Wolf RPG

In an attempt to uproot a nettle plant so that he could carefully try to use its prickly leaves, Skáld had been digging, but paused the moment his claws hooked on a rock with a slippery surface. Carefully, he pulled the dirt away, moving the plant to the side so he could see more clearly what it was that he'd found- as he had found one very similar before, long ago, and had given it to Tauris. He carefully excavated the stone, and once it was free of the earth, he could see the glint of semi-opaque stone, with hard, flat sides. 

Assuming that it was the same kind of stone he'd found before, he took it to the closest bank of the stream and carefully placed it in the water. There, he rolled it around. It stirred yup a bit of dirt from the bottom, but also loosened the earth that had been stuck to the sides of the gemstone. Once it was pulled from the water, and placed on a broad, flat leaf, he could pat away the residual droplets of dirty water to reveal the gleaming stone. 

Another quartz- this one about the size of his paw, multi-faceted, and mostly clear. A hint of amethyst purple blossomed in its interior. He thought to gift it to Tauris as well- but then he remembered that @Gunnar and @Taktuq had had children recently, and while it would not be useful to them...He thought it might at least be a pretty gift. 

He'd given them space, not wanting to crowd the new family- but now, with a handsome gem in his mouth, he wondered if his visit might be welcomed- and if he might catch a glimpse of one of the four new children.

IT had not gone unnoticed to the patriarch that the young boy found himself around the nettle plant. If he were to get the proper training. He would be a wonderful healer. of that Gunnar was absolutely certain.


Gunnar was laying partly in the sun and partly in the den when Skald came upon him. Tucked tightly to his chest was the young pup Sven. He rumbled a soft greeting to Skald and motioned for him to come closer.

I can't lift my paws up too much from this little one. Would you like to see him?

Skáld hadn't noticed the pup at first when he'd caught sight of Gunnar, but he pushed his whiskers forward, sniffing at the air when he realized that Kvarsheim's Faðir wasn't alone. The curly fur at the nape of the yearling's neck lifted in surprise as he approached, his lips softening to cover the gem in his mouth almost completely. His ears perked and he tilted his head when he was invited closer, and he approached with careful caution. 

He didn't expect the kid to jump up or do anything sudden, but Skáld had never seen a puppy before, nor could he remember what other kids his age even looked like. He'd grown up being the baby, and until he saw just how truly tiny Sven was, he'd still considered himself to be the kid of the pack. Now, he felt uncomfortably large- and wasn't even sure how he could get close to something so small without worrying about doing something wrong. 

So he dropped carefully to his belly and edged forward at a crawl, watching Gunnar's expression carefully for any signs that he should halt. He carefully placed the gemstone on the ground, and looked at the tiny, dark grey pup with glistening eyes.

Gunnar smiled as Skald was as cautious as he could be. And he made a mental note to ask the boy to watch the babies when they were a tad older. He'd probably make a wonderful caretaker. He looked at the gem that lay by him, but chose not to comment on it yet. Instead he had an idea.

Would you like to hold him? You'll have to keep him very warm. He's still too little to be able to regulate his tempature and even with as warm as it is outside a breeze can make him sick. This is Sven.

Gunnar would wait for the boys ascent, but he doubted Skald would say no. And if he did well that was okay too. But Gunnar wanted to share this with him. Let him know he was still as loved as his siblings were and that he would be important to them as well.

There are four UJurak, Astrid, Kristjan and Sven.

Skáld's eyes widened when an offer was made and at first he tensed and shook his head urgently. No, he did not want to hold the child- not while it was so small, so vulnerable. When Gunnar mentioned that a mere breeze could kill the child, he was even less enticed to want to hold him. What if he was too cold in comparison to Gunnar? He would not want to hold Sven for a moment, only for him to become sick and die!

He did come closer, though- wanting to get a better look at the boy. His ears perked when he was told that Sven wasn't the only one- and that there were four! He breathed, making a light, pleasantly surprised sound. He was too intrigued by the tiny creature to fully consider how his role in the pack would have to change, in order for these new children to flourish. 

"Four children...Are they all small like this?" He asked.

Gunnar smiled. Not upset in the least. Not everyone was comfortable sround little ones when they were so small.

Babies were hardier than most believed and Gunnar supposed he shouldn't of said he could get sick. But he wanted Skald to know. That yes you could hold csre but caution was always needed.

Gunnar nodded. Yes all small. But they will grow faster than you can imagine.

The closer he got, before he settled alongside Gunnar, the more he wished he’d taken Gunnar up on his offer. Sven looked even smaller now, but soft- and there was something about the way he smelled that lured Skáld right in and made him want to hold him and kiss his baby-soft fur. 

”How long until he can walk? Open his eyes and play?” He asked, still mesmerized.

Gunnar saw him watching and smiled. Are you sure you don't want to hold him? I'll be right here to help you.

Gunnar shifted so the child's face was a little more visible woth his tiny features and closed eyes. But his nose twitched in sleep and every so often his little mouth would open.

In about a week or two his eyes will open and probably a week or so after that he can walk as his siblings can.

Gunnar eyes went back to the small gem. What did you find?

Another opportunity came up, and Skáld hesitated, before he very shyly nodded. He scooted very close to Gunnar and lay down just the way Gunnar had been laying. He nodded again, making sure he was comfortable, creating just enough space between his forelegs so that the child could be cradled there, though he hoped Gunnar would do the lifting himself.

The children would grow in a matter of weeks then, it seemed. Sweet moments like this, where they were tiny and helpless, would not last long. He felt relieved to know he had done the right thing. 

The gem-

”Quartz!”

Gunnar gently lifted the child and lay him in the cradle of forelegs and paws Skald had made. And he was so pleased and proud at how sweet and careful he was with his little brother.

Sven curled into the chest fur of his brother oblivious, simply seeking safety and warmth. Which the elder boy provided readily. A small noise of delight and then little snores curled among the space.

Quartz. Where did you find it? Its quite pretty. The sun catches it so beautifully.

Holding his little brother for the first time was something he would never forget. While he had always been a homebody, he felt himself become even more attached to his homeland, now that he had siblings once more. And this time, they were younger- they could not simply get up and walk away. They would not disappear on him. Children, he thought, were safe.

”By water,” He said though he could not tear his eyes away from the soft puppy resting between his forelegs, gently cuddled there. ”Found purple for Tauris, too.” He said quietly. He lowered his muzzle to muzzle Sven, inhaling his scent as one more sniff a bouquet of flowers.

Skald was lovestruck and Gunnar felt his throat tighten up at it. So glad he could witness this. His heart felt full and he had to blink a few times to keep the tears at bay.

Gunnar chuckled. Would you like to keep an eye on the babies now and again. When Taktuq or I or both of us need a break?

He hoped he would choose to do so. He felt Skald would be a good caretaker.

Gunnar’s pride would go unnoticed for the time being, simply due to the overwhelming desire Skáld felt to watch Sven for every single moment. When he did look up, his glance was fleeting, as though he feared he might miss one single breath or hiccup. Every moment was precious, now that he understood why it meant to no longer be a child, but to hold one. 

He would mourn his own youth another day, perhaps- but he intended to celebrate these new children as much as he could. 

The offer Gunnar made flattered him deeply and awoke within him, at last, a calling. ”Oh, please!” He cried softly, still not knowing whether the slumbering child could hear him. ”I will learn all there is to know,” He uttered, a heartfelt promise he intended to keep.

Skald continued to look at Sven. His eyes growing wide and misty. IT was so sweet to watch. Skald was going to be a great big brother. This was evident.

Gunnar gave a small nod. Then we will make sure to ask you. For now when you watch them. They just must stay warm. As they get older you will learn more. But for now. Simply warmth until their eyes open and they start moving around.

Gunnar touched a paw to the older youth's shoulder and then gave a soft little chuckle. I am very proud of you, Skald. You are already a great big brother.

Warmth. The first thing he could offer the child was simply to keep him warm and thus far, he felt he could handle that. He did not squeeze the child too tight, but lowered his muzzle so that the warmth of his breath could fan over the child’s shoulders as well.

He was startled lightly when Gunnar touched his shoulder, though his instinctive reaction was to turn out his elbows and lower his head, effectively hiding Sven and creating a bigger barrier with his forelegs. He relaxed immediately thereafter, when he was praised. 

”Thank you, Gunnar. I will be the best big brother to them, to all of them.” He promised.

Skald warmed to task quickly as if he were born to it. And he was quick to protect the little sprout in his arms when Gunnar moved.

Gunnar smiled. I have no doubt you will.

He was happy to sit as long as Skald wanted too and for as long as Sven would allow before he grew hungry and ready for food.

He cradled the babe in his arms, soothing him with gentle kicks, content to handle him with all the care he could muster while Gunnar remained nearby. He became more and more comfortable, keeping the child close while allowing him to turn over and wriggle just enough to find a better position in the young man’s arms. 

He was much more precious than the stone Skáld had brought with him, and he realized what it was to have family as he held the child to him.

When he began to fuss, Skáld looked up to Gunnar, to see what should happen next.

Gunnar was confident enough to doze a little. Certain that Skald would do well and Sven would come to no harm.

Though he was woken from his tiny nap when Sven was beginning to fuss. Gunnar chuckled.

]Alright, sounds like hes hungry. Unfortunately you and I can't help him with that yet. He'll need returned to Taktuq.[i]

Gunnar would wait until Skald gave him a goodbye before he'd take him to his mama. Happy that he could share this with Skald.

[I]Your gem is very pretty Skald.

With the greatest care he could manage, he allowed Gunnar to take the child, and he nosed the gem forward as well- something that could be picked up once the child was returned to his mother so he could eat. Gunnar commented on the stone, and he smiled appreciatively. "Is for you, and Taktuq," He said. While it was of no use to them or their children, it was certainly pretty- and he was keen to share such things with those who loved and cared for him. 

He gave Sven one last fond look, before he was carried in so that he could eat. Gleeful, and feeling a renewed sense of meaning, Skáld roved off, in search of food for the new parents.