Ulihelisdi
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She fidgeted nervously as she waited. Her tail, unable to keep itself still, almost danced in the air behind her. A quiet squeak brought her attention downwards and a radiant smile blossomed on the fire tender's face. Her two children, wrapped up in their blanket and tied to her chest squirmed against the dyed cloth. The very same one that Zera'im had given her all those pain filled months ago, colored brightly and covered with knitted pictures of wolves it was perfect to carry them around in. It kept them close to her chest so that she could feed them and thy could absorb her own warmth to keep themselves warm.


At a first glance one would assume that noting about Gemma had changed with the birth and it wouldn't be until someone looked at her closer they would notice the strong gleam in her eyes and the more confident air about her. Gemma was through with being a pushover and a coward, she had to be a good mother for her children, the very best she could be and she couldn't be the very best if she was cowering away from everyone all the time. Tamai's lesson had sunk in and the seed had taken root growing swiftly and enveloping her mind with its tendrils, fighting off the borderline schizophrenia and depression, the convoluted and distorted thought patterns.


Her wait came to a close as the desired object of her thoughts made an exit from within the town hall. Ulilohi was a magnificent specimen of a woman. Well groomed and well fed, towering over Gemma by no small amount she was full of splendor and wise authority. Garbed in her ceremonial shawl and bracelet and her hair arranged beautifully, Gemma sucked back her awe struck gasp and brushed at her own adornments, for she was not plain herself but covered in a startling array of blue. Feathers, bracelets, and beads abounded as well as a bring sapphire scarf tied around her neck. Blue for the color of luck, she wanted all of the luck the world had to offer to rain down on them, her two little ones.


Unlike in times before she didn't shrink before her leader, the proud native woman, instead the Sawtooth princess dipped her head in offerings of respect and wordlessly pulled out her two infants, holding them out for Ulilohi to look over, the future of the tribe. Both children were similar in coloring, black and white but with different markings and the girl with the smallest hints of brown. For now they were just smudgy hints at what they would grow into.


Before Ulilohi had a chance to speak to Gemma the pale fae instead spoke herself. Her Aniwayan was still not seamless or particularly fluent but it was understandable at least.


Anasgayv. Nasgi hia dini ayule igvwadalegi ah yah duniyv. Hla udoda agasesdodi he lah e yuh ah yah yeli nigesvna. Yadaidisi nee he adalvquodi ayv ah lay agasesdodi ayv oyohusi. It was the longest speech she had ever made in the native's language and filled with mistakes that made her wince inside.


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#2
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Atisia (marten) is visible :3


She had dressed her best. Again, this feeling of nervousness crept into her spine as she prepared herself to leave. She'd peeked out the window and knew Gemma was waiting, but still she lingered for a moment and fidgeted with her ornaments, corrected her shawl for the thousandth time. It wasn't so much as doubting her capability, as it was being unfamiliar with the event. She had consulted Atisia, however, and he had helped her understand some of the things that she must do. Exhaling again, she stepped out of the Town Hall, to meet with the pale woman, so dwarfed next to the councilwoman that it was almost laughable. She only had time to briefly glance at the small bulges in Gemma's carrying net and giving half a smile at them before Gemma spoke to her, imperfect AniWayan spilling out of her mouth.


Even if she was no native speaker, Gemma's message was not hard to understand, and Ulilohi felt her eyes widen for a moment when she realized just what she was being asked. There was a sense of guilt here: Ulilohi had exiled the children's father. She felt responsible for breaking up the little family. Even if she hadn't felt this way, she could hardly reject the honor. It wasn't until Atisia subtly, almost invisibly, stomped at her shoulder with his tiny hind leg, that she managed to respond. At once terrified and honored, it was a strange feeling that she would likely have to digest better. "Ale ayv atsilvquotanv, Gata Hineyu." She paused and placed her hand on the little female's shoulder. For some reason she did not expect the Fire Maker to flinch away now, as she had seemed to do before. "Ayv didanilv. Wigedohesdi." And with that, she led way towards the river, the shortet route to Adagio Creek she knew.


The walk was kept in silence for Ulilohi's part. It was a special thing they were doing, a formal thing, and she did not wish to ruin it with everyday chatter. Surely, it must feel as significant for Gemma. She sometimes glanced at the blanket that held the two little treasures as they walked, half jealous and half terrified.


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#3
3+

There was a newness about Gemma that was as raw and alive as all new things were. Her eyes drifted to the Anasgayv's spirit guide. A small creature like a stoat or a weasel, she didn't really have much knowledge of the creature's of the world. Tamai had had to tell her what sort of creature he was. Speaking of whom her own spirit guide was making a very bold statement to her by not being here. She resisted the urge to shiver. He was leaving her to face this challenge alone, facing the tribe in something so terrifying and important, trying to give the small woman true strength so that she might help better herself rather than hide behind himself.

She felt a strange twist to her stomach as Ulilohi placed her hands upon her shoulders. She felt as though she were weighted down by the large brown paws, anchored to the ground and while it stirred up an unease within her it also caused peace to settle too. This was her leader, as large and sometimes frightening as she was, and her role was to make sure Gemma was safe. There indeed was no flinching however, no backing away or cowering in fear, she was a stronger person for the sake of her children who squeaked within their blanket, so helpless and innocent, she hoped that they would never have to suffer what she had done, never see the horrors too.

The two of them, the brown councilwoman and the pale fire maker, padded side by side towards an event that would encompass the entire tribe if it so saw fit to attend. Her own brother waited for this call just outside of the borders. Gemma did not break the silence that fell between them and the only interruptions of it came from the squalling bundle tied to her chest. When they reached the place where they would be bathed Gemma looked about with interest, here was where her family's history would be formed.
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Atisia (marten) is visible :3


Their silence was only interrupted by occasional sounds of the two pups, the rustle of their steps, and the vegetation around them. It was spring, everything was waking up and greeting the sun -- as were the two children about to be named. Ulilohi was nervous for her role in the ceremony, but it did not show as she carefully took her steps along the dirt paths, listening as the sounds of the river increased and drowned out other songs of the forest. It was not long until Adagio Creek was within sight, snaking itself lazily along, deep and calm and teeming with spring life. Vegetation was reaching for their greenest for moons, and Ulilohi stopped for a moment as they reached a sound patch of grass, where they could safely stop. Looking over the river, the councilwoman could not think of a more beautiful sight just then, perhaps other than the children themselves. Wordlessly, she turned and reached for them, nodding for Gemma that she was ready for the ceremony to begin. Waiting, the female began a low hum, a melody that she had heard sung at her younger siblings' naming ceremonies. It was an old prayer, and the only worthy prayer that she could think of for this situation. Her deep and hoarse voice mixed in with the slow sounds of trickling water coming from the swollen river, joining together in a symphony of spring and new life.


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Couldn't be bothered translating this late at night XD

Ulilohi's melody seemed to sink down inside of her and encompass her soul. She wanted to join in with the council woman but didn't know how the rest of the song would go and didn't want to mess up and ruin it. Instead she listened silently, trying to memorise the highs and lows of it, the way it shivered and stretched and combined with the rushing water. Gemma swallowed heavily as the leader extended out her arms, ready to accept the children as though they were precious gifts, which they were. Gemma removed them from their blanket tied to her but hesitated at giving them to Ulilohi.

Her quiet voice broke the tranquil silence, soft AniWayan spoken less flawed than her earlier speech.

"If it would not offend, I wish the tribe to see this. And my half brother, he waits at our borders." She ducked her head as she spoke, afraid that her words might have broken the specialness of the occasion.
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Everyone welcome now, or do you want to post again Jace?


The pale lady unwrapped the children as Ulilohi stood waiting, humming in a low voice and smiling invitingly. The quiet rustle of the creek created the most tranquil curtain of soft sounds to her song, sometimes audible and sometimes not to the singer. Gemma hesitated, however, and carefully presented a request, ducking ears folded as she did so, and Ulilohi found herself widening her eyes in an instinctive response. It was not convention to do this, on-lookers were not to see the ceremony, only the children as the new family again approached the Village after its completion. She hesitated, no longer humming. Her hands, not holding the children, danced as she attempted to explain, her own AniWayan flowing without flaw, but somehow jaggedly. "Uyoayelvdi Gemma, nasgi yinusdi nusdv iyanadvnehi..." It was not right of her to change the way things worked, had always worked. But again.. this was not the Great Tribe, was it? And Gemma was alone, there were no one but herself to share this moment with, as Ulilohi herself had made sure of. Who was the giantess to deny the pale female this comfort and this pride, and the company of her brother? Were the pups not the joy of everyone?


With the change of heart came a change in her expression, and the brown female nodded firmly with a slow smile instead. "Udohiyuhiya," she said then, gesturing with her mouth upwards for the other to join in, before pointing the muzzle to the sky and calling for their tribe to join them there on the banks. She sang with a strong voice, and if Gemma joined in, her brother would certainly understand that he was invited here, as well. Family was not just for those within the borders -- family spans tribes, Ulilohi had always been taught. She would sing until they arrived.


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Word Count » 000 :: Out of character text here.


She knew as soon as the words had left her mouth by Ulilohi's reaction that she had asked for something almost blasphemous to AniWayan customs and tradition. Her ears folded back again, asking the councilwoman's forgiveness for this transgression. The rejection of the idea, no matter how gently, stung her deeply and made her feel like an outsider again. The pale woman seemed to shrink in on herself slightly although still trying to stand tall despite her obvious awareness that she had done something wrong.


In her hands the babies struggled weakly against the ivory fur, wanting to go back into their warm, soft blanket. Looking down upon them Gemma almost missed Ulilohi's changing expression, she raised her head to see the flash of guilt before it was swept away by the unfolding smile and the taller woman took back her earlier verdict. Gemma had never placed blame or anger on Ulilohi for Matteo's exile, he had brought it upon himself by being deceitful and conniving and not caring about the tribe that Gemma had so desperately sought to fit into.


With her coyote's yapping call containing deep wolven undertones Gemma called with the Anasgayv by her side for the rest of the tribe and her brother to attend this most precious of moments in the lives of her children, the day they received the names that they would carry for the rest of their lives. Even if they sought to renamed themselves, these names would always be branded into them, into their very souls. Though Ulilohi kept calling Gemma paused for a moment seeming to consider her words and then spoke boldly and almost completely out of character for her,


The tribe is my family.


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Frodo had been constantly visiting Gemma during her pregnancy. Since she'd told them they were his pups he'd been at first shocked, then overjoyed. But at the same time, he was wary that he could not be a proper father to them, seeing as he wasn't allowed to tell anybody they were his. Still, that was a price he was willing to pay if it meant Gemma would at least let him play at being a dad. A year ago and he'd never be able to imagine being a father, but now it just felt right. It was the right time, and the right place. AniWaya had to be one of the best packs when it came down to supportive family. Then again, that thought was perhaps biased considering he'd never really ventured further than the borders of any other packs. The two packs he currently was against at the moment were Inferni and Salsola, Inferni because he'd been attacked there, and Salsola because apparently they traded and used slaves. Now that, that was just wrong. Frodo was completely and utterly against slavery.


When he'd checked up on Gemma these past few days to find her hut empty, he'd known something was wrong. Or right. Or...whatever. Her time was near, he knew that, so he just assumed she'd gone to pray or do something that women did before giving birth. Or during giving birth. He honestly had absolutely no idea, oblivious and naive as he was. So it was a surpsie when Frodo heard a summoning call from both Gemma and Ulilohli, sudden and welcoming. At once, he knew what it was for. They were asking members to come to Adigio Creek, to celebrate the birth of newborn pups and perform a naming ceremony. Or perhaps that had already been done, and this was simply a celebration. Frodo wasn't quite sure.


The black, ginger, and gold hued wolf wrapped himself in a blue shirt for the occasion, along with his cloak. He tied some fresh feathers into his hair, also dyed blue, and walked away from the village and over to the creek. His fingers and shoulders were empty and weapon-less for once, as they should have been. And it did not take long to find who he sought. His eyes went wide to focus on the tiny bundle in Gemma's arms, and as he crept closer he could see ivory faces, dipped slightly in black, peeking from under cloth and blanket. Dear me. he mouthed silently, not making another sound as he hurried closer, to inspect what was going on. He felt awkward but he was soon smiling at the children from a distance, hesitant to go any closer for the fear in his heart.




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#9
((sorry to hold things up!))

Tal had waited outside the border on one of the communal horses. Myrddin waited impatiently. As the call rang out, Tal slid off the mare, patting her nose gently. "Stay put." He had chosen to eschew clothes, being a little unsure of how the tribe dressed for formal occasions such as this. He shifted the pack that contained small toys for the pups and several small medical kits as gifts for both Gemma and the leaders of the tribe. He arrived as quickly as he could, hampered as he was by his young sons short legs.

He hesitated for a moment, his mismatched eyes looking at each face, before bowing deeply to the leader, showing his respect and gratitude for being allowed here. He offered a smile to the unknown male before stepping awkwardly to his sister. He would give the gifts in a bit. He was just pleased to be allowed to witness this ceremony, pleased to be included in
His sisters life.

Myrddin stayed tucked close against his poppas ankles, his ears close to his head. He knew aunt Gemma, but he didn't know the others. At his side, Tameri waited. The ghost wolf was visible only to him, he figured. No one ever heard her or saw her. Sometimes poppa acted like he could feel the ghost touch him, but those times were few and far between. Tameri right now was reassuring him this was a special ceremony for his cousins held against their mother. Myrddin looked up, but couldn't see the pups.
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Atisia (marten) is visible :3
PPing Io & Jaro arriving with permission from Vida, and Gemma giving Uli the pups with permission from Jace


Ulilohi sang for awhile, stopping only to smile at Gemma as she boldly proclaimed her tribe as her family. Ulilohi had always felt that way about the Great Tribe, but that was because the wolves living there all stemmed from the same seven original families. In very many cases, most of the members in the tribe literally was your family. Here, it was different, but Ulilohi was glad that Gemma found such safety in her tribesmembers.


Soon enough, Frodo appeared, almost frightful of moving closer. Ulilohi halted her song then, and nodded at him, as if to accept him coming nearer. Io and Jaro arrived shortly thereafter, and they, too, received that same nod. Time passed, and finally another arrived, with a child at his heels. The stranger dipped his head respectfully and Ulilohi returned the gest, though the dip of her snout was not near as low. They waited, and meanwhile Ulilohi thought of the presences. It was not customary, but.. Perhaps it was just strange in more than one way. Ulilohi had not performed such a ceremony herself before, and was strange to have anyone at all near it, even Frodo, but especially an outsider. She waited awhile longer before she decided it was time to continue the ceremony, reaching to Gemma, for her to give her councilwoman the children.


One frail little thing was handed her, and Uli resumed singing the prayer she had sung before. Her deep voice was hushed as she sang, and the puppy moved in her hands, yearning for its mother's warmth. She had wrapped her giant hands around it, and for a moment feared crushing the little thing. Ulilohi was not a stranger to children, however: her litter was the oldest, and she had helped raise many of her siblings. Still, she could not help but feel intimidated by the little one's frailty. A few steps took her to the edge of the water, and Ulilohi bend down to scoop a handful of water. She sang still, and said nothing as she sprinkled the water onto the child's face. It whimpered, and the councilwoman smiled at it as she continued to sing, and moved back to Gemma. The brown-pelted woman held the child as if handing it back to its mother, but waiting. This was when Gemma would speak its name; the naming itself was up to the mother, and the child was returned to her after. The process was repeated with the second child, and soon both could enjoy their mother's warmth and safety, away from Ulilohi's scary hands. The prayer was finished, and Ulilohi looked solemnly at the pale mother. "Unelanvhi udadolisdi, Gemma. We return to the Village and celebrate their new names."


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She struggled to contain the depth of emotion that threatened to overwhelm her at this moment. Truly she had never felt somewhere she had so belonged this much. The coyote woman was gladdened to see Frodo coming to their call and Io and her new mate too. Gemma smiled shyly at Io, her tentative new friend. Then her brother and nephew made their appearance too and all was as it should be for her. She knew that this ceremony was supposed to be between just the parents of the children but the tribe believed Matteo was their father, she knew different but she wanted whomever would come to watch to be there regardless.

She swallowed heavily as she handed the first pup, the leger black, brown and white girl to Ulilohi and watched anxiously as the Anasgayv bathed her newborn with the water from Adigio Creek. The girl protested weakly, mewling her discontent before snuggling unhappily as she was returned to Gemma's arms, the world around her disappeared as the white Sawtooth princess peered down at the girl with her heart full, and she spoke purely to the child,

"For everything I have suffered to bring me to this point, Payne will be your name, and Xhexania to follow it, The Blessed One. I hope it will bless you in your life." Now the smaller boy was handed forth and followed his sister's suit in whimpering quietly, seeking her warmth. Now he was handed back to her too and she spoke to him like she had done Payne,

"A little boy, Nate after the man that saw fit to give food to a starving abandoned child, River too, so your life flows with ease." Now she raised her head and gave Frodo a small smile, she could never publicly name and celebrate him as their father but she could offer him this small honor to share in their naming, "You need last names too so you might carry on with pride, I name you both Silvertooth in honor of the man who would stand in for your father, who can't watch over you." She lowered her head and brushed her muzzle against both of them in turn before turning and presenting the two to those assembled, and speaking to the Councilwoman,

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Atisia (marten) is visible :3


Gemma looked at them as they all arrived, and seemed to struggle to control herself as she was handing over the children to Ulilohi. It was a touching thing, this ceremony. Ulilohi had always thought that the first naming ceremony she would witness would be the one of her own children, not one she would perform as the leader of a tribe. In fact, if she had ever thought that thought as a younger female, she would likely have been appalled at herself -- to think such a thing? It was just too unlikely. While the ceremony was carried out, Gemma was not the only one who fought to contain her emotions, as Ulilohi experienced and explored a great feeling of responsibility for the first time. Sure, she was their leader -- but a duty-bound responsibility was different from the one she experienced in this situation. These tiny lives, the lives of future generations, their fates and their work -- she was their safe keeper, their guardian, spiritually and in the flesh. It was a difficult thought to grasp, but the weight of it made her react with a strong burst of grateful awe. Her face did not twist with the emotion, but it was there, her hands trembling.


The quiet, pale female named each child as she was given them back to her, and Ulilohi kept quiet as she spoke, as if only to the child. After Nate had been given his name, Gemma thanked her, and the brown-pelted female merely nodded. "These are good names, Gemma. Unelanvhi udadolisdi." She gave a grave dip of her head in respect both to the mother's decisions and the prayer she had just said, with hopes for the children. In truth, they were the most precious living things in the tribe, and she would treat them as such, even if they were too little to understand what was going on. "Come," she paused, glancing at the strangers. "Everyone," she finished. Her deep voice was hushed -- there were no sounds there that it needed to compete with, aside from the trickle of the river. Beckoning with her hand, she urged the others to join her, and she trod onto the path they had come to the river bank with. Gemma was the center of attention, and Ulilohi would follow her, not the other way around. She waited for the pale female to step in front of her and lead the way, indicating it with body language instead of words.


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