Gyrfalcon's Keep 5,000,000,000 years

As Olive’s due date continually crept closer, she felt more and more restless. Not only did her bladder keep her on the move, always seeking the minimal amount of relief that it allowed her, but the lives within her womb had quickened and moved ceaselessly, dancing tangos upon her ribcage and seemingly hugging her from inside her body. It was uncomfortable and made the normally lithe shewolf feel ungainly, but she ultimately enjoyed the experience of pregnancy. It vitalized her and she relished the closeness to her babies for these last two weeks. Once she gave birth, the relationship she had formed with her pups would change entirely.
 
A thought that continually plagued her was her penchant for travel and wandering. Olive had been worried that her matehood with Dakarai would impede her wayfarer ways, but he proved to be a supporter rather than a hindrance [but she doubted they would leave the confines of the coast for a long while following their escapades in the flatlands].  But, these babies – they needed her within the security of the forest and the domain of her family. They would be so small and so vulnerable, needing the milk and the motherly warmth that only she could provide. Yes, Olive doubted she would even leave her den, nonetheless the forest…. But this truly did not bother her. There was one reason these thoughts plagued her so: she felt a part of herself changing. Scouting would always be part of her soul [and yes, the expansion of Teaghlaigh’s membership meant there were more souls to act as caretaker in her stead], but the proximity and care of the babies – the lives she created from nothing but Dakarai’s seed – proved much more invaluable to her.  They always would.
 
There was another thought that Olive ruminated upon – the matter of birth. The ingénue had never experienced it, had never assisted in a birth, had not seen one before, had never discussed it with another woman – nothing. Her vagrant life prior to Teaglaigh meant she never encountered such a thing, and her pregnancy thus far had been quick and tumultuous.   All she knew of the experience was that it was painful and sometime the mother and her babes died as a result of the struggle. Olive wanted womanly guidance, but didn’t know where to find it within Ravensblood Forest. Both Dakarai and Arturo had sired litters before, but they were men and couldn’t possibly understand the intimate experience she was undergoing – and the delicate sense of uncertainty that came with it.
 
With these thoughts in mind, Olive climbed the heights of Gyrfalcon’s Keep, utilizing the small path that she had located with the man Howl [once upon a time]. Whereas the other side of the diminutive peak was broken, rocky and infested with predatory birds, this side was significantly greener… and continually grew more so, as winter faded into the warmth of spring. The inactivity of living creatures allowed small shrubs and autumn plants to grow around the rocky terrain, holding the earth in place. Not only would the flora provided a sturdy foothold, but was much more scenic. The route would take a deft foot and keen eye to navigate, but was not impossible for the small woman’s nimble paws and proved to be much safer. That’s what Olive desired above all – safety for herself, her babies, her husband and her family. The sylph had risked it all and almost lost, but this second chance would not be wasted.

Olive let out a single, deep exhale as she crested the keep, the stale air of the past rushing from her lungs. Then, she breathed in the fresh air that the elevation provided, enjoying it for the last time in a long while.

Kalika was off again on her daily travels, having gone from the islands to the mainland and down the coast to stroll through the forest. Here, it was easier to tell that spring had arrived, as the brisk winds of the Sea weren't present to give the illusion of winter's final stride. A low song rang from her lips as she travelled with long strides between trees and beneath branches, around bushes and over patches of buds. Kalika enjoyed being in such a serene setting, though she knew that she wouldn't be able to stay away from the harsh conditions of the seaside for long. 

As she turned a corner, her head raised high and her tail even higher, she spotted a bloated woman, obviously with child. A smile curled across her maw as she approached, albeit slowly and with great caution so as to not frighten the expecting mother. Once Kalika was close enough, she lowered herself to level the playing field and barked a greeting. Hello, she cooed, waiting for the other's reply.

Cool air in, warm air out. in, out. inhale, exhale. repeat. repeat. repeat.

The air was still, save for the current created by the gentle puff of her lungs. Winter had quelled its fury for the time being, giving way to the first signs of the springtime. Life abounded around them, and even then, under their feet, small plants sprouted and curled in the cracks the ice left in the fragile limestone. It was siow and steady, unhurried. Here, Olive felt the serenity of that darkness afforded, even though it was the middle of an early spring afternoon and the sun shone brightly on their shoulders. It all felt so light up here, so free, and Olive easy shed her troubles and cast her woes to the base of the rocky keep.

There was a small bark and Olive’s castaway gaze was thrown towards the visitor — curiosity flashed across her features, as the druid had assumed she would be alone in her endeavors. But every so often the universe would throw someone Olive’s way and she would meet them by chance on this summit, and they were all fascinating. Not a moment did Olive spend thinking about her vulnerability in such an enciente state, or that the woman was a stranger and smelled strongly of the ocean, or that a stranger was in such a close proximity to Ravensblood Forest. Instead of appraisal and questioning, the seraph offered pleasantries; she gathered her virile figure and drew several steps closer before dipping a creamy snout in greeting.

“Greetings,” Olive responded, voice like spun silk against their still and silent milieu. Olive had no where to be, nowhere to go, so she gladly handed Kalika the relaxed reigns of their interaction.

Not only did the woman carry herself with great poise, but she projected her voice with that same grace. Kalika's grin only grew as their greetings were properly exchanged, though she remained standing rather than taking the chance to sit as she might have preferred. Though a heavily pregnant wolfess didn't seem like much of a threat, one couldn't be too sure.

Kalika nodded toward the sylph's bloated waist with a slight whine, though of interest rather than displeasure. It's a miracle, isn't it? Though still too young to carry her own children, the Siren often thought about what it might be like to one day be a mother. Perhaps in the next spring's breeding ritual, Akantha would choose her to bring her own daughters into the world.

I am Kalika, ambassador of Nereides. You are?

The girl commented on her arctiform body, ripe and ready for childbearing. How could she not? It was an undeniable fact, and honestly — Olive liked talking about. She was already a proud mother, proud of what she had created… proud of what she and Dakarai created. She wondered what they would be like, what their children would talk about and what they would skilled in. Olive harbored a sense of hope that they would become naturalists like she was and proficient storytellers like their father, and that they would not mince words and wouldn’t challenge their liturgy and unabated belief in the universe. With all these hopes, Olive welcomed any opportunity to think about the unabated joys of life, instead of the all-consuming tragedies that occurred so often.

“Yes,” she said simply, despite the intense feelings she felt within. Olive swung her head down to look upon her belly and smile. Then, she looked back up to Kalika and canted her head at the unknown word. 

“Nereides?” she questioned, having never heard that sound uttered before. It was clear that this was Kalika’s pack or family, but Olive thought she already knew of all the packs in the area — or lack thereof. There had been Donnelaith, but the forest burned; there had been Blackrock Depths, but their leadership failed; there was a new group situated on the cliffs though Olive knew relatively little about them (she had been adrift in the wilds since their appearance on the coast). But the Nereides? How had a new group immigrated, and she knew nothing about it? Hopefully Kalika would explain further, but for not Olive would continue to exchange their pleasantries. “Olive, of Teaghlaigh. We occupy the forest just northeast of here.” Olive signaled with a flick of her chin, for there was no use hiding their residence. Kalika likely had already detected the borders at some point [since they were so very close]. The bleeding treetops were easily visible from their elevation, too.

Kalika found that attraction she felt with Olive beginning to grow with each moment. Though she was reserved (as she had every right to be), she was kind and amiable as Kalika wished to be. We are a small band of wolves settling farther down the coast. We are new to the area, which might explain why you haven't met our leader yet. Consider this an informal greeting from our members to yours. She gave a bow of her head and a childish chortle, though she tried to keep it professional.

Olive bobbed her head as Kalika spoke, drinking in every word. Olive had become something of a scout during her time with Teaghlaigh, with her penchant for travel and zeal for connectedness [much good it had done her]… but surely this news would impress Arturo and he might tell his poílin that she dd something good, so the woman would be remiss to forget a since word this Nereides woman spoke. It was possible that he already was aware, but Olive wouldn’t have known —  Arturo hadn’t spoken much to her lately, and with good reason: ceannasach was angry she might have brought the wrath of Blackfeather Woods down upon them [a possibility that had yet to become a reality]. To be transparent, Olive had been avoiding Arturo too, and with good reason: she was apprehensive about her family’s safety while living within Arturo’s bleeding forest. Olive, but it was a threat that she never truly shrug off. How could he call her family, yet threaten her in such a macabre manner? But — if it turned out that his threats were hollow and no harm befell her or Dakarai or her babies, some serious relationship-mending and trust building would need to take place, seeing as both parties were at fault. Perhaps the news of this maverick group would aid in the matter of reconciliation. 

“And ours to yours,” she reciprocated with a demure tip of her hat. Then, Olive’s ashen ears flicked forward with profound interest. “From where did your group come? Did you travel far?” her voice was bright, curious about their origins of their faction. Olive was truly a world citizen, eagerly imbibing different cultures and learns to appreciate all.  It was for this reason that exploration, travel and reconnaissance.

We have come quite a ways, yes. Kalika nodded her head and stood to turn, hearing the coast angrily twist and turn in the distance. She was needed back home, which meant that this meeting would have to come to a halt. I'm afraid I'll have to leave. But I would love to meet with you and your pack again. Giving a polite nod and a flick of her tail, Kalika was on her way back up to the Nereides.

Olive nodded, not entirely surprised at her cohort’s flighty exit. Not all wolves were as comfortable on their feet and away from home as the pale sylph was… and it seemed as if Kalika had quite a ways to go before reaching her exotic islands. “Until we meet again,” Olive bade the girl as she wove her way to where sea met land.  Olive turned back to the summit so loved so dearly and wondered how she could use this new information to crawl back into Ceannasach’s good graces. If only the news of the Nereides clan would make her appear useless and worthy of his confidence! Until she brought it up to him, Olive would not know is Arturo already knew of the wolves upon the islands — she was disgraced and was no longer privy to such confidential briefings. It hurt, but the stars always whispered that her isolation would not last long.