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WARNING: This thread contains material exceeding the general board rating of PG-13. It may contain very strong language, drug usage, graphic violence, or graphic sexual content. Reader discretion is advised. |
WORD COUNT: 464
Dated for teh 25th of this month, cause I'm impatient. HERE COME THE PUPPIES!
Other people can post once the pups are actually born. For now, only Taliesin and Skye can join in.
Things had calmed down since Liam's evil deed and Orin's outburst. In fact, little else had happened since then, aside from the occasional upset amongst pack members, though such things were expected in any pack, large or small, peaceful or warring. The pregnant medic had gotten a chance to relax into her last month of pregnancy, and a good thing too, considering...
Fella knew something was up before anyone else. He'd been restless and clinging to Sky's very shadow all day, following her around as she did her usual daily tasks and even refusing to leave her alone when she retired to the study for some more work on pack-defense-related things. Confused with her feline son's odd behaviour, she'd allowed him entry into the study, not really feeling like arguing with him when he'd been so well behaved otherwise. Again, a good choice on her part.
It was just past noon when the first pains hit her. That clenching burning feeling in her stomach created an instant panic for the mother-to-be and it didn't take her long to waddle her way back out into the main part of the house again...
"TALIESIN!" She didn't bother opening the door or windows to call for her mate, where ever he was at that point. She didn't want a crowd and she felt that burning tingle in the back of her head, those instincts from her first labor and that was how she knew for a fact that this was the day her pups would be born. Whether or not they were born alive was the fear that gripped her to the very core, the terror that excited the panic. "TAL!" Another howl, demanding and almost frightening in the volume and urgency of it. She continued her waddling trek to the living room and managed to lay herself down on the couch, panting at that point.
She was about to learn that her labors were not slow and gradual things, but rather, quick and incredibly painful, live pups or not. She whined sharply as another contraction hit her, her claws digging into the couch almost painfully, her eyes clenched shut as she tried to focus on calming herself down and breathing.
Fella sat on the back of the couch and watched in a mixture of horror and amazement as his mother pulled some very interesting and frightening faces, not knowing entirely what was happening but knowing that it was important that he actually let Taliesin near her now. After all, the white devil was a medic, evil or not. If he tried anything to hurt his mum, the bobcat would be sure to rip him a new ass. For now, though, he'd have to trust his mother's judgement in calling for him. [/html]
In the course of a day the male had gone to the garden to check the winter plants. He had gone to the stables for some furs and some grain and hay for Casper. He had stopped by Esther's to check on the elderly matron, who had ignored him, muttering something about caves and shadows. While he was at Esther's, a small calico female had attached herself to his ankles, rubbing against him and purring. He had tried to disengage the little fluff ball, but she refused to free him from her rapt affection. He had looked to Ester for help, but she had only cackled in her inane way, nodding and muttering to herself. He had reluctantly returned to his home, where his pregnant mate was...
Yelling. She was yelling for him. Suddenly afraid for his love, he darted into the house, where she was laying on the couch, Fella crouched over her protectively. The calico was hot on his heels, yowling as the door shut on her tail. He paused a moment to open the door a crack so the cat could scoot free, then scurried to his mate's side. The amber glare of the larger feline only deterred him for a moment before he was gazing at his mate with fear and concern in his eyes. "What is it, Sky?" A sudden realization hit him.
"The puppies..." His voice was a breathless whisper full of wonder. His pups were going to be born. He looked down at her, taking her hands quickly, squeezing them gently. For a moment, he wished his mother was there, just incase something went wrong. Anything could happen. A pup could be breech, Sky could tear and loose too much blood, a cord could be wrapped around a pup's neck.
No wonder first time fathers were nervous wrecks. Hell, he was a medic, and he was nervous as a first time father. And this was the second litter of his to be born, and the third he'd actively delivered. He took a deep breath as if he were going underwater. Sky would need him to be strong now. All thoughts of the herbal salve he was going to make for Esther flew out of his mind. His concern and worry about the pack vanished. All that existed for him, in his world, was his mate and himself. Even the calico pawing at his leg didn't register to the snow hued scholar.
"Do you want willow bark, Sky? Or do you want to wait?" A hand was already on her distended belly, feeling the contractions, feeling that the pups were in the right position to deliver. His anxiety was ebbing and flowing like the tide. One moment he was anxious, a mess of nerves and worry, the next he was cool and collected as a healer should be.
((WC:474))
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Information on willow bark can be found here. Bad, Tal. :< Tryin' to drug the puppies.
And for those who are too lazy to read all of that, Willow Bark is the same thing as Asprin. Not good for little ones and not at all recommended for children under the age of sixteen. Bad for nursing/pregnant ladies. Silly Taliesin, learn yo facts boy. ♥
He came on call and she took a moment to smile at him as he entered, that worried look on his face seeming almost cute; had he not been there for Liam's birth? The fear ebbed away with that comforting squeeze of hands and she sighed through her nose as another contraction hit. Only a minute apart. Just like the first time, only now the pain wasn't so bad... and she wasn't bleeding. Yet.
He suggested willow bark as he felt along her belly, and she shook her head. "Ngh... No, no willow. Bad for the pups. Effects... effects the milk. Besides, I can handle the pain." It was natural this way and willow bark could effect the puppies too. The salicin in it wasn't good for young ones and though she could take it fine on a normal day for pain relief, the pups wouldn't be allowed any until they could at least shift. Simple as that.
She made a note to further his knowledge in herbal remedies later. Willow bark for a pregnant or nursing mother? Not a good mix.
"...water. Water, blankets... towels. I.. I can handle the rest. Just... just stay near, okay?" Her hand clenched over the one she still held as another contraction hit. Fifty seconds? Something like that. Soon... almost time to push. Almost... almost... "Go get..." Breath. "...the thingies." She waved her free hand towards the shelves on the far end of the room, where she stored cloth and the like. The water could wait; it wasn't for the pups. It was for her afterwards, to rehydrate. The pups would be lucky enough to get a traditional tongue bath.
...yum.
Fella took notice of the strange cat after a few seconds of watching the two parents-to-be and his instant reaction was to chase her away. He hissed and lept down, more acting to earn her attention away from the birthing parents and towards him. He'd be helpful that way, right?
...she was kinda cute, actually. The patchy fur was a nice touch. A bit small for his taste, but cute. [/html]
She denied his offer, and his faced warmed as she spoke about it effecting the milk. He should have known better, he remembered reading it somewhere. His mother had always suggested it, though, so it had come from his without conscious thought. She gave him a list, and he kissed her hand before hurrying. He fumbled the blanket, but caught it quickly. His hands were shaking. Maybe his nerves were because it was Sky, not Skye, not Kira, not his own mother, but his mate, his love. He piled the towels on top of the blanket, hooking his pack with his foot on his return to his laboring mate. He had a few canteens of water in there that he kept for emergencies.
He took a deep breath as though going underwater, kneeling at her side. He lifted her bottom, laying a few of the towels under her. He wasn't worried about staining the couch, it wasn't as if others hadn't stained it before. It would just make for easier clean up. The fluffier towels he laid at her side, to dry the pups. The blankets he let lay for the moment. He cast a glance at her, then quickly pulled the canteens out of his pack. A sliver of green caught his attention , and he pulled out the pendant, and swiftly pushed it over her head. "That is a stone that aids in birthing. I gave one similar to Skye when she had her pups."
He had taken her hands again. He was certain the time for the actual birthing would be soon from the way her body was tensing, the expressions on her face. He didn't even notice as the calico leapt up into the rocker, kneading the cushion, her gaze on the larger feline. He was too busy stroking Sky's face and murmuring to her softly as one would a pup, soft Irish words learned from the countless times he'd heard his mother whisper them to him. His luck, she would be one of the mothers who shoves their mate away, snarling about being in her face.
The bigger cat had hissed at her, but she was unruffled. Her emerald gaze was unhurried as she continued kneading the fluffy cushion. She glanced at him, yawning widely, then sat, as regal looking as the queen of Sheba. She turned her gaze away from him, wrapping her fluffy tail around her dainty paws. She had taken a shine to the male she had followed, and she intended to stay where she was, regardless of the reactions of any other animals in the house. She glanced at him, yawning again just to prove he didn't intimidate her, her emerald eyes closing slowly, then opening just slightly. A noise from the female in the room made her jump, her head turning towards her, green eyes wide.
((WC: 476))
[html] WORD COUNT: 336
Myrddin is the first born, and the first of two sons. Speeding up the thread a bit. x3 [Here's my concept for Myrddin's design.]
He followed instructions perfectly and knew what to do. Thank the gods. She moved with him whenever he urged her to and leaned her head into the touches once they'd settled down again. Her panting was even and controlled, well trained from her previous pregnancy. Blue eyes, half-lidded, looked up at her mate's through a focused haze. "...thanks. I think-" And then it hit her.
This contraction wasn't like the rest. It was tight, painful and lingering. She growled against it but went with it, following instincts and pushing hard. A moment later (and a terrified bobcat along the way), a tiny, wet pup was born. The first of three.
This one was male with more creamy white fur than anything else, though the wolf's natural black overcoat was there and dark markings on the ears, paws and tail were a contrasting hue of brown. Tired mother sighed heavily but before Tal had the chance to touch, instincts took over. Careful hands scooped the newborn to his mother's chest where she, thankfully, used one of the towels to stroke his fur clean. Not so fortunate was her natural way of cutting the cord; with her teeth.
Yelps and movement, added to a healthy weight, and the first pup was a healthy delivery. Once her instincts gave it a rest, she looked over to Tal with a tired smile. "...you name this one. He's your little look-alike." And then, in an act of trust, she held the pup out to him to hold. [/html]
((Looks great, except the eyes are backwards. *ducks playfully* Don't hurt me! ILU The eyes are like in Tal's aav.))
He watched as her body tightened, his eyes lingering on her face. The tension in her frame had him looking down just in time to see the first pup come out. He was going to reach for it as she pulled the pup to her, toweling it off and severing the umbilical cord. He sat back on his heels, knowing that the natural instinct of a mother was to protect the young, and not wanting to incur his mate's wrath. A joyful feeling infused him with warmth. He was a father. As she held out their son to him, he took the tiny pup with a feeling of wonder. He gazed down at the little one, his eyes soft and warm. At her words, he looked to her.
He watched his mate's face, then looked down at the tiny pup that could easily fit in the palm of his hand, even though he held it close to him, close to his heart. The pup whimpered and whined, but snuggled close to him. None of Kira's pups had so closely resembled him. After a moment of thought, he spoke. "Myrddin. Myrddin dir Rhiannon. It's a welsh name... mom used to tell me stories about him. The english name of Myrddin was Merlin. A brilliant man, a prophet and a healer." He stroked his son's head with a finger, a gentle smile on his face.
After a moment more, he handed Myrddin back to Sky. He was reluctant, but knew she might want to nurse before the contractions became intense again. At least, some women did. He wasn’t quite sure if it was different birthing in optime as compared to lupus. His mother had told him once it was more painful to birth in optime. He was thankful he didn’t have to deal with giving birth himself, it looked painful and unpleasant. He lifted a canteen and offered it to his mate. ”Want a drink love? I’m sure the panting dried your mouth out.”
He glanced again at Myrddin, feeling a sense of pride. He actually understood why his mother had always seemed to favor him. He was her twin in all but age and gender, and now he had his own pup who resembled him in much. He wondered if Myrddin would have his eyes, if he would share in the pride Tal had for his linage, the pride of his name. He wondered if his son would share his love of herbs, or if he would feel like Liam had, that growing and learning about plants of any kind was just a waste of time, stupid tree hugging crap.
For a moment, Tal felt a pang of sorrow for the son he’d lost, for the daughter who’d been killed. For a moment he thought he felt Tameri nose his hand. He even glanced down to see if she was there. Of course, she wasn’t. Still, it was as if Tameri was watching them, watching the new pups being born, asking questions and learning about everything she could. He missed them. Well, with Liam he missed the young boy he’d once been, a chunky little puppy with a voracious appetite and a natural aptitude for learning. He couldn’t help but to wonder where he’d gone wrong with Liam, what he had done so badly that had irrevocably damaged the boy’s psyche. Today wasn’t the day to worry about it, though. Today was a day to celebrate, not to mourn.
((578))
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And now the troublesome twins, Cody and Lena. ;D Is this better?
Her smile brightened at her son's name. Myrddin. Myrddin dir Rhiannon. A good name. She knew of Merlin. In some stories, he'd been a wizard, a magical healer with talent unbested. Yes, this was the perfect name for her little son, her first born child to have survived. When he handed him back to her, she cradled the boy to her breast, allowing him to nurse and smiling. "Little Myrddin, my pride." She placed a tiny kiss on the pup's tinier head and then let her head relax on the arm of the couch again. Yes, her son. Her child. Her family.
Taliesin offered her a drink then and she accepted, sitting up just enough to drink before sighing back into the couch again. "It's not an easy thing, but it's worth it." Yes, this time, it was worth it. She had her mate and now her son...
...but that wasn't the last of it. There was more. She winced as another contraction hit, as hard as the one that had birthed Myrddin. With a keening sound, she let her head roll back and it was back to pushing. This one hurt more.
...there was blood this time. More than the usual. The pain was harder. She cried out, the sound itself weakening as it died in her throat. A few seconds later and another cry, this time of relief and pain.
The reason for the extra pain? It hadn't been a single pup this time. This time, two were born, both of them at once, if only a nose ahead of the other. Two smaller pups, tiny compared to their brother. One with fur as dark as the night sky, the other with hues of brown mixed in. A boy and a girl.
Their mother was feeling the strength fading from her. She was tired. She'd need rest and finally, it felt as if it would be time to; there were no more. With the final two came that gross sac that meant birthing was done. That meant she could rest, though she'd lost a good amount of blood during that final push. At least they were alive. Now it was Tal's turn to clean them, but she'd not accept whatever names he gave them. These two trouble makers were very obviously her kids, and thus, her choice in names would be used. [/html]
((Much better. LOL))
He watched as she held Myrddin, his eyes soft. As she spoke, he laughed softly. "Mother always said so, too. That having pups was the hardest and the best thing for her to do." His heart still as her face convulsed in pain. He slipped the protesting pup from her nipple, laying him in the blanket at his side. He spoke to his mate reassuringly as she pushed. He could smell the blood seeping from her body, his heart freezing in worry. His mother had told him that each of her births accompanied by lots of blood usually ended in at least one still born pup. He was scared ofr Sky and himself, how would they cope with the loss of pups?
Happily, the excessive blood and pain of his mate only signaled two close births. Two pups tumbled out on top of each other. Tal watched as his mate sagged back after her cry of relief, and quickly took charge of severing the birth cords and cleaning their fur. He looked at each tiny pup in awe. They were so perfect, and yet so very small, smaller even than Myrddin. One boy and one girl. He looked to his mate, who seemed as if she had shrank after giving birth. In a way, she actually had. After all, every woman looses weight once she gives birth.
He continued cleaning the two pups, then held them out to Sky. "A girl and another boy, my love. Do you feel okay enough to hold them so I can begin cleaning up?" He wanted to suggest that she shift down, at least to secui. Yes it would take strength, but she would be able to nurse all three at the same time. And yet, he didn't want to offend her, so he stayed quiet while he waited for her answer.
As he waited, he stroked the two newer pups heads, then lifted little Myrddin into his arms as well. He was a father of three (again.) But these three he would protect better. He nuzzled each of the three gently. "Welcome into the world, little ones. May Rhiannon's light always shine on you and her strength protect you." The words were softly whispered in Irish, a birthing prayer taught to him by his mother. He hadn't done it for Skye's pups, since he didn't know if she believed in his goddess or not. But these were his pups, and he wanted to bring them up right, with the help of his mate.
((WC: 420))
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Cody and Lena's designs will be posted next time. PEOPLE CAN NOW JOIN THE THREAD FREELY!
As soon as he seemed to think it, she did it. He offered the two new little ones to her, a boy and girl set, but she wanted to get the hard part over with first. She turned onto her side with a growl of discomfort and as she moved, she shifted down into her lupus form.
Myrddin slid down from her chest and to the couch with a squeak, but he wasn't harmed at all. Instead, he went straight for the first teet he could find. Smaller now and though she was still sore, the new mother stopped her son from his journey for food to pick him up by the head and slowly make her way off of the couch and over to the corner of the room, flicking her tail for Taliesin to follow.
She curled up there, on the old pelts she'd placed down a week before (a moment of instinct, apparently, one that now made sense) and then she let Myrddin continue his search for food. Blue eyes settled back on the white father expectedly. "Lena and Cody." She murmured. "You've given them Rhiannon's blessing, now let them eat." A soft smile in her voice that didn't quite reach tired eyes. Still, it showed that she approved of his blessing; since their argument, she'd had time to think it over and maybe having something more than a voice to believe in could be nice. Maybe this Rhiannon woman had something going for her; after all, she'd brought her mate home just in time.
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![[Here's my concept for Myrddin's design.]](http://i.imgur.com/0phUa.png){kind=link}
