SO SORRY THIS TOOK LIKE, 50 YEARS TO REPLY TO! Wc: 500+



The other Marino sister had changed gears from the happier mood she had been in the past few weeks. It had started a few weeks ago, but she had begun to feel unwell; a subtle feeling that crept along her back and nestling in her stomach, making her feel both bloated and nauseous at the same time. She had stuck to her Lupus form - her default even now while she held the ability to shift. Her usually sleek pelt looked a little unkempt, and there was a dullness to her turquoise optics that she hid from the world. Unable to sleep for pains, she had taken to wandering around at night - there was nothing really against it, but it was rare that she'd run into another wolf.



And she had found herself at this place just last night, now desiring to see it under the light of the sun. It took her a while to get there - longer than the usually fit nomad took to travel, but still considerably okay for her standards. Stepping over roots and stones as she melted into the forest, foliage enveloped her as she melted into the background. She knew that the military base wasn't too far away - all she had to do was follow her own scent back to the area...



It was similar, but yet changed at the same time; not quite her own scent anymore. Stopping short, her body reared in anger, sending a small desire to heave further up her throat. Turning away, she exhaled, gaining control before she sniffed the air again. Her exhaustion had built the wall that kept recognition from her, but she became more aware, noticing her sister's scent in a painfully obvious way. Frowning, she began trotting forwards once more, a slower walk than she had before, wondering just why her pack leader would be so far away from the pack.



She was lost in these thoughts, confused beyond belief before a sharp pain in her forepaw sent her mind careening back. Letting a small yelp escape her, she looked down to see a stone lodged between her pads. Annoyance prickled at the ease her Optime form would possess at relieving this malady, but she had to be content with the delicate surgery that came from using both teeth and claws.



A few minutes later her sister's ebony frame reached eyesight, and she padded over, silent as she slid down beside her. There was a moment of silence that stretched before them, endlessly save for a small point in which a bridge could be constructed. Taking some mental and physical effort, she took in her sister's distraught state, displeasure filling her as both her siblings were thrown into such turmoil. Adjusting her position silently, she lay her neck across the top of Savina's in a comforting gesture, one that the less-than-affectionate Ghita was not known for making. Letting out small comforting noises that came from a place of motherhood, the Italian fae rested there, closing her eyes as she regained her strength. Caro Savina" The words were barely audible, and not a question as much as an apology.

Hope you don't mind ~ I added a little 'Preggers' nudge in Savina's direction just as a way in. You don't have to use it at all. ^_^ Wc: 450+



Ghita's ebony darling looked defeated, a shell that held none of the beauty similar to the one that hung around the sister's neck. The defeat and anguish wasn't obvious to see; Newer members or those who had simply not become close to Savina would not be able to see just what she was going through, but Ghita had grown up with this fae. Although there had been times where the two were apart, but both of their habits had developed in childhood - they would be obvious to see no how hard they tried to hide.



So that was what spurred the silver-tipped wolfess to donate some charity, reassure her that for this moment, the exhausted Ghita was with Savina - both physically and mentally. She knew what was beating Savina up so badly - nothing physical that Ghita could fix in any means. And although it affected her equally, being her brother and kin as well, there was a part of her that said that there was no way that Ghita could have any say in this debate, especially after she had fled all too often.



Her larger, bloated stomach was pressed against Savina's side, the extra weight prickling at the back of Ghita's mind, but shoved aside for more pressing issues. No doubt her sister would feel the weight, but whether she would acknowledge it or not was uncertain. The pair rested for a moment, transferring and merging heat, transforming it into comfort, before the ebony fae began to whisper.



Ghita could barely stand to deal with this blow herself, but the sudden transformation from the stronger, more hostile Savina Ghita had seen at her own departure sent daggers to her heart. Is this what I did every time I left to both of them? Guilt nestled into the pit of her chest, gnawing at her until she had to shift a little, trying to relieve the pressure. Just listening to Savina's tone, she knew that there were tears dominating the emeralds now, causing silver-tipped tents to lower, and the smallest of whines to escape her narrow chest.



Smaller rivers cascaded near her cranium, creating pity to take precedent in her heart. Turning her head so that she had a better angle, she rested her tongue on Savina's head, dragging it across quickly before settling back down again. The pink tongue had been almost as fast as a snake's, the action looking almost wrong performed by Ghita. Only half listening to what Savina was saying, she nodded, tightening the embrace around her fragile sister. "Shh, shh. E 'tutto a posto Savina. Non piangere, per favore non." The words had spread themselves out in between shy nuzzles and stretched silences, nothing more than a stage whisper.

Woo! =D Let's hope Savi sees this as a good thing, poor girl. >w< Wc: 450+



She would wait as long as it took. Whether the sun would long have disappeared behind their surroundings, leaving the sisters cloaked in darkness, or whether it took only a minute before her sister was ready, Ghita was prepared to wait. Invisible needles of guilt stabbed at her heart, remembering her own departures and wondering if they had been as painful as this. At the very least, she had just got up and left - she hadn't betrayed the family deeper than leaving them.



But would Ehno staying make the betrayal all the worse? He would be betraying the mother of his unborn pups, leaving his litter just like Serge had neglected his own children. Turning turquoise optics down to her ebony sister, she confirmed that her sister was still okay before retreating back to her musings. Try as she might, she couldn't imagine having to choose between the lesser of two evils - leaving her family, or leaving her pups.



Well, that wasn't completely true. But what spurred Ghita's decision was not present in Ehno's situation - he hadn't lost a litter as she had. But the fact that she knew what to choose couldn't fully fight off the guilt she had as she made it mentally, her heart quivering as she realized that the pups inside her were fortunate to not have to make the choice Ehno was being forced to make. At least they'd have a chance, if they survived, to know her siblings and their cousins. She could only hope that Ehno would somehow make it work, help the situation for all of them.



She was confused at first, to what her sister was murmuring, but all the same tried to offer her comfort the best she could. She didn't fully grasp what Savina meant by 'again', and only could stab at the shadows with her best guess; that something had happened while she was gone. All she could do was lie with her sister, trying to comfort a broken soul in ways that were far beyond the Italian native.



Turquoise searched emeralds in masked worry, wondering just why Savina needed to confirm her sister was there. Cringing, she prepared herself for her sister's rage, ears already beginning to flatten as she was readying for the storm, but it never came. Where she had been certain that Savina would howl at her for leaving first, encouraging their brother's behavior, only confusion reigned, in a place where Ghita didn't want to go.



Looking away in a small amount of shame, she nodded, not meeting her sister's eyes. Such a miracle coming while Ehno was on the precipice of vanishing, and especially at the same time as the forsaken D'Angelo was expecting certainly couldn't be a good mix. "Speravo che avresti trovato un modo diverso, un modo più felice."

Next one brings in Jaz? Wc: 500+



It was extremely disconcerting to Ghita, to see her usually strong sister so pale and fragile in her paws. Neither Marino fae had ever been seen as extremely emotional or weak in any sense, both of them preferring to hide their emotions from others and privately break down, away from sight. But now, there was something so wrong about being here, intruding on her sister's private breakdown. It shook Ghita to the core and fought against the carefully reconstructed walls she had built around her worn heart.



All she could do was wait; wait for the tears to falter, for a moment of lucidity to come and shake Savina away from her sadness. She was even more aware of her sister's trembles under her, commanding words to climb up her throat and offer some reassurance. There was nothing that could come, though. Nothing that would make her sister any happier or reassured than she would be now. The beginning of the fae's role as third wheel among her siblings was unclear, but it didn't make the reunions any less happier.



It only managed to make some partings all the worse. While Ghita could manage, albeit with difficulty, to push back the wave of emotion and pain threatening to sweep her around and lose her to the wind, the Italian native felt certain that Savina would feel this wave of betrayal all the more strongly. "I'm so, so sorry." She waited, nose to the sky, scenting around for any others that would intrude on the family mourning, but to her relief no more scents decorated her ebony caverns. "I'll be right here." She murmured, all the more quietly.



On the bright side, Ghita's unexpected news seemed to bring the distraction needed to her sister. She kept her eyes trained on the grass around her, however, merely listening as she heard her sister heave an Emmy-worthy sigh. Turning around to her sister, alarm flashed on her face briefly, wondering whether Savina would view this as a further betrayal. It certainly seemed like it, and worry found its near-permanent home as she searched the emerald optics. Relief arrived all too timely, and she let out a small puff of relief, her gaze following to where Savina's rested.



I wish for us it wasn't the case. She pondered, remaining silent as she waited her sister's judgement. As it turned out, there was only one anxiety that reigned, and that would be the one hardest to answer. Ghita's memory was still foggy from the night, thanks to the tiny glass bottle that had found it's way into the pits of their stomachs. She hadn't been involved with any other male, so it was, in theory, cut-and-dry, but telling her sister so wasn't quite so. Shifting next to her sister, she gnawed at her snake bite, avoiding her sister's gaze in favor of the sky, watching the difficult exchange. "Jazper." The word finally escaped, her tone defeated and in some ways vulnerable, opening herself up for judgement.

This discovery amused Jazper to no end. A tunnel underground! Humans where so smart! He hadn't been able to fit into the underground tunnel in his optime form, being taller and thicker then the tunnel made it difficult to move. However as he shifted he managed to walk through the hole with a large amount of ease and a silly smile on his face. The tunnel had come out at the most amazing place, just a few meters into the woods beside the manor. This left the ebony warrior to believe that the humans that lived in the manor where either the owners of the military base the tunnel lead to, or they where being attacked and spied on but the owners of the base. Either way the over sized male was grinning like an idiot at his discovery.


Pushing open the door at the end of the tunnel he crawled into the basement of a building he had just visited. He quickly left the building with a new spring in his step. Perhaps there where more tunnels around here. He started off looking around at the buildings, everything was so overgrown and dark looking. It was kind of creepy. Suddenly a familiar set of scents filled his muzzle, one so sweet he wanted to run. His mind instantly thought her name. Ghita Marino. God she was an amazing women. So beautiful and smart. His feet instantly began to carry him in the direction of the smell. He could still taste her on his tongue. Their night together may have been brought on by alcohols lack of rationality but he had wanted her from the beginning and he hoped she felt the same. Finally, the two females came into sight just in time for him to hear his name. “Hey!” He greeted with a crooked smile, his eyes never leaving Ghita for Savina.

SO SORRY for the late reply I put up an away post, but I felt I should post before I leave for the second round. Wc:300+



It was a moment before Ghita had gained the courage to look into her sister's eyes again. Her turquoises had lingered on the grass, studying every dewdrop on the emerald stalks until enough time had passed for comfort to creep in again. She hadn't forgotten that she was here for Savina - trying to help her through the storm Ehno had brought to their family. However, the ebony fae's sorrow seemed to take a back seat once Ghita's pregnancy was mentioned. And Savina was right - worry plagued her every moment; she watched every stone, every twig, and spent most of her time resting either in Jazper's place or trotting lightly around her territory. She noticed her sister's astonished gaze with guilt, and her ear tips pointed south, below her, in not shame, but dread.



But of all the sounds she expected to hear, none of them came from her mate. Optics widening once his scent hit her nostrils, her whole body shifted towards him, body tensed not from a perceived threat, but from surprise. Emotions coursed through her veins that were still all too unfamiliar to her, when a movement from her sister brought her back to full attention. Forepaws gathered under her chest and now protruding stomach left in plain sight, she watched her sister run towards the other shadowy wolf with a mixture of horror, and slight amusement. "Savina!" She let out, eyes darting from each wolf to the next.



Even if the situation was one relating to nightmares - her sister and her love at odds over Ghita herself, she couldn't help feeling a prickle of pride in Savina. She was only reacting as siblings would to each other - Ghita'd do it in a heartbeat, but it still held a faint warm feeling that swelled in her chest. But as she noted Jazper's eyes on her, she found she couldn't meet them with a straight face. She didn't want to have to see the rapid change in expressions as the meaning sunk in. Or watch the effects of what they did that night manifest themselves in reality. Her posture remained defiant, daring those around her to rebuke her decision and her choice of mate, but somehow wished she could be anywhere else but here.

OOC: Katie...they aren't mates yet . Erin: feel free to post at will!

WC:300+


The day had been bright and over all a good experience for the protector. Little did he know that he had just walked into a ring of fire, and he happened to be the one stuck in the middle. Ghita's face instantly changed to one of shock and dread. His own happy features twisted as his ears dropped slightly in confusion. It wasn't until he heard his name at the end of a unpleasant phrase did he look at Savina who was now storming towards him. A mixture of emotions passed over him as she spat words up at him. His bodies first reaction was to obviously fight back, being his instant reaction to an attack. Quickly his initial instinct was over come by the knowledge that this was his superior and not a moment to be defensive. He lowered his body significantly, but he still stood taller then Savina.


Looking to Ghita his yellow orbs screamed for help in his confusion, “Savina..” he mumbled in a soft tone trying to figure out what exactly he had done wrong. It wasn't until she mention hurting Ghita that his ears popped up in realization and then flattened against his head, Taking a few steps back he spoke up “But Savina you know I wouldn't hurt her!” He exclaimed. The mere thought was repulsive to him. He had already done enough damage by taking the first drink let alone sleeping with her. “I'll never do it again okay, I promise, it was an accident.” Savina's anger made it obvious he explanation was not going to make her any less aggressive in her advance and words towards him. Motioning to Ghita he spoke a little more softly, “Does she look hurt to you?” It was, of course, a rhetorical question but he still felt the need to point out that he hadn't caused any real harm.

^_^ Wc: 450++



In order to fully understand just how Ghita was feeling at that moment, one would have to look past the normal anxiety that naturally came from having the father of her pups and her sister square off. To add to the complication, Ghita wasn't all too sure just how she felt about carrying pups again. She knew how she felt about her sister, was beginning to understand how she felt towards Jazper, but carrying the pups was a whole other story in itself.



Sure, there was the normal fear that any expectant mother felt. The fear of tripping over something and ruining her unborn litter, fear that there would be something terribly wrong, and fear that there was nothing she could do to prevent anything going wrong. But there was also the excitement that couldn't be denied, the mere fact that there was life just below your stomach sent any fae careening on the emotional rollercoaster that came with Ghita's condition. But in the silver-tipped fae's case, there was past precedent to be observed, recognized, and fled from at all costs.



So she held her tongue. Beautiful turquoises drifting back and forth almost unwillingly in between the two quarrelers, or her sister and the male under assault. Her slender ears twitched uncomfortably as she turned away, uncomfortable at being the 'it' in the conversation, and at such an impersonal way too. 'It', 'her', 'she'. A small hiss of air escaped her rib cage and she looked up from half-closed eyelids at both ebony wolves.



Ghita was about to open her mouth, to deny that she was physically hurt, but found herself metaphorically ducking as the javelins were hurled from her sister. Her eyelids closed tightly, some small attempt to shield herself as Savina plowed forward, the swear words ringing in her ears - the characters too unfamiliar when sprung from her sister. But even at the mention of the act that Jazper and Ghita had willingly performed (willingly used loosely when applied to alcohol), she couldn't help but feel her stomach plunge as she heard the repercussions.



And then the topic turned to Ghita's own past, the pathway she was not ready to travel down this early. She rose to her paws suddenly, fire sparking behind too-tired optics. "Savina. Enough." She stood smaller than Jazper, and only an inch or so smaller than Savina, but she made every attempt to control the situation now. Savi, non ci per favore. Non ancora almeno." Her tail hung low as she was unwilling to meet Jazper's eyes. No one outside her family knew about the last litter she carried. (Unless her tale was spun by her relatives) For now, at least, the fae wanted to keep it like that.

WC:300+

It was hard for him to stay calm under the circumstances. Savina was over reacting to nothing! Ghita obviously was walking around as graceful as ever. Sure they had messed up but it wasn't like it was all his fault either. They had both drank and it was both of their problems now. As Savina advanced along with every step he took back he had to fight the urge to let his own frustration out. He could easily stop his leader in her tracks. A growl forcefully being silenced within his throat. His instincts cried out for him to stand his ground, use his own force which was steadily building up inside of him. His heart continued to beat as hard as ever, pushing the warm blood through his body as he looked to Ghita. 'Stay calm Jaz. Just let her get it out of her system' It would only be a little bit longer? Hopefully.


The next words out of the black wolfs mouth sent the giant melting on the spot. Suddenly he no longer contained any will to fight his alpha in defense, all his frustration for being excused faded and he was left with a gaping mouth as his head turned to observe the Marino girl who was now apparently carrying his offspring. All remaining words where lost on his ears as he stared at Ghita with a new found desire. Even as she moved forward and spoke to her sister the world remained silent to Jazper. The once frustration filled heart now drummed to a new rhythm. He was going to be a father. Ignoring everything going on around him he placed himself between the sisters and looked into the turquoise orbs he had become so attracted to. Silently he rubbed his head against the smaller wolfess. “I'm sorry things happened this way but I meant everything we did.” He mumbled in a soft tone. Some males would run from their responsibilities. Most males in his life had. Jazper refused to be one of those guys. “If you're willing to put up with me,” He started as he pulled away slightly to look into her eyes once more, “I want to be with you. Be a proper family. I want to take care of you.”

Dawww, so adorable! Should we look into wrapping this up soon-ish? Wc: 470+



It was obvious from Jazper's reaction that the ebony male did not have a clue. No clue about what Ghita was going through now, and no clue as to what Ghita had gone through before. She met his yellowed eyes, her own optics reflecting a small ounce of guilt. It was true, Ghita did feel badly that this had come as such a shock to him, but she also disliked the clueless way she was regarded. She was torn between saying "Oh yes, I am carrying your pups. Sorry I didn't tell you sooner." and "You're not telling me you thought I was getting FAT?!"



But it was mostly humiliation that prickled at her skin. Even more conscious of her weight now, she shifted her position to give her body small reprieve, and let that action take her focus away from her pups' father. So it came as a surprise when the larger ebony figure stood between her and her guardian. Blinking in surprise, she let his head caress her body, and let herself enjoy the simple moment, without being tainted by self-consciousness.



Taking in the words that reached her ears, she held them at bay for a while, prodding them with self-doubt and mistrust. The last time she'd had a mate, he ended up cheating on her and leaving her to deal with the miscarriage on her own. "I..." Breaking off, she was fully unaware of how to reply, only knowing that the warmth in her chest was growing as large as the sun, it seemed. If I'm willing to put up with you? His words seemed impossible to her, confusing at the least. But the concept he spoke of was even more foreign than Canada had first been.



Was she even ready for a family? It seemed like just yesterday she had been sitting on the roof, passing the drug in between her and her Inferni friend, Anslem. For the laid-back rebellious fae to take the plunge into motherhood seemed like a steep enough dive already, but to have a family? A mate? If she hadn't been close to the ground already, she probably would have sat down now. "If... you can stand me, I wouldn't mind you." She grinned, albeit a small one, just to let him know that she was sincere. "But if you're serious, I don't think..." She paused, taking a breath before the important words slid from her lips. "I don't think I'd want anyone else looking after me, but you."



Before her sister moved away, she made an effort to patch the situation temporarily. Grazie, comunque. I really appreciate. E naturalmente è il tuo posto. Alfa e la sorella - una combinazione formidabile" Silently, after the exchange between the two adults who lived in Ghita's womb, she willed her sister to return, to join the small family they had pledged to start.