cabin to be met with many other acquaintances. He first saw Anann and nodded at her and then he spotted Alaine. Good, it would be better for everyone that the healer was here. The Knight had seen her work one delivery before, but that one had ended in tragedy. This would be the complete opposite of that occasion though. Then his eyes fell on Ruri and Heath. The father-to-be was at his mate's side, holding her protectively through her labor pains. Haven could only fathom what his friend was going through; he looked more lost than he had ever seen the hybrid. Now that they were here, the man found himself feeling a little lost himself. What should he do? He really hadn't a clue, so he decided to stay put until someone told him what he should do.

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#8
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ooc goodnesssss

Heath was there, his arm around her shoulders, supporting her as best he could through her labor pains, which only seemed to get worse as the labor progressed. Salmon hued tongue hung out of her mouth for a moment as she tried to catch her breathe. She had been in labor for less than an hour and already she was feeling fatigued. The next person to arrive was none other than Alaine, the healer's accented voice bringing a great deal of relief to the laboring mother. The gleeful, soothing tone of the Apothecary did a great deal to ease Ruri's concerns. According to Alaine, she was doing fine, which meant that the pain was normal. That was sort of good. At least she knew that the pain wasn't from some harmful thing. Her mouth opened to return the healer's greeting only to immediately clench shut as the biggest contraction thus far rocked her form. Her pale blue, useless eyes shut tightly as her body tensed of its own accord a wave of pain coursing through her from her very core. The contraction lasted for several seconds before it finally died down, and with its release came a deep sigh of relief. She did not pretend that she was anywhere near done, but she certainly hoped that the next one would not be as bad as that. "Good to hear your voice...Alaine," she panted, before leaning her head back to rest against her mate's strong arm, her back pressed against the couch.

The entrance of two more of her friends, the Knight and his Princess was certainly noted by the lautari, and she managed to turn her head towards the door and smile, in a brief expression of greeting before turning back to the task at hand. Soft-furred fingers felt her mate's hand, holding hers and she couldn't help but squeeze it with her weak grip, not wanting him to go anywhere. She just needed him there. That was the help she needed from her beloved mate. He could not help her get the pups out of her womb and she certainly would never wish for him to take her place. This sort of pain was something that she would not wish on anyone, even if the end result was so wonderful. That was what she had to focus on, the chance to meet her pups for the first time, to touch and kiss them and lavish them with undying affection. That was the reward of a mother in labor.

The space between contractions gradually shortened over the next few minutes, and with their increase, came more pain and discomfort. However, perhaps she was close to getting to meet her first pup. She didn't feel the urge to push yet, and from what she had been told in the past by other mothers her instincts would kick in when she felt it. Was she doing this right? She wasn't really sure how she could mess up such a thing as the birth of her children, but still she couldn't help but worry. Alaine would know, though. That's why she was the healer. The Dauphine would just have to wait on her friend's advice, though it certainly was not easy.


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#9
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Kind of doesn't match the mood of this thread, but I just had to use this Erin pretty because I remembered she made it! >_>; ♥ 300+

Lying curled into her mate was something Princess absolutely loved, though it was not often that it happened. Haven was an earlier riser than she, which she understood because of all the things he needed to do for the pack. As of yet, the Lady did not have such duties to tend to, so while she was often bored during the day, it did give her allowance to sleep in without slacking on anything. There was nothing for her to be slacking on, after all. Still, it was nice, the days that he stayed in their bed with her longer than usual, and she rested her hand on his chest, a contented sigh escaping her muzzle. This life was one she had gotten used to quickly and she did love it so.

Princess rose when he did, then spent time picking out her dress for the day. A glance in the mirror told her that her hair looked wild, frantic curls in a waterfall down in her back. It was not a bad look, though she normally wore it up. The call came before she could do anything about it, though, and her eyes lit up with excitement that mirrored Haven's. He grabbed her hand, and she gripped it tightly in return, dashing out the door. "Come on, Haven! It's time!" she squealed, and they set off at a sprint towards their friends' cabin. She was so excited for them! Princess had known that this was what they had wanted and were waiting for, and now the puppies were on the way. It was so magnificent, so absolutely wonderful!

When they arrived, she stayed close to Haven, knowing that the room could easily get crowded with how many would respond to Ruri's call. She did not want to do anything to stress out her friend, so while she wanted to run and squeal with her like they did about other things, she knew this was neither the time nor the place. Instead, she squeazed her mate's hand to curb her excitement for her lautari friend and her mate.

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#10
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It seemed proper that he be here, as well. ^^; 300+ words.


Vigilante knew that things had been quiet as of late, and though he found himself spending most of his patrol time thinking, he was glad for it. For things to be far from quiet would be a bad thing, as quiet meant calm and safe, generally. He liked when things seemed collected around the pack lands, and he had grown comfortable knowing that his pack was generally safe. There had not seemed to be any problems in a long while, though Haven had informed him of the fight between Anatoliy Russo and Niro Takekuro. Vigilante did not know either one of them well, but he had decided to keep a close eye on both of them for the time being. The King did not want his pack members fighting amongst themselves.

The four-legged male was patrolling the borders in his lesser-used lupus form when he heard the call that sent him moving. He had known that Ruri and Heath were trying for a litter. In fact, he had visited her the day after they had made an attempt, which had been mildly awkward for both of them. Still, the call was very obvious in meaning, as long as they had succeeded. He was interested in the lives of all of his pack members, but he thought he should be there when his second-in-command brought the pack's second litter into the world. He set off at an easy lope for their quaint little cabin.

He was certainly not the first to arrive, and he worried that the room might be too crowded. Vigilante nodded to Heath and Ruri, though she could not see it. He turned to Haven and Princess, knowing them both to be close to the expecting parents. "I'll be waiting outside, to give them more air, though I'd appreciate it if one of you could update me," he said, and when his request was confirmed, he retreated for a bit and sat outside the door.

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#11
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table © Alli
Anann? sorry, thought I'd post so as not to hold things up :3
wc: 300+


She noticed at once Heath's reluctance to leave the side of his mate, and privately considered that a very considerate thing. It seemed obvious that the male planned to stick the labor out, and she secretly congratulated him for that. Ruri, however, had no choice in the matter, and she was Alaine's primary concern. As the healer began to set herself up, putting towels on the ground where she could kneel on them near to Ruri's distended stomach, the approach of two more pack members momentarily distracted calm emerald eyes. The Apothecary glanced briefly up at the newcomers, greeting Haven with a quick but welcoming smile, and the beautiful lady beside him with a slight nod. She didn't know the lady's name, but any assistance and comfort to Ruri was welcome here.


However, it seemed that none of them knew what to do. Bemused by the way they stood about, Alaine sighed quietly, her emerald eyes returning to the soon-to-be-mother. Ruri was racked by another harsh contraction, and the healer immediately snapped back into her professional mindset. Heath didn't want to leave his mate's side, but he could be useful right here. "Heath, would you mind squeezing in behind her? If you massage her lower back, it'll ease the contractions somewhat." She spoke in a soothing, calm voice, smiling at the soon-to-be father, who looked a little frazzled by his current situation. Then, speaking loudly so that the others in the room might hear, she continued:


"I'd appreciate it if someone could heat up some water to wash the babes in, when they come. Also, I'm going to need some of the rags," She gestured to the pile she'd brought, still mostly unused, "Dipped in the heated water, please. Quickly, if you may!" Her hands hesitantly moved over Ruri's stomach, feeling the positioning of the children therein. Hopefully, nature would take it's course, and the silver collie-lady would be able to deliver her children mainly without the healer's aid. However, if there were any slight difficulties, Alaine knew what she was doing. "You're doing great, Ruri. Wont be long now - just concentrate on your pups. The pain wont last... Tell me if it gets unbearable."


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#12
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Big Grin

It watched her every breath, each shudder of pain. Those that came after Anann and Alaine took his attention away from his mate, but only for a moment. He looked up to see Haven and Princess, giving them a small smile or thanks for their presence. Then the same to their King. The healers words grabbed his attention instantly though, drawing his eyes back to her face and taking in the instructions. He nodded his head, poorly cut mane waving into his eyes. Heath held her shoulder softly, and made his way behind her. His lean form fit tightly between she and the couch, and his hands moved to her back. Fingers eased into the tight muscles gently at first, but then worked with a greater pressure to untangle the knots that had developed with the contractions.

His amber eyes moved from the lady that knelt before his beloved’s swollen belly back to her face, and then leaned his own against it. His body cradled her smaller form, braced and ready for the journey ahead. He closed his eyes, feeling the heat of tears in their corners, Almost there. He spoke, a mere whisper against the heavy breathing and the words that were spoken among the room. Though he was certain that she would hear.


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#13
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ooc goodnesssss

Yet another person arrived, and though Ruri did not turn to greet him, she recognized the scent of the King. That was nice of him to take time to be a part of this. She knew, that as her friend he was glad to be there, but as the head of the pack there were other things that could have been done. She would have understood either way, but the collie woman was glad he had come.

Alaine had started to give instructions to Heath as another contraction shook her, milky blue eyes forced shut to keep her tears from trickling down her cheeks. It was all she could do to keep from crying. The contraction faded just as Heath started to move behind her, and her mind was finally able to process what she had heard. He was going to give her a back massage. If she had not been in such a position she would have kissed him. As he worked his way between her and the couch and then started to rub her lower back, the relief was almost immediate. The pain was not gone, but it was no longer compounded by the aching of her muscles. As he massaged her back more and more Ruri's keen ears detected Alaine giving instructions to the others and then to her. She listened with rapt attention, and found that the healer's words were more of encouragement rather than instruction. She was glad that Alaine could tell how far along she was, because she certainly couldn't.

Heath's cheek touched hers and she felt his lips move with still more encouragement. A gentle nuzzle was all she could manage before her muscles tensed in another contraction. Even with her mate massaging her back the pain of this contraction was more than enough to make her cry out in pain. It would all be over soon! It would all be over soon! She just had to keep telling herself that. A few stray tears managed to work their way down her cheeks as the contraction faded into another sensation. It was as if her body was sending a different signal. Something she'd been told to be ready for by other experienced mothers. She felt the urge to push! That had to be it!

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#14
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Table by Gen

Anann was at a lose of what to do. She had helped bring foals into the world, but never her own kind and while there were surely some similarities Anann did not know how far those similarities would go. So the arrival of Alaine shortly after her own was a great relief to the golden woman who would be more than happy to follow the healer's instructions and assist however she could manage. Giving a shake of her head as the healer woman asked if she was squeamish. Though that was not to say that Anann did not find the situation quite uncomfortable, having her own fears about pregnancy and labor. She did her best to hid her own uneasy, not wanting to had to any nervousness that Ruri or Heath may already be feeling.
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As a few more bodies trickled in the door and Ruri's contractions grew stronger and stronger Anann excused herself to go fetch the water that Alaine had requested, figuring Haven or one of the others could get the fire started as she packed water to the house. It would do Anann some good to get out of the house for a few minutes and get some fresh air, to let her nerves calm if nothing else. Ruri's pain and contractions making Anann's fears of how her own pregnancy, though yet to come, might end seem all to real. Once she had brought up enough water, Anann kept herself out of the way. Though still ready to lend a hand if needed.

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#15
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300+ words.


Everything was happening at once, but Princess realized that not much was actually happening at all yet. Ruri had not yet begun to deliver the puppies, though Heath was now helping her from behind while Alaine sat beside her. Anann quickly went to fetch the water, and though Princess would have done it, she was thankful that the older female had gone to do it. She did not want to risk missing anything, not now that she was already here. The Lady gripped her mate's hand, though she released it enough to only have a gentle grip so that he could set up the fire for the water, since she could only guess that was what he was going to do. After all, Anann was getting the water and Vigilante had stepped outside, and she was not going to be able to start it. Her insides her buzzing with excitement, and besides, Haven was a gentleman; he would probably want to do it, anyway.

She had never given a family of her own that much thought, if truth be told. Princess had never had a good role model for motherhood, and as a result, she had never felt terribly inclined to have her own children. Now, though, as she watched the excitement over Ruri and Heath's arriving puppies, she felt something stir within her. It was a mixture of envy, excitement, and nervousness. How was she to know if—and when, in that case—she was ready to have puppies of her own? She and Haven had not talked about it yet, so she did not even know if it was something he wanted. It was entirely possible he didn't, though right at that moment, she certainly hoped that was not the case. She wanted to make beautiful children with him someday, when they were both ready to take on such a big, demanding responsibility.

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#16
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Assuming there was some firewood inside already :o 300+

Just a moment after he and Princess arrived Vigilante came into the cabin as well. However the King saw how many had come to witness the birth and excused himself, Haven nodding to his question if they could update him on the happenings. The Seneschal almost felt the need to step outside as well, feeling that it might not really be his place to stay in the cabin for the birth. Everyone else in here was female, aside from Heath. Was it unusual for men to be present? Would it make Ruri uncomfortable for him to be in here? Before he could ponder it too much more though Alaine was telling them what she needed and Anann left to go fetch water. His jade eyes watched her leave before he came back to himself and the urgency of the moment. Giving Princess' hand one last squeeze he moved over to the fireplace.


Some wood was already inside so he arrange the logs in the hearth and stuck some of the drier twigs about for kindling. The Knight reached in the pocket of his jacket for the small pack of matches that he kept with him. One never knew when a fire would need to be built and the small chemical leaden sticks were much quicker than having to start a fire with friction alone. He struck the match and lit the twigs quickly before tucking the quickly burning thing into the heart of the logs. Soon enough a good flame was going and warming the room. Anann brought in the water and he tucked the container up close to the fire to warm them. Haven then quickly grabbed some of the rags and brought them over to the water. His eyes darted to Anann and Princess, hoping that maybe they would take the rags from the water to Alaine. He wanted to help, of course, but he was no midwife and it would be a lie if he said he was perfectly comfortable in this situation.

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#17
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table © Alli
sorry for the wait, yo! how many pups + any anomalies/stillborns etc?
wc: 300+


After her words, a flurry of action began. Warm bodies moved this way and that, miraculously and silently heeding her demands. There was something magical about the way that, momentarily, every single individual was willing to help, wanting to aid, working together to help a common goal. Everybody here wanted to see Ruri and her pups come through this as healthily and happily as may be - The thought warmed the cockles of her heart.


Once Heath had positioned himself and began massaging, the healer immediately noticed her patient relax. It was amazing, how much such a simple thing could achieve. For a moment the healer simply stared at the sweet little gestures between the two; They would make good parents, surely, with a love such as they seemed to share. However, the moment did not last long, for soon Ruri's contraction started again, and this time it was obvious to the Apothecary that her time was near. Aware that the soon-to-be mother must be in the immense pains of childbirth, Alaine felt sympathy swell for the pretty collie - But this was the process of nature, and it was all worth it in the end. Her cool ivory palms rested on the woman's curved stomach, feeling the small figures shifting therein with a look of utter concentration spread across her maw.


It was almost time. Grabbing the dry blankets nearest to her, the healer, settled them about where the woman lay, crooning at her reassuringly all the while. "Do you feel that, croimáthair? Your pups are coming. I need you to push, now, Ruri... Time to bring them into the world!" Hopefully, Ruri's body would instinctively know what to do. When the whelps came, Alaine would quickly wash them in the warm wet blankets, and check their airways and functioning. Then, her job would be done.


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#18
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2 pups, boy first, girl second. No abnormalities. X3

She barely heard Alaine's instructions, for it seemed indeed that her body understood what to do instinctually. The pain was immense, but her mind was focused on other things. She was closer than ever to meeting her pups, but she had one crucial step left. Milky blue orbs were forced shut as she inhaled deeply. Then her whole body tensed as she pushed, long and hard. Good God how much it hurt! She couldn't stop, though. The ten seconds she pushed passed slowly and it felt like she would run out of oxygen before she was done, but sure enough it passed and she released her breathe. The first pup wasn't here quite yet. It would likely take a couple more of those excruciatingly painful pushes.

Pressing her back against her mate, Ruri braced and pushed again, this time with a few tears escaping her tightly closed eyes. When she paused again she was sure that she had done it, but she still felt that she had yet to birth her first child. Without hesitation, the collie girl held her breathe again and pushed as hard as she could. It almost felt like her body was going to split apart. The third push ended, and she could tell just one more. She was exhausted, but she needed just one more and the first of her two pups would be out. So, with her jaw clenched, the blind woman pushed once more.

It was almost a relief, when she felt the sudden release of her first child entering the world. The smell of her own blood filled her nostrils and she knew that she wasn't done yet, but she proved that she could do it. She had birthed her first pup. The small, multi-colored, wet form of the young pup squirmed and wiggled, full of vitality already and no doubt a bit bewildered by his sudden change of environment. Ruri almost cried for joy, leaning her head back to rest on Heath's shoulder for a brief second. Then another contraction sent her right back into her birthing mode. She couldn't help but wish she could just stop everything and lick her first pup clean as her instincts told her to do. However, Alaine was here, and the Apothecary would take care of the pup for her while she pushed out her final pup. Oh how she wanted this to be over!



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#19
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Heath leaned against her, cradling her small form and moved his hands along her back. His focus remained on her face, and the round belly that held his children. Heath could feel the shudder of pain and the tension of her body told him that another contraction was rolling through her muscles. Alaine spoke, and Heath's heart was beating too furiously in his ears for him to hear her clearly. But he knew it was time. His mate's form pushed against him, and he held her tightly with hands still against her back. Then again and again until he felt the sudden ease of her muscles and her head against shoulder.

Heath opened his eyes, not having realized that he had closed them, and saw the form of their first puppy. Hands did not move, but his heart stopped as he caught sight of the moving form that had just entered the world. There was silence in his ears, though the room was moving with activity and his eyes followed the squirming pup. There was a instant connection, a need to hold it and to know if it was a male or female and more importantly to know if he or she was perfect, healthy. Heath almost lost sight of his mate, until she tensed against him in preparation for the next push. The male returned to his task, focusing on the next contraction and helping her through the next push.

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