Blue Willow woke with a start and looked around bleary eyed, she was still disorientated and for a moment forgot where she was and wondered why her parents weren't next to her. Then as she blinked the gritty nighttime sand from her eyes her memory came back and she realized they were not with her and they would not be with her for sometime if ever again. She allowed herself a moment of self pity and indulgence, but soon gave her self a mental nudge and stood swiftly shaking the dew to the ground that decorated her pelt like a bunch of watery diamonds an adornment of shine. Today she was going to search around the local area and see what remains of plants and herbs could be found to use for her healing. She also wanted to speak with someone about where she was to stay, no one had told her or showed her and she supposed she could sniff out the smell of everyone, but she was unsure how well that would go since she did not know everyone's scent yet.
Blue Willow decided that today she would look around and try and pinpoint some local herbs and see if she could find some to stock up her medicines, though she would need to find a place to keep them. Another reason she would have to find someone to ask about a den or dens. She headed on her ways towards the large forest certain she had seen some remnants of where Sword fern would grow. she was excited now it was time to go on a mission.
Peregrine was on his way back to the den after a brief morning run when he spotted Blue Willow through the trees. Although impatient to get back to Hawkeye, a thought occurred to him and he swung toward the dark she-wolf and made an approach. He held his head and tail high as befitted his rank, although there was a little glimmer in Peregrine's eye that most other pack mates did not see. The Alpha male thought more highly of her than most others in the pack.
"Morning, Willow," he greeted with a chuff. "When I saw you just now, a thought popped into my head. Do you know of any herbs Hawkeye could take to help her conceive and bear a healthy litter? She'll soon be carrying my pups and I want the best for her—for them," he corrected, his face and voice softening slightly at the mention of his future puppies.
Blue Willow had been intent upon her search and was slightly startled at the chuff she heard, but she had to smile when she recognized Peregrine. She tilted her head and took on the submissive stance as she turned to look towards him. Her eyes were slightly filled with mirth at his stance, but none the less she was happy for him. He would make a good alpha she was sure, and perhaps his difference in leadership ways would help the pack and keep balance. "Hello Perry. was her soft response as she had turned.
She frowned in contemplation as she thought long and hard about his question. "Though I am still a little less than wise with all that is around here. Perhaps I can think of a few that would help. Let me think for a moment. As she sat there her brow furrowed as she mentally went through a list of plants in her head she began to speak in list form, "Columbine, no thats an aphrodisiac that's to induce the mood. Great Blue Lobelia can be used to keep the puppies from having growths on their body, but can only be consumed by the mothers in a limited amount. Prairie Dock if chewed can keep her belly settled as she will be nauseous, but again while she's pregnant not to help her get pregnant. Blue Vervain will help her produce more milk and it will increase your sex drive, but again limited use as can also cause litter death. Western Sword Fern will quicken labor when her time comes. As she continued her list she continued to categorize all the plants and she was also trying hard to remember where many of these might grow, in case Peregrine would want her to find some. She would have a hard time finding them right now, but soon yes soon she would be able to find more and there may still be some remnants of them somewhere. "I'm sorry Peregrine that's all I can think of. Nothing to help her get pregnant faster or ensure that it will be completely healthy conception. Does any of that sound like something she could use?
Peregrine wondered if Blue Willow would find the subject matter awkward. After all, they were discussing the fact that he and Hawkeye were actively trying to get pregnant. He felt no shame, however, and neither did she, it seemed. She answered both promptly and clinically, offering a whole myriad of options to try. Honestly, her reply both impressed and overwhelmed him.
"Well, first off, we won't be needing anything to help us get in the mood or heighten sex drive. We're okay in that department," he replied matter-of-factly, resisting the temptation to wink. "I don't want to mess around with anything that could risk harming the pups," he continued. "So none of that blue vervain stuff. I'd definitely like to have some prairie dock on hand, though. Will she definitely experience morning sickness...?" he wondered aloud.
When she apologized after all that, Peregrine snorted at her. "'That's all'?" he teased her in response. "That's more than enough. Also, I know there's going to be risks and all that, no matter what we do. I just want to keep mama and babies as happy and healthy as I possibly can, you know?" His dusky blue-green eyes sought hers for a moment, though he was sure she would look away soon enough.
In the next beat, the Alpha male wondered, "Have you ever assisted in birthing any litters, like a midwife?"
Blue Willow was not uncomfortable about the subject matter, because they were talking about healing. If Peregrine had been talking to her about sex and child birth and anything like that just as a topic it would have made her a little shy and quiet about it. However, since it was actually healing she was okay with it. She didn't realize that she had overwhelmed him and if she had known it would have made her feel very bad, she did not mean to overwhelm anyone, she just enjoyed sharing her knowledge often.
A small chuckle of mirth burst forth from the maw of Blue Willow at his comment about mood and drive. She was not looking at his face, but she had gained some insight into the other and she was certain he had probably refrained from winking, but it still made her smile as she was sure he would have on a normal basis and if he had known her a little longer. She nodded her head at his choice of abstaining from using blue Vervain, a good choice she thought. "Truthfully Peregrine it depends on the mother, some have no issues at all during the first little while while pregnant, others have to sleep all the time, some are sick and some are perfectly fine and go through conception, raising and labor without a hitch. However, she will be tired often, she will need to eat more, and she maybe very grumpy. She may even snap at you often and give you a hard time, you have to refrain from allowing that to bother you.
She offered him a small smile at his question. Truth be told she had been around while mothers were birthing, but she found out as she had grown that most females prefer to deliver on their own and rather have her outside the den in case of a need. She imagined that Hawkeye would be the same way, she seemed stubborn and resilient enough that she would want to do that on her own. She nodded at him once, "Yes I have been at birthings, but I must tell you Perry most females prefer to have their pups on their own, some of them do not even like their mates with them, that may be the case with Hawkeye and if you want to keep her calm, you may have to stay outside. I will be on hand if she should need me, but I will not step foot into the den unless she specifically asks.
Blue Willow assailed him with another slew of information, this time about Hawkeye's possible pregnancy symptoms. He listened very carefully, inwardly responding to each point she made. He would see that Hawkeye never wanted for rest, food or company; he would make himself available in all regards. And though he knew he had a relatively quick temper, he also knew he would rise to the challenge of keeping her comfortable and placated. It was his job, not only as her mate but as the father of their children and the fellow monarch of the pack.
"Oh, I know," he replied when she mentioned that many she-wolves preferred to whelp alone. "I was just curious, I guess. I remember my mom telling my dad to eat shit when she was giving birth to my younger siblings, among other things," he shared with a wry grin. "But I would like you nearby, just in case anything goes wrong... as long as Hawkeye's okay with it," he added.
Barely taking a breath, Peregrine continued to press Blue Willow for information, as she was very knowledgeable and seemed to enjoy answering his questions. "What about nursing? I mean, there are no other mothers in the pack, so what happens if we need a wet nurse? My mom had another female in the pack who helped her nurse her last litter, since she was getting old and wasn't producing quite enough milk. I don't think Hawkeye will have an issue with that but you never know." He paused, then wondered, "Is there an herb to promote lactation?"
Blue Willow did not doubt that Peregrine would make himself available to his mate at all times, but she hoped he would realize that sometimes he would need to let her alone. When some females were pregnant they were very cranky and did not like hovering. She supposed though that, that itself would be between the two of them. She did not see Hawkeye handling hovering very well, but then again she still did not know the alpha female very well.
Blue Willow nodded and laughed outright at his mother's words to his father. She had heard many females get very nasty throughout her 2 years, the first time she heard a female cursing at her mate. Her father had laughed at her wide eyed expression and took her for a walk to explain some of the delicate nature of birth. "yes if it is alright with Hawkeye I will stick close.
Blue Willow thought about the next question and said quietly, "the only one that I can think of right now is the blue Vervain which is safe in small quantities if needed. I do not know if it would work, but if there was a female willing you may even be able to see if a non-pregnant female would be willing to take a small dose to see if they would produce milk for the young, again I don't know if that would work or if it would even be safe. As long as she eats well, sleeps well and takes care of herself she should not have any issues producing milk.I'll continue to think though and inquire with some other healers if i can find them about any other plants that may help with that."
He would not consider the blue vervain, though Peregrine did not repeat this aloud. Again, he listened to Blue Willow, chewing thoughtfully on his lip as she regaled him with some suggestions. One ear splayed sideways as he gazed off into the forest, all the talk of Hawkeye making him miss her, even though they'd barely spent any time apart these past few days. He grinned lightly to himself, then faced the subordinate again.
"Sounds like a plan. I'll give her the best possible care," he said with determination. "And isn't it possible, on the topic of lactation, for another she-wolf to produce milk just because the Alpha female's going to have pups? I thought I'd heard about something like that before..." He murmured thoughtfully, then let the subject drop.
"So, have you spent much time around pups?" Peregrine queried in the next beat, making conversation rather than picking her mind as a healer, specifically. "I helped bring up my younger brothers and sister... or at least I like to think I helped. And there were some other pups I saw grow up, though I never really thought of having my own 'til I met Hawkeye..."
Peregrine did not need to tell Blue Willow that he would not try the blue vervain, she could tell from the look on his face and his conviction on the subject earlier that he would not. She did not blame him, she herself would not use it if she were expecting, there could be too many negative repercussions.
Blue Willow chuckled again and said quietly, "really Peregrine she does not need you to do more than feed her, let her sleep and let her rant and rave at you if the occasion calls for it. It is very rare for any real problems to happen. Don't get me wrong they do happen but not as often as perfectly normal births. She tilted one of her ears backward and thought long and hard about that question, she had heard of that before, especially if the other female could tell the alpha would not be able to care for the pups, which was sometimes the case. She began haltingly, "Yes I have heard of this, though it is usually in dire circumstance and somehow the other females body can tell milk is needed. I do not know how it works though.
Blue Willow looked wistfully off into the distance for a moment. "I suppose i spent enough time around them, granted with going from one pack to another i did not take constant care of pups, but I would when there were some about. I also helped my brothers when they came to visit and they would have one or two of their pups in their midst. I have always wanted my own, but i do not know if that is in the stars for me, we will see. If it isn't I will be content to help hawkeye and you with your pups if I am needed.
When Blue Willow spoke of her own desire for pups, Peregrine immediately thought, She'd make a great mom. She wasn't very dominant, though, which might mean she hovered around the lower ranks. Hawkeye surely wouldn't let a subordinate female breed. Peregrine imagined she wouldn't mind letting another she-wolf have a litter if she were the Beta or thereabouts, though he really didn't know. Still, he found himself hoping it would eventually happen for Blue Willow, though he supposed she would need to find a good mate first.
"I think you'd make a great mom," he said, giving voice to his thoughts, "and there's lots of eligible bachelors in this pack, including my very own brothers. Have you met Atticus or Crete?" An idea stuck him as Peregrine realized how compatible his eldest brother and Blue Willow might be; they were both very sweet-tempered wolves. "Let me introduce you to them sometime," the Alpha implored.
"And in the meantime," he voiced a moment later, "I'd be happy if you helped look after our pups, Willow. Of all the wolves in the pack, you're at the top of my list for babysitters when the lady and me need a night off," he quipped, favoring her with a wolfish grin he did not let many see.
Blue Willow did not assert her dominance to anyone, she did not feel the need too. She did have designs of her own to rise in the ranks at least a little more. She would love a healer co-rank, and she would like to share lore and history. You did not have to be aggressive to rise in the ranks, at least she did not think she would need to be. She knew how to spar, her father had taught her that as soon as she was able. He often would tell her as long as his little girl was on her own without a mate, she would know how to take care of herself, so that no pushy males thought they could take advantage. She had met a female once that that had happened to, the poor girl was afraid of her own shadow.
Blue Willow smiled at his compliment, she liked to think she would make a great mom as well. Coming from a wolf who had not known her for a very long time, it was very touching. She chuckled at his comment about his brothers. "I have met one of your brothers Crete, he helped me hunt for herbs. He is very nice and his nonverbal communication is superb, i had no problems understanding him at all. Other than that I have not met any wolves other than you, Hawkeye, Crete and Kuno. That's all at this moment. Truth be told she would like to get a little more established in the pack before she actively looked for a mate or anyone looked for one for her.
Blue Willow laughed at his wolfish grin, "WHy thank you Peregrine. As a matter of fact I've been meaning to ask and have not seen you or Hawkeye recently. Is there a certain place I need to put my den or can I make it anywhere in the territory and also my herbs that I will find and pick do i keep them in my den or do we have a medicinal cache somewhere? She looked at him a little sheepishly she had felt silly asking where to make her den, but she did not wish to make anyone upset and she knew some packs shared communal dens. She did not think her new pack was that way, but one could never really know unless you asked. Her father had always told her there was no shame in asking questions, he said it's how you become wise and learn.
The news that she'd met Crete made Peregrine's ears prick with interest. He shouldn't have dismissed his other brother so readily, he supposed, and it pleased him hearing that he'd had no difficulties communicating with Blue Willow. The Alpha's tail twitched approvingly, now matchmaking the two of them in his head... though he still thought Atticus might be a better match for her.
At her question, his expression became thoughtful. "I think you're welcome to make yourself a den wherever you like. I'm pretty sure there's no medical stash anywhere, so you should definitely get one started. I can help you, by the way, if you need some extra muscle," Peregrine offered.
"But, for now, I've got to get back to Hawkeye. It was nice talking to you, Willow, and I'm sure we'll see each other again soon." He didn't go so far as to nudge her, yet Peregrine gave her a companionable smile and a woof before he turned and continued his lope home to his mate.
Blue Willow did not think of her alpha matchmaking her. If she had known she would have told him to slow himself down, she barely knew any of the males in the pack. He was truly the only she had conversed with for a large amount of time on different occasions.
Blue Willow listened as he explained about the dens and that she could put one anywhere, she was thinking hard, now if only she could just find the perfect place. A place where the was water if she needed to steep her herbs, and some nice cover with trees and maybe some loamy soil, she had seen others plant herbs, she had never tried it, but she had seen it done. It looked as if all you would need was a hole, the whole plant including the root and water, yea she may even try that. She would make a medicinal cache, but she was also very positive that she would keep her own stores in her home so she could crush them if she needed too, a trick she had learned off of wandering healer SpottedFawn she thought her name was. Couldn't remember a hundred percent though. "Thank you when the occasion calls for it, i will get you to help me dig. You may be able to get down further than I.
Blue Willow gave him an answering woof and smile and watched as he headed towards his mate and she began to look for a new den in a fervoir of excitement.