Stavanger Bay If the world seems cold to you, kindle fires to warm it.

Julooke partially laid outside her and Verrine's den. It was early morning and the sun was shining brightly. She took advantage of it, soaking it up. She felt a little better today. Her neck wasn't as sore, her ankle was healing well, and her spirits were up. She still felt nauseous and hungry at the same time, and she couldn't figure out why that was even a symptom. Maybe it had to do with the fact she hadn't eaten well the first few days after her attack. Still, that was several weeks ago.

She hadn't been sleeping well since her attack, which could have been the reason she dozed off this early morning. The night was pitch black as Julooke's paws pounded into the sand, the waves deafening in her ears. Her sides heaved with exertion as she ran with all her might. When her head turned to look behind her, there were only the stark white eyes that haunted her almost every night. They were gaining on her, coming closer and closer. She tripped, tumbling head over paws. She looked up just as the eyes were coming down up on her. With a whine, she awoke, startled as her head jerked up and her eyes looked around. She whined again as she tucked one paw under her chest and laid had head down on the ground. She wished she had some company. Lately, she really hated being alone for any length of time.

Nerain was lost in a sea of emotions, though one thing was for certain her duties to the pack and even to life itself were renewed in her, She had slowly been loosing herself in many more ways then one, and in truth even though she now had direction she was more confused then ever.

Nerian was taking it upon herself to check the caches but something else caught her eye, an old friend. Jalooke Nerain called warmly as she moved closer to Jalooke her tail waving gently. Her face fell for a moment before she picked up her neutral expressionless mask and hid her fear for Jalooke behind it. Is there anything I could do for you my friend?

A familiar voice reached her ears, and her head raised. Her tail wagged in a friendly greeting as she sat up when Nerian approached. Hey, Nerian, she replied. Her personality usually dictated that she be friendly with most, but this situation was a little difficult when it came to Nerian. Julooke knew Ragnar had taken her as a second wife, and that it was causing Thistle quite a bit of heartache. Julooke was loyal to Thistle, and wasn't sure if befriending Nerian was breaking the bond she had with Thistle since they hadn't talked about it. Julooke hadn't really hung out with Nerian since she first joined, so it wasn't surprising that they topic of their own friendship hadn't come up. It left Julooke feeling confused on how she should react with Nerian.

On the fly, she figured being nice to Nerian would be better than shunning her. If Thistle got upset, she would explain, and hopefully her friend would understand. Nerian asked if there was anything she could do, and Julooke smiled. I need a little company, she replied. I've been recovering, and cranky and bloated and nauseous and hungry, and I think Verrine needs a break from me, she added with a chuckle.

I hope it's okay to jump in here with the two ladies :)

Thistle was near Julooke on her way to check on her, when she heard Nerian's voice reach her ears. Knowing that she needed to be kind and truth be told she did like Nerian she just didn't like the situation she was in. She chuffed to both of them, giving Nerian a soft brush of her muzzle into her shoulder to tell her it was okay she was not exactly angry anymore hurt yes, angry no.

Thistle chuckled as she heard her friend describe her symptoms and she shared a look with Nerian, though truth be told she was the only one who had ever bore a litter so they both may not know what was going on. She wondered My dear those symptoms are not from your attack of that I can assure you.

Nerian's face softened into a welcoming smile when Thistle came over, the warmth from Thistle's casual touch drew a quiet inhale from Nerian. She reached over and gave Thistle a quick gentle lick behind her ear before she quickly turned to gaze to Jalooke.

Nerian's eyes widened, having been off on her own sulking while her heat passed she had missed a fair bit Attack?? She sputtered aghast at the thought of her first and probably only friend outside Ragnar and Thistle. Sad as that was since she neglected any kind of relationship with Jalooke.

Nerian tucked her toes into the ground and shook herself just slightly, regaining her composure and throwing up her neutral face expression, afraid to give hints of her emotions. this was probably due in part by her time in odin's cove when she was left behind. Emotions good or bad had earned her consequences the scars below her pelt were minute due to her own healing abilities. But they were there nonetheless the largest was the one behind her left shoulder blade thought flat enough not to ruin the contours of her pelt.

She pictured that night the night she left to find Ragnar, torn and bloodied attacked for the last time, she had escaped with the aid of another, only due to her passive aggressive actions did nothing else happen to her that night. Those memories haunted her as she looked at Jalooke hoping that her pregnancy was not from that 'attack'

Could someone enlighten me as to what happened? Nerian requested with what she hoped was a neutral voice

Julooke smiled as Thistle came into view, joining the duo. She was anxious, though, about how she might react towards Nerian. Apparently, though, there was nothing to worry about, as Thistle gave Nerian a friendly, familiar brush of her nose to her. Julooke's ear swiveled as she realized Thistle did not give her the same greeting, but she tried not to read too much into it. She knew she had Thistle's friendship, and the two other female being friends didn't change that.

It was quickly forgotten, though, replaced with confusion as Thistle told her the symptoms were not due to her attack. As Thistle was the healer of the pack, Julooke took her opinion very seriously when it came to her health. What are they from? she asked, her expression clearly conveying her confusion. Her ear swiveled to Nerian when she asked her question, but her focus was on Thistle. Not wanting to be rude by ignoring her second question, so Julooke reluctantly turned her attention away from Thistle and to Nerian. Several weeks ago, during that super moon, I was attacked on the beach by another wolf, she replied, preferring to keep the explanation simple. Besides, there wasn't much more to say.

Thistle came closer to Julooke and checked her throat seeing that it was fine she gave her friend a small nudge as well and a gently chuff of greeting. She had not wanted to touch her until she was certain that her wound could handle it. She sat down and smiled gently at her friend only to chuckle then.

You my dear are pregnant and I imagine you and Verrine should have children of your own soon enough. Clearly since that attack did not hurt your abdomen or any other areas, just your neck you should be fine as well as your children. However, i should bring you some ginger for your nausea and rasberry too Thistle gave Nerian a small smile too, hoping to make her feel a bit better, the male had not done anything else to Julooke, he had just attempted to rip her throat out, and had not succeeded, but she did know that Much abuse had befallen Nerian except for rape and she did not wish to allow such terrible memories to overtake her sister wife.

Nerian nodded in agreement, in her nervousness of pregnancy and pups she began to babble. The female body is a wondrous thing, able to protect the unborn children within against great odds, and though I have not been pregnant before Thistle is right everything you describe is likely from your pregnancy. Your body is working against itself, drawing everything into your pups. Causing you to need nourishment while your pups take up so much room you feel nauseous and bloated. At least that is what I have been told.

Mint leaves might settle your stomach but if you have not eaten then you might not want to swallow the leafs just spit them out plant matter and an empty stomach do not go well together.

Nerian paused a moment then smiled, hiding her nervousness below her quest for knowledge. oh! Oats and the Oat Straw it's Rich in calcium and magnesium which is good for your pups and the oats straw helps relieve anxiety or stress, so it might help you feel better all the way around, Did you want me to find you some? I'd even venture to the hotsprings and make you a tea though it'll be a cold tea by the time I get it back but it'll be more palatable that way. Nerian nudge Jalooke's cheek gently and whispered and before you say anything, Do not think you are putting me out, if I wasn't prepared to do these things I would not offer it.

Nerian really wanted to feel useful as of late she felt like she was a nusience to everyone, it was rather awkward for her, to get away even for a few hours would be wonderful for her. not that she needed an excuse to leave, she just wanted the excuse.

Julooke smiled and her tail wagged as Thistle came over to check her wounds, giving her a nudge in greeting. She might have been a little too happy about getting the same greeting as Nerian, but, oh well. Julooke was usually happy anyways.

Her eyes stopped just short of bulging out of her skull. She was pregnant?! She could hardly get past the revelation that she had Verrine's pups growing in her belly, when both Thistle and Nerian began saying what they could bring her things to help her symptoms. Julooke sat there, smiling, off in her own little world. She was pregnant. Her gaze moved upwards, to Thistle and then Nerian, and then back to Thistle. I'm pregnant, she said in a happy daze. She hadn't really heard any of the conversation, but she wasn't trying to be rude. She was simply in a glorious shock.

Suddenly, she dipped her head and lifted one front leg to get a better view of her belly. How many do you think are in there? she ask, not directing the question to one particular female. I wonder if they'll be boys or girls. Or both! she said, looking at her belly a little funny. She had never had anything interesting in there before.

Thistle listened as Nerian babbled and she stared at her, realizing she was very, very nervous. Would she be able to have her own pups come the time without falling apart, she certainly hoped so. There were so many hormonal imbalances when you were pregnant. She worried for her sister wife.

Thistle smiled and spoke softly You will have to take someone with you Nerian though, remember Ragnar said no woman or child out without an escort. I can go with if you like? She grew quiet then and turned blue gaze towards Julooke and listened to her babble in excitement.

Thistle chuckled at Julooke and dipped her muzzle to her, There could be anywhere from 1-4 your first time, there have been cases of many more, but those seem to be the norm. and perhaps you have one of each or two of each wouldn’t that be wonderful. She grew quiet then, and just listened her tail swishing across the ground.

fading Nerian here just seems right for my poor priestess. Jalooke I owe you another thread very soon. being married is a brand new thing to Nerain with lots of mysteries

Nerian took two steps backward and fell down upon her rump. The healer part of her brain could no longer offer her a place to hid behind, her knowledge was not being heeded, so now her mind was free to wander.
How could Jalooke not have known? Could she be Pregnant? She and Ragnar had... but she wasn't in heat. Right? The season did go away on it's own.... she didn't need the blue herb to do that here in this land? The other wolves got over it in time. Nerian's breathing quickened slightly she too stared at Jalooke's belly.

Nerian didn't hear or heed Thistles advice, she needed to get away suddenly. The blank look on her face did nothing to add to the confusing words she spouted uh... I need to uh get.... somethings...

Nerian stood spun and darted off without listening to another word. Putting as much space between her and Jalooke's belly as possible

Would love another thread! <3

Julooke had been in a daze for a few minutes after Thistle had given her the great news. She hadn't realized she was being rude, and ignoring Nerian's thoughtful offer of help. Thistle said she could have as many as four babies! Her eyes widened as she looked at her belly. I could have four? she asked, awed.

Her head came up when Thistle reminded Nerian that they were not to go out alone, her ears swiveling as she frowned. That order was because of her attack. She hated being reminded of it, but eventually she would need to realize that it was a part of her life now, and she would just need to get past it. She realized, though, that Thistle's reminder was because Nerian had offered help. The words had gotten through some part of her brain. Before Nerian could go off, Julooke turned to her, Oh, Nerian! Wait! I would really appreciate yours and Thistle's help, she said, glancing to Thistle, and then back to Nerian. I'm kinda nervous about this since it's my first time, she admitted. She hoped Nerian hadn't taken her lapse of attention personally.

Nerian made her departure and Julooke turned back to Thistle. So, what all do I need to know about being pregnant? she asked. It was a loaded question, one to which she didn't think there was a short answer to. But, Julooke wanted to be prepared for what was to come.

Thistle chuckled at the girl as she looked at her belly. She shook her head laughing Well Yes Julooke you could have 4 I had 3 remember. She grew quiet then, letting Julooke take it in, this was a lot to take and she didn’t want to intrude on the happy feeling of elation the girl felt. In a sense Thistle wished she had been as awed and elated, but she had been far to scared and unsure if she could keep them to be elated and happy about it. Yes she had been happy, but it had been a reserved happiness, she hoped her next pregnancy if she had one would be better, she still wasn’t sure what was going to happen with their triad in time. Not being able to shake the feeling of one day perhaps being replaced.

Thistle watched Nerian leave with concern on her face. This was the second time the femme had practically fled at any talk of pups. She would have to speak of Ragnar about it, she would not allow him to impregnate Nerian if she didn’t want it, it wasn’t fair. She wasn’t sure if Nerian would be strong enough or even brave enough to speak up about it. She hoped so, she really did, because frankly it wasn’t her place, and it would just upset Ragnar anyway, Nerian could do no wrong in her husband’s eyes and she didn’t want to be on the receiving end of that argument again.

Thistle chuckled well you will be sick and sore and a little out of sorts at first. I will give you ginger for that. As time progresses you will begin to grow large and trust me your center of balance is all messed up, and your walk will turn into a waddle. Do you remember how large I got? Yes It will be interesting. Eventually you will feel them move, as time moves on I can explain the weeks and symptoms to you I don’t want to over load you today. And when it comes time to birth them, it will be very painful my friend ,but you will get through it, females have been doing this for years. And I will be here to to help you every step of the way.

Thistle reminded her that she had three pups her first litter, and Julooke grinned sheepishly. Sorry, my brain is just... overwhelmed, I guess, she said. Sure, she and Verrine had talked about having puppies and tried to get pregnant, but realizing that she was actually pregnant was just... awe-inspiring for her. It was so unknown and new, and she knew it would completely change her life.

Her ears perked and her eyes settled on her friend as she told Julooke of what she could expect. She was already experiencing the feeling of sickness, and couldn't wait to feel them move. Giving birth, though, scared her. Do you think you could be nearby, in case... anything goes wrong? As far as she knew, Thistle's birth had gone well, but Julooke was afraid something would go wrong and she or Verrine wouldn't know what to do. If Thistle was nearby, though, it would put her mind more at ease.

Thistle chuckled and nodded her head It is fine, I do not expect you to be perfectly okay with this, as a matter of fact if you weren't overwhelmed or scared I would be worried, but this is normal. She grew quiet wondering briefly at how she would feel when Nerian grew pregnant knowing who was the father and how it had happened and suddenly she felt sick to her stomach and dizzy clearly she wasn't as okay with all this as she had thought she was. However, as far as outward appearances go you couldn't tell, she was doing very well lately at schooling her entire expression, something else that was taken from her, her readable face.

Thistle smiled and nodded of course i'll be near as long as you want me to be, though instinctual most females do not want anyone near, sometimes not even their mates. She would be there if Julooke wanted her too be, but sometimes instincts overrode what you wanted.