Backdated to June 7th?
How would she hide it now? Her hips and abdomen had swelled up, the fur of her belly was thinning out. Even her scent would be enough to let the other wolves of the island know that she was pregnant. Takara already knew but her sweet Songbird would never betray the secret...
A secret she didn't want to keep. That morning she'd gone to mainland and after hours of tiring herself out and a miraculously lucky catch she made her way toward Hua's den carrying a plump gopher she'd snatched before it could run to it's hole. Standing outside the den she hesitated and then lifting her chin high despite the shaky nerves she dropped the prey and called out for the siren, unsure if she was inside or nearby.
going to assume this is before arcturus
She was watching over her cubs- some who played, some who slept, when a little call grabbed her. Huā kissed the forehead of the nearest pup, before sticking her head out of the den, and then her whole body. Minori- bringing a gift, and looking awfully plump for a general. Huā spent a painfully long moment looking her up and down with serious gaze- knowing what this was about now, but waiting for the woman to speak first. It was her news, after all.
Minori shifted uncomfortably as Hua looked her over eyes dropping to the sandy ground. How did she explain this? That she was a mature woman who should have known the consequences of her own body. "I didn't-" she paused her voice coming out shaky before she sighed softly "I didn't know that being in heat was what caused it. I..Ive only been with one man" it was true but her flushed hot with the embarrassment of it. "I'm pregnant...it won't slow me down at all I promise, I was active my entire pregnancy with..with Deku" the more she spoke the worse her shaking got until her tail tucked between her legs. "I'm so sorry, please don't make me leave. I haven't had a home in so long" and there it was, her voice cracked and tears filled her eyes spilling over onto the downy black fur of her cheeks.
Huā could only think of what Hydra might say about such an aged woman being unaware of the consequences of heat... and thankful Huā herself had learned in her first year of it. Minori revealed she had even been pregnant before, and the huángdì knew she ought to educate all before the next season, so as to avoid more surprises. Minori, however, was the jiangguan whose little surprises would be welcomed. When the general began to break, Huā came closer, nuzzling into the fur of her neck. Minori, no, I not make you leave. It okay, 宝贝,
She cooed gently.
Sniffling she tried not to stiffen at the woman's touch, still a reflex of too many years hardened by loss and betrayal. The comfort wasn't strange...she remembered Liri having offered it and Kavik...Corvus..softening she gently touched her nose to the woman's shoulder gratefully as she composed herself "You're kinder than others would have been. I promise I won't be lazy until...well until I have to" though her tone was still filled with the short burst of tears it was brighter and maybe a bit embarrassed after having blatantly broken down in front of someone who trusted her to ensure the strength of her pack.
Minori had ambition. She seeked to serve until she could serve no longer; promised Huā she would keep going however she could. The siren respected that drive; it was exactly why Minori was jiàngguān here. The woman seemed to compose herself again, and Huā pulled away from her fur to smile at her. I am proud of you, Minori. You have strong spirit... take easy on yourself. Okay?
She sighed, though the conflicts in the coming weeks would prove to make that request difficult.
The words sank themselves deep into her heart. When was the last time someone had told her they were proud?
"Minori I am proud of you. We couldn't have asked for a better daughter"
Her mother had been the last, the night that she'd lost everything and everyone from home. Warmth seeped through her, expression softening as she returned the smile and bowed her head humble before the sea queen. "Thank you" her usually gruff voice softened the femininity below the hardened surface showing as she let her guard down just a little more. Another leader that was kind and stronger than she seemed..much like Liri. This time Minori had no plans to abandon her friend, she'd be loyal to Yuelong even if she lost everything here too. "Easy isn't a word I know..but don't worry. I'll be safe" she teased the woman to lighten the mood before reassuring her that she'd be cautious. The memory of the stillborn girl who would have been Deku's sister haunted her every time she felt the smallest bit of sickness. "How are you doing?" she wanted to check in on the woman, she hadn't seen too much of her since her children had been introduced to the pack and that fun game of hide and seek had been shared.
Minori seemed to soften, dipping her head in a thank you and a bow. But at the comment easy isn't a word I know, Huā chuckled for a moment. Undeniably, Minori was incredibly hardworking, and Huā knew it would be difficult to keep a woman like her coped up in the den. When questions were turned back on Huā, she flattened her ears shyly to her head. Uhh... so busy, and tired. I am sure you experience it before,
Huā chuckled with the new knowledge that Minori had mothered before. And being leader, doing so much at once... it is stressful. But also, I love it. I think until I have children, I do not know real happiness.
She sighed dreamily- and for her, that was the truth. There was nothing that lit up the world like her son and daughters.
Minori nodded. She did understand the exhaustion. Back in Shadewood Keep she'd been doing a majority of what she could of the actual hard work while Cry waltzed around keeping secrets and talking to other packs. Gwen...she'd been pregnant. Her heart stung at the reminder and she covered it with a gentle smile at the dreamy sigh, a soft laugh leaving her maw "I know that all to well. It was the same with me" Deku. She remembered how he'd looked like a panda cub instead of a wolf pup...how he'd grown into a wide eyed gentle soul filled with wonder. He'd reminded her so much of Tadashi that raising him...it was a joyous experience for the short time it had lasted. For a moment there was a flash of pain and she inhaled almost daring to Hua that holding tight to them would be the most important part for as long as a child would allow it and then stopped herself "I think a mother is unable to not love her child" she said instead ducking her head and wondering for the billionth time as of late where her firstborn had gone.
wanna close this? :D
Minori knew it all, as Huā suspected. Here they could bond- mothers side by side, one experienced, one not, but the same in the desires for their children and family- safety, happiness.
I think a mother is unable to not love her child.
Huā nodded, feeling a strong emotion as Minori ducked her head. What was this feeling? It was the purest, most real kind of love she had ever felt- only Haoming, Luli, Xiao and Nüwu could bring that kind of joy. She knew it must be the same for Minori, this Deku certainly held her love wherever he went... and though she was curious where this son was, she would not ask. Minori was an aged woman, whose children might very well be adults themselves- and the empress would not pry.
She pulled back, planting a polite kiss on the crown on the general's dipped forehead.
I know you will be amazing mother. Just tell me, if whenever you need help, I will be here.
Huā reminded her, smiling gently.
Whether it was the relief of being supported in her pregnancy by her leader and someone she was starting to consider a friend or the fact that this pregnancy would be a rough one the entire way, Minori felt exhausted. As Hua raised her muzzle to give her an unexpected kiss Minori felt her cheek fur flush and though she gave Hua a grateful touch of her nose to the cheek she backed away with a swaying tail feeling warmed by the gesture of affection and ready for a nap.
"I will. The same to you" she dipped her head and murmured a farewell before turning and heading back to her own den.
Yes I'm so sorry this took so long!