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They had known that the day was fast approaching. For the last week or so Savina had taken up a permanent residence in her old room downstairs that she had made ready for denning purposes. She knew that the stairs could prove a grave danger for their babies if she happened to stumble on them and she didn't want to risk them falling down the steps once they were born and moving around. So she had decided that taking up the old room would be best. She had collected spare blankets to make a little bed, which she was currently resting on. Kansas was out of the room at the moment, but she knew he wouldn't have ventured too far. She wanted him close in case she needed him or the time came.
All day she had been drifting in and out of consciousness. The past few weeks of her pregnancy had sapped her energy and she had spent a good deal of it sleeping. Savina heaved a sigh, at the moment feeling awake. Perhaps she would make the short walk out to the porch for some fresh air. Slowly she got to her feet, with her stomach so large and round it was a tedious process. But before she could take her first step pain rang throughout her body. Emerald eyes clamped shut and she clenched her jaw. Then in a flash it was gone. What had that been? It worried her, was something wrong? Before she had much more time to ponder it, the pain raked her body again. Whining she lowered herself back into a laying position.
Then it clicked in the femme's mind. It's time. Her voice was weak and shaky as she called out for her mate. "Kansas! Kansas come qui-" Another contraction gripped her heavy form. She wanted Nani there too, to make sure that everything went alright and the pups were okay. She wanted others there too, like her siblings and friends, but it was her mate and her best friend that she needed now. A soft howl issued from her throat, calling for the Commander. It would be clear to anyone else what was occurring if they wished to come.
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Kansas was nervous, worried that something might go wrong. He knew having the puppies born safely was what he and Savina wanted more than anything else - it was what he thought about most often. Since she'd moved into the room downstairs, Kansas never strayed far from the Manor, especially not for the past few days. He'd been doing his best to be as attentive to her as possible, bringing her what she needed (and probably some things she didn't exactly need). What he liked most was sitting in there reading; he was just waiting, waiting there with her.
Today he was just out on the porch, staying alert to everything inside and outside the house. He rather subconsciously watched for some sign of small prey; he liked to catch rabbits and similar things to bring to her. It made him feel like he was doing something useful. After an hour or so, he hadn't spotted anything. But shortly after that time had passed, Kansas heard a soft noise, followed by Savina's weak voice calling for him. At first he thought she needed something from him, rare for her to ask herself. But by the abruptness with which her voice caught off, the boy had a feeling that this was something entirely different.
Kansas jumped to his feet and bolted through the front door. He ran to the room and found Savina there, in the midst of some sort of painful convulsion. Was something wrong? As he shifted so he could have use of his arms, just in case, it dawned on him that this was time. Their puppies were finally arriving. His mind ached for him to smile, but seeing her in such pain prevented him from doing so. "Savina... Just breath. Just tell me if you need me to do anything," he said softly, stroking her back. He then aimed his voice out the door. "N-Naniko!"
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ooc: I wasn't sure if you were going to have all of them born in your next post ^^ But feel free to PP Naniko telling Savina to push or whatnot if you want to!
It was the circle of life, wolves growing old and dying and pups being born. In their newly established pack they had not had any wolves die of old age...but once Crimson Dreams had been around for a while longer it would undoubtedly happen. Most of their members were young adults or wolves who were still in their prime, and it would be years before they saw old age take any wolf. White ears perked up when she heard the call, the howl that Savina had sent out. It could only mean one thing--it was a pained sort of sound, a worried one.
She had been carrying the necessary things around with her for the last week or so in expectation, keeping them in a separate compartment of her backpack. She'd been visiting her large friend several times a day, in between going out of the packlands to see other patients or going to the city to get books to further her research into medicine. On her last trip to Halifax she'd even found an instrument that doctors had once used, a stethescope. It would surely come in handy.
She ran up to the mansion in her full optime form, feet stomping up the front steps with no regards to sound. She was in a hurry! Kansas' voice led her to the right room and she got down to her knees so that she might be at a better level. Nothing had happened yet, which was good. She slid her backpack from her shoulders onto the floor, opening the side compartment and taking out a few necessary things. Twine and scissors, to tie off and cut the pups' cords when they came, small washcloths to rub them with to stimulate them to breathe, and a rubber instrument that was used to suction the fluid from the whelps' noses and to clear their airways.
Her focus went to Savina. She didn't want to get to close to the mother, didn't want to crowd her. Kansas would be there to help to keep her calm while Naniko coached. "You're having contractions now--they help the puppies get down to the right place so that they can be born. Try to keep breathing steadily when they come."
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OOC stuffs. Otherwise, delete this when not needed! WC: +300
The days since his night on the cruise ship had been confusing. That night he had felt free, happy, and even attracted to someone else besides Garnet. Since the girl had left him he had been angry and upset, making everywhere he went and every conversation into an explosion. He had even growled at Naniko and been hostile towards Kansas. Laying in his bed now he stared at the wall. Why did he feel so calm now? Maybe there was some strange scientific reason having to do with the emotions he felt that night with Mahlouk, or the sexual expression he had released all his energy on. Maybe he just needed to have more sex. If this were the case he would soon be going crazy again with no one around to mess with.
The coal male felt bad for the people he had lashed out on but none as badly as Mahlouk. Jazz had lead him on while they were drunk and then freaked out and stormed off in the morning. He had been taught by his mother and father that it was okay for guys to be mates with guys and girls with girls. That's why he never thought twice when Anu and Naniko got together. He jumped to his feet as a cry from Savina pierced through the floor. Was it time? Running down the stairs he entered the lower floor room, now flooded with Savina's scent and starting to mix with the two others scents. Yep, it was time. Walking over to the corner he watched silently as he thought about the new lives to be. Even though he wouldn't have his own pup running around there was always new life in Crimson Dreams. A smile crossed his face as his ears perked up. Finally, the old Jazper, the protector, was back.
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Ears took in the voice that broke the silence that surrounded her. It was faint, filled with pain. It cause her heart to stop, for her breath to be held tightly in her chest. A single thought lingered in her mind, and with a moment’s hesitation Anu was on her feet. The day had been a quiet one; lingering by the lake and attempting to enjoy solitude. Instead the world was so suddenly upside down.
Her breath returned and she pointed her nose to the sky and let her voice flood into the wind. The soft and even tone cried, sending to anyone to far to hear the called that had just met her ears. It screamed for the one that had left. The one that would regret missing this moment, and the one that would most likely not already be in the Manor. In her heart Anu knew she was close, the knowledge that this moment was happening soon was common. And Geneva wanted to be there.
Her thin body was light as she moved through the wood that surrounded the mansion. Her heart beating heavily as she wondered how things were going, and what she was missing. As much as she worried about the mother to be, the pain that she was facing and the complications that might arise it was impossible to forget that all this might be missed by someone so close to the onyx female.
It wasn’t long until Anu felt her presence, sky hued eyes finding the figure among the forest and in full sprint. Suddenly relief flooded her, relieved that Geneva had known. Finding her face in a smile Anu dogged trees until she ran beside the other female keeping pace with her. It wouldn’t be long, before they both witnessed the miracle that was occurring.
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The last few days had found Ehno sticking as close to the mansion as possible. As the days ticked by and the end of his sister’s pregnancy drew nearer, he found it harder to pull himself away from the manor. Since his return from Halifax a few days before, the male hadn’t strayed farther than the old white picket fence surrounding Haven Manor. He wanted to be around just in case he was needed for anything, though he knew Savina had all the help she could ever need. Her caring mate Kansas was never far from her side, and Naniko, despite her busy schedule, always seemed to find time to check up on the onyx-hued girl. The entire pack was there for its Lieutenant General, for whatever she may need. But it was a part of who Ehno was to want to be there and protect his family.
The Marino male had spent the majority of his day lingering around the mansion, attempting to read a short book in the main living room earlier in the day before abandoning the task in the afternoon to lurk around his workshop. He couldn’t bring himself to focus on any one project and instead went about straightening up the few workbenches. He knew his sister’s time was fast approaching and it made him antsy, though he couldn’t quite pinpoint why. He attributed it to excitement.
Ehno made himself step outside for a bit of fresh air to calm down. He wandered down to the old picket fence, leaning against it casually while amber eyes examined the horizon. He had nearly lost himself in the scenery when a call rang out from within the mansion. Ears perked automatically, his eyes widening and heart picking up a faster pace at the pained sound of it. The chocolate-hued male turned without another thought, hurrying back into the mansion. He navigated through the first floor hallways as fast as he could without running into something, arriving in no time at the room Savina had taken residence in.
His eyes quickly scanned the room, taking in the sight of those already gathered and realizing then that the time had finally come. The Italian boy stepped into the room and kept his distance from the others gathered around his sister, not wanting to get in anyone’s way. His tail began to swing back and forth in a nervous excitement, a smile to match it finding its way to his features. It was time to witness another miracle at work. Soon, there would be tiny Marino children entering the world. He knew in his heart that Savina would do fine.
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Geneva shifted restlessly, indecision warring in her as she stood at the borders. Things had changed. Things were so utterly different that she found it hard to comprehend the fact that she had once called this place home. The sight of these lands alone sent a humming through her bones, and she felt an instant jolt of belonging. It had been a while since she had come here, a month or more. So much had happened in so little time. It seemed as though time had flown, and Geneva took off at a wild pace as she counted the days in silence. She closed her eyes, feeling the wind on her face as she tried to remember how long it had been since that early morning she and a beautiful black wolfess had gone hunting. She weaved her way through trees, letting memory and instinct guide her. Her thoughts collided with the guilty feeling of not visiting Savina. She had missed virtually the entirety of her friend's pregnancy. Part of the reason had been because she had been avoiding another confrontation here. The other was that pain boiled in her stomach, fear smothering her as she remembered the outcome of her own pregnancy. A litany of prayers lifted to the sky in whispered breaths as she hoped that the outcome of Savina's pregnancy would be joyous instead of sorrowful. She felt a thrumming in her bones that made her believe that the time was now. And she raced against the clock, raced to keep her promise. She had failed in so many ways, but she wouldn't fail in this. Affection for her friend drove her, and she hoped she'd arrive in time. Green eyes met vibrant blue orbs as she whisked through the trees. A tender smile spread her face as Anu's lithe body stretched out next to hers, matching her step for step. They moved in synch, their breaths coming in cold clouds as they raced toward the manor. She was glad to have met Anu here, before facing everyone else. It was selfish, but with the woman by her side, she felt much more at ease. The wolfess skidded to a halt at the steps of the manor, her muscles and healing wounds aching. She had perhaps overdone it, but she didn't care. She smiled at Anu, her shoulder brushing against hers as she scrambled up the stairs and pushed the heavy door open. There was an air of tension, of joy in the air. She sprinted up the hallway, surprised and glad to see a small crowd of people. She lingered behind them, her eyes resting on the mother-to-be. She moved quietly, resting her hand on Ehno's shoulder briefly before moving to stand at Anu's said. Miracles were at hand.
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The only other wolf that Orion knew was Savina, she was his only link to the pack. When they had first met Orion noticed that Savina was very pregnant, probably not more than a few weeks away. The howl emanating from the mansion was surely hers, Orion didn't know if his presence there would be welcomed but felt he should atleast say congratulations and offer any help that he could provide.
Savina's howl was weak but sounded almost like a cry for help, Orion hoped that she was being taken care of. Orion was outside in the crisp air coming off of the Atlantic ocean when he had heard her howl. He proceeded inside slowly not wanting to disturb anything that was taking place. Orion peered into the room where he knew Savina had been staying and saw many other wolves probably doing the same thing that he was. He entered the room quietly not wanting anyone to notice him really, since there were so many unfamiliar faces. Orion looked at Savina and caught her eye just momentarily but hoped she knew the look he was giving her was one of support and gratitude.
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[html] http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/4601 ... oracop.png); background-position: bottom center; background-repeat: no-repeat;"> I'd like to keep the order of Kansas and Naniko replying after me, but after that the order doesn't matter. If anyone else wants to join they're still welcome to  300+
While she had known he would be there in no time, when Kansas rushed into the room relief washed over her heart. She managed to give him a weak smile before her face was once again distorted by the pain that was shooting through her form. Her tail wagged a little as she felt his hand on her back and his soothing words hit her ears. Then more footsteps came and Naniko appeared. More relief came to her heavily beating heart. This was normal, everything was fine right now. She was so glad that her friend was here and prepared to help make sure all the puppies were taken care of correctly. Her breath came out in pants, but she did her best to keep it steady. Claws dug into the blankets beneath her.
Soon others were filtering into the room. Jazper took to one of the corners of the room. Then her brother entered and she could feel his excitement. She caught his eye for a moment before the process at hand tore back her concentration. The hurried footfalls continued as Geneva and Anu came. She was so happy that her gray friend had made it. She had been the one to recognize the pregnancy and she would have hated for her to miss this moment. Then, surprisingly, Orion snuck quietly into the room. She saw the look he gave her and she returned it with one of thanks. Then things really began to happen.
Naniko coached her to start pushing and Savina silently obeyed. The woman clenched her jaw as she focused all her energy on bringing her children into the world. A few minutes passed and then she felt a wetness at her behind. Panting she turned her head to see two small bodies laying there. Before she had time to do anything else however another contraction came and she pushed once more, bringing one more pup into the world. Panting heavily emerald eyes scanned over the three small forms. One dark like her, one light like him, and the last a rich brown. Tears filled the corners of her eyes as she looked up at her mate with a joyous smile. She turned to start cleaning off the first pup, waiting to see what the Commander would do next.
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[html] http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v515/ ... banner.jpg); background-position: bottom center; background-repeat: no-repeat;"> I got permission to post with Ember here before Kansas :o hi.
She didn't even really know what time of day it was. Ember had been away from Aniwaya for the last few days, spending time with her whale friend Utriu, and time had slipped away from her. She'd been thinking about coming to Crimson Dreams to see if she could track down some of Naniko's pups and try and meet the rest of them, but wasn't sure how to go about it. Should she sit at the borderline and wait like everyone else, or just go on inside because she had family members here? The cloaked black female stood on the border, rubbing her chin a thoughtfully.
The howl made her take action, putting her foot across the line. She knew what a howl like that meant. The green-eyed Sadira knew that her brother's mate Savina was due to have her pups soon, but didn't know exactly when they would come. It seemed like now was the time! She started walking, switching to a run as the mansion grew nearer in the distance. It had taken her a while to get there, and many wolves were sitting around inside, all looking at something. She hung back, still breathing heavily from the run, curious but unsure if she ought to come any nearer.
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The itallian wolf sat in the midst of all the others, watching what happened with interest. The leader seemed like she really knew what she was doing, with all of her supplies and such. Ghita did not know many of the others in the pack yet, but planned on maybe speaking to a few of them after the birth. She was very bored by herself, and wanted to get to know some of the others and more about the pack itself. Every pack had a history. She waited anxiously, looking to Ehno and then to the leader, then Savina and the wolf sitting next to her. That must be Kansas. The pups were on their way and she felt a small twinge in her chest. She had almost had pups of her own, once upon a time.
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300+
As he watched the ebb and flow of his mate's pain, Kansas felt mingled with his anxious excitement a strong surge of guilt. He'd done this to her. He'd made this happen to her. Was all of this pain normal? He knew nothing about birth, also his fault... all he wanted was for Naniko to arrive so she could assist Savina in all the ways he couldn't. Their pale leader was nearly legendary for her skill in healing, and she'd had her own puppies. She would know what to do. She'd make the pain he'd caused his Savina go away.
Naniko was there almost immediately after he'd opened his mouth to call her name. With her calm expertise she coached Savina, assuring them that nothing was wrong. Kansas' hand moved steadily up and down his dark lover's back, hoping the gentle touch might soothe her. He looked up only briefly as Jazper ducked into the room. Their last meaning had left a sourness in Kansas for the large male, but the sheer fact that he had come to be with them now replaced that with gratitude. As he looked back to his mate, Kansas smiled to himself.
Others came - Ehno, Anu and Geneva. He was glad to see them there; perhaps Savina would feel even more encouraged with her brother and friends there. Another male Kansas didn't know came, but he barely noticed. Savina had slipped into another painful contraction, and he brought both hands to her shoulders and held her gently. He looked just in time.
Two small bodies arrived, followed by a third. Something took flight within the Sadira boy. Those little things... they were his? Wasn't he still a boy himself? The warm, leaping sensation traveled to his throat and to his head, making his eyes sting. He had no tears, but he grinned with a new brightness. He wanted to hold them. His children. "Savina... S-Savina..." he said, embracing her as she turned to begin cleaning off their first baby. "They're so... they're... beautiful."
Kansas closed his eyes and imagined his girl and his puppies together before him. When he opened his eyes, the picture remained.
Something told him to glance into the back of the room, and his blue eyes met the green ones of his sister. "Ember," he said, beckoning her to come closer.
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ooc: lawlz, howl. ^^
Time had seemed to slow down when she'd come, but now it was back up to speed. If not faster than normal. Savina was doing really well, and soon all three of the pups were there. The mother was starting to clean them, and Naniko sat back a little bit, more at ease. Things seemed to be going fine. Maybe there wasn't really a use for some of the things that she had learned from the human medical books; wolves knew what to do just by instinct.
She looked back behind her, suddenly aware of the audience that had gathered. She hadn't realized that so many had come! She knew everyone who was there with the exception of two presumably new wolves. "Everything's fine--she did really good. She said to those who had gathered. "Congratulations, you two!" What a joyus event! All of the pups were alive and seemed really strong. "Let's welcome them to the world...and to their pack, their new family." She lifted her head then after a look around the friends and family members, mouth opening, a long and peaceful howl drifting out toward the ears of any within the area. Pups!
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I loves howls!
Beside Geneva Anu felt the rush of excitement run through her. Blue eyes looked to her, but her mind settled on the event at hand. In moments they were stand among the rest of the pack, tails wagging and eyes bright with anticipation. Anu felt no anxiety, no worry for the mother and children. Not when they had all gathered, not with Nani standing at her side and not with Kansas look on with such excitement.
Her smile widened. Though they knew so much, though they each held so many different qualities something was universal. The pack held them together, knit their heart into one beating entity and propelled them forward each waking day. Today represented the reason for their existence. Nothing mattered without the birth of the next generation.
Naniko rose the call, sending her voice to the roof and beyond. It stretched over their heads, calling the event to any that might hear. It told of the perfect birth, of their continuation and health. Anu let her voice join their Commanders. Her normally soft tone was no more. She let her song cry brightly between the peace that Naniko sang. It was excitement, it was joy.
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This was a truly amazing event, one that brought everyone together. Soon more and more people arrived, creating a small crowd in and around the room that Savina chose as her den. Family bustled in along with old friends and new acquaintances, each with an excited glimmer in their eyes. His gaze only parted from the mother-to-be when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He smiled when he saw it was Geneva, glad that she was able to be here for this amazing moment. Amber gaze shifted to meet his other sibling’s blue one, catching the anxious look her eyes held. Ehno was also glad to see Ghita there; only a short time ago he thought he would never see her again. He shifted closer to Ghita, nudging her reassuringly. The Italian boy could only imagine the mixed emotions she must be feeling; surely she was excited for their onyx sibling, but she would likely be hurting from the thoughts of her own lost pups.
Time then seemed to pick up a quicker pace, each of the gathered waiting in anticipation for what was only moments away. It seemed that only moments passed before three little ones were wiggling beside the new mother. Ehno smiled at the sight of the new family together, the excited looks on the new parents’ faces contagious. "Sono molto belli veramente," he said, echoing Kansas’s words in his native tongue. “Congratulations, you two.” Then Naniko raised her head in a wonderful call, announcing the new lives to all who would listen, Anu joining with her own howl. The excitement fluttering within his chest urged him to join the leaders in the call, and soon his voice mingled with theirs.
Geneva gazed on in silence as nature's oldest ritual was carried out. There was a quiet thrumming in her bones as friends and family gathered near. She felt love, pure and without bitterness, wash over her. There was such joy here. It was impossible to feel darkness when there was so much light, so much hope. She held her breath, feeling her own breath ebbing and flowing with Savina's as the wondrous miracle took place in this room. She could feel every breath like an echo in her own chest as she waited and hoped that this birthing would turn out differently than her own.
She glimpsed small wriggling bodies and let out her heavy breaths, glad that it was life and not death present in the world with them. She watched Kansas and Savina closely, reveling in their shared affection. If anyone deserved happiness, it was her dark furred friend. Everyone in this room had been so good to Geneva, and she was grateful that they were blessed with this miracle. It was time for spring. It was time to hope again, to reawaken her heart to new possibilities. She let go of her doubts, of a past that still preyed upon her as a joyful chorus of howls rang out around them.
Geneva stayed quiet as Anu let out an ear-splitting melody of joy, content with her positive thoughts. She met Savina's eyes, nodding to the wolfess. Even the dull ache in her bones was not enough to chase away the happiness of this occasion. She stood there, still in the presence of those she loved and did not know, and was glad that she had decided to come. It seemed silly not to now. After a few moments, she nudged Anu's shoulder with her nose, meeting those blue eyes fondly and she nodded toward the door. She would take her leave of Crimson Dreams, but not of the happiness that surrounded and cocooned everyone gathered her. She snaked her way out, gingerly slipping out of the door and into the warm breeze outside. Life was beautiful, a miracle. She pondered that on her way back through the forest and to Phoenix Valley.
Life was good again.
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A smile remained on the wolf's muzzle through the whole event, looking around at the others who were there. She only knew her family, and there were many others who were unknown to her. But if they knew her sister then they would probably become her friends later on eventually. Ghita nodded at Ehno, her tail wagging like a flag behind her. She had not been a part of a pack howl in a very long time and when the big white leader started the howl Ghita joined it, lifting her muzzle up and howling along with the rest of her pack and family.
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WC: 300+
The corner was a comforting place in this situation. Looking around the room it was obvious that the wall would be a friend for many of the wolves until the birth was over. Watching the process almost made him want to run away, the yelling the encouraging the yelling back the pain to his loved ones. Naniko standing and trying to encourage Savina along and Kansas beside his mate looking quite useless and hopeless. For a second he wondered if this was the situation that Garnet and himself could have had. If perhaps for just a moment it could have been him standing there with his mate ready to start their new lives off as parents.
His attention perked once more as the others started to comment on the pups. Taking a few steps forward he stood the the left of Kansas and patted him on the back. Their last meeting had been unfair to the guy. At that moment Jazper had been so wrapped up in his own pain and confusion that he had said things he would never say in any other situation. Flashing the new father a simple 'sorry' smile and whisper, “You'll make a fine father.” The picture of the pack surrounding the pups was perfect as Naniko's cheerful howl perked his ears forward in anticipation of his own. Removing his large hand form the white males shoulder he smiling at the black alpha knowingly before raising his own muzzle to join in the song. His sweet tenor tones filled the room adding texture and depth to the already growing howl. Maybe he could make it up to Kansas by being a better protector for the newborns. His pride swelled in his chest as he thought about the job ahead. He knew one thing for sure: these pups were going to be loved.
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She couldn't believe it. She was a mother. Those squirming little bodies, she had made those. Made those with Kansas, the man she loved with all of her heart. The woman had dreamed of this day and now it was here and it was everything she had ever hoped it would be. Savina used to teeth to cut the cords still attached to her pups and then one by one moved them to lay at her side. Pink tongue ran gently over their bodies to clean them as they squeaked. Though to her those squeaks of her children sounded more like a chorus of angels. Shifting to lay on her side she nosed the three little bodies to her so they could start to nurse. Within just a few moments each were suckling quietly.
With that done she turned and buried her face in her mate's chest, the happy tears streaming from the corners of her eyes. "Kansas! Oh Kansas I'm so happy. Look at them...look at our children..." Her head moved to shower kisses on his face. Her gaze turned to look back at her three babes. "Yes...they're the most beautiful things I've ever seen..." Her voice was breathless, but held a certain strength to it. Then she gazed at all her family and loved ones that had gathered there to witness the event. Silently with her gaze she thanked them all, her jeweled orbs glimmering with love and tears. The howl that Naniko started and the rest joined made he heart and soul take flight. They had all come for her and for this family. It meant more to her than perhaps any of them would ever know.
The exhaustion of the process began to leak back into her bones and she laid her head against her mate. Once again she looked to her children, still suckling at her belly. They were so strong and healthy and she thanked the gods for their kindness. Not even a single stillborn pup. As far as she was concerned that was a miracle. Each one of them was a miracle. Savina looked back up to the man that held her heart. "I love you," she whispered. He had given her some of the best gifts she had ever or would ever receive, none of them material.
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Kansas continued to stare in Ember's direction, but he couldn't get her attention. He wasn't concerned, however; she would see them later. Kansas turned instead toward Naniko, who congratulated both him and Savina in her warm voice. She began a song, a celebration, a welcome to their puppies. Slowly, the wolves assembled joined in, their voices intertwining to create the most beautiful melody he thought he'd ever heard. For once, the pale boy felt as though nothing was wrong. The anxiety that usually hung onto him like a hungry tick was gone. Perhaps the support of Crimson Dreams was holding him higher than he'd ever stood, but he thought it was something more.
He barely noticed Jazper approaching to stand beside him. The large hand on his left shoulder surprised him, and he looked up at the man with questioning eyes. Jazper appeared apologetic, but Kansas only smiled. He wondered how painful it was to look upon something like this and know that it had slipped from your own grasp. As Jazper spoke, Kansas touched the hand on his shoulder and nodded. "Thank you," was all he could think to say, and was left to hope that Jazper knew he was forgiven.
He felt Savina's face in his chest and moved his hands to massage behind her ears, putting his lips atop her head. She was warm. She fell away from him, her soft tongue covering his face with kisses like candy. He didn't think it was possible to love her more, but he somehow did. "Yeah, and you... you did so well, baby." Yes, everything was all right. It always would be, now. Kansas had everything he wanted. "I love you, too..." He sat in front of her, so she might lay her head against his lap and sleep.
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