Blacktail Deer Plateau Ain't nothing but a heartache

Blue Willow woke at Dawn and looked around. She curled inward to herself and licked a paw as she realized that she was very lonely today. She missed her father and her mother. She had thought mistakingly that as soon as she came to a new pack she would make new friends immediately so far she had not made many. She had the alpha male Peregrine, his sister Osprey and that was pretty much it. She had met Pied a new member and she would like to pursue a friendship with her, but she would need to find her to do that. She would like to get to know Hawkeye as well, but the female alpha still made her very wary, there was still so much tension around her and Blue willow was very unsure why. She wouldn't mind getting to know Crete and she still had yet to meet this other brother Atticus.

She stood slowly and stretched sniffing at the air and looking around as she stepped from her den. It was actually a warmer feeling day and it lightened her mood slightly, but she still felt the heartache of loneliness deep inside her.

She stepped from her den her head hanging down low and her tail limp behind her. She stepped a few feet from her den. A Rabbit ran past and for a brief moment she thought of giving chase, but instead she watched it listlessly as it ran from her. Finally, a sigh worked its way up from her chest a deep dark drawn out sigh. She sat and curled her tail around her paws and looked around and with sadness nipping at her heels she howled for anyone to come and talk to her.

I hope it's okay to bring this up to the present. If not, let me know. :)

While noticing her baby bump for the first time had been thrilling and feeling them move had been likewise enthralling, things had taken a turn for Pied in the past few days. The swelling seemed to have doubled in the space of a week and, the more the puppies moved, the less it felt like a fluttering and the more it felt like... well, like being socked in the gut. More than once, it left her breathless and reeling. Once, she'd cried out from the pain.

Today, Pied didn't bother moving until her bladder—abused particularly by the feet of the innocent—forced her to her feet and out her front door. She only walked a few steps beyond it before squatting and relieving herself. With a slight wince, she then made an about-face and prepared to slip right back down into the burrow when a mournful howl arrested her.

Although the idea of inflating her lungs and further crushing her innards did not appeal to the Tau right now, she recognized Blue Willow's voice and thought this a good opportunity to solicit some medical advice. Perhaps the Healer would know of a way to treat the pain. She'd anticipated some of it but it was much worse than Pied had ever feared. She was just barely past the halfway point of her pregnancy too... she couldn't bear this for another four weeks.

"Blue Willow! I'd love to talk with you if you'd come by my den," Pied replied to the medic's howl. She then gingerly stretched out on the small, grassy slope just to the side of her den, positioning herself carefully to put the least amount of pressure on her distended belly.

Blue Willow heard the answer to her own howl and for a moment she had to think to recognize the voice. She then realized it was Pied and she also had a skitter of fear. Underlying the tau's howl was pain and something else and it shocked her enough out of her own self pity and self indulgence to make her take off running towards the others den. She had to stop a few times to sniff out the other's smell, but soon enough she made it to find the other laying flat on her side looking miserable. "Hello Pied.

Blue Willow stepped closer and sniffed at the other gently to make sure she smelled no sickness or pain. She was afraid of what the other would tell her. "Are you okay? You do not look very comfortable, though you are pregnant you look more uncomfortable than most pregnant wolves.

Blue Willow pushed her nose gently into the other's cheek to let her know she was thinking of her. She then backed up and sat down curling her tail around her legs, being sure to keep space for her. She then watched her with a sad but intelligent gaze.

Before long, she heard the sound of soft, swift footfalls heading in her direction. When Blue Willow arrived, Pied managed a tired smile for her and leaned into the friendly gesture, appreciating it more than she could say. She then sighed softly at the medic's worried voice, trying not to let the tendrils of fear worm into her veins at the Healer's astute observation.

"I'm only four or five weeks along," she started, "but I feel like I'm closer to nine. Last week, I noticed my baby bump for the first time, then the very same day, I felt them move. At the time, I loved it it but now I'm wondering... isn't it too soon for quickening?" She blinked up at the darker she-wolf, then added, "And since then, what started as fluttering has become much more intense. It was strange but pleasant at first... now it hurts. And I've ballooned like crazy in the past few days."

The Tau's lips pursed and, for a moment, she felt herself fighting tears. The hormonal swings had been pretty bad lately too, though they didn't concern her in the least. She was actually scared for herself and for the pups. Time and time again, she wondered if she'd made a grave mistake by mating with Kisu so soon after her attack. Every time this thought circled through her brain, however, Pied knew she never would've passed up this chance. Motherhood meant everything to her and, even if it cost her in the end, she would be happy so long as her pups came out healthy.

"I'm... scared." She said this after a brief pause, her voice quiet. "I think they're aggravating my injuries. I knew that was a possibility and I was prepared for that. But it's almost like... it's almost like there isn't enough room in there for them. And I'm afraid what that means, if I'm only a little more than halfway to my due date." Pied bit her lip, looking imploringly into Blue Willow's dark, gentle face. "I don't even care if... if they destroy me. I worry for them."

Blue Willow smiled at Pied as she accepted her caring gesture. She was not worried for the pups as much as she was their mother. She would have to think hard to fix this conundrum, whatever it maybe. Pregnancy is so contrary sometimes, and a healer has to be really careful with what they give you, as many of the things you can normally have you can't while pregnant.

Blue Willow listened calmly and gave her a reassuring smile, "No you are not to soon for quickening and it is your first pregnancy so you are going to feel them quicker than most as you are not used to it. As for the ballooning that's good it means they are growing. Unfortunately you are going to hurt until you have them, because of your internal injuries. And you may feel them because you may have more than 2 or 3 or they maybe large. Is their father a large wolf?

Blue Willow saw the other fighting tears and gave a gentle harum in her chest as she moved to give what comfort she could with another nuzzle to the cheek. "Shh it's okay Pied. She whispered gently, "It will hurt worse if you get too upset or stressed.

Blue Willow shook her head gently, "Fortunately for your pups most of the aggravation and pain will be for you. Granted they can come early if you get too stressed out from the pain or if the pain gets to bad, but as long as you can make it to 8 weeks you should be alright. That is still early and they will need extra care, but I have seen pups be fine that early. I also have some herbs that you can safely take while pregnant, that will ease your pain, there is also some i can give you later to help with your delivery so it is quicker and not as painful. Oatstraw and Ginger you can take now Red raspberry leaf towards the end it will ease pain and make your labor and delivery quicker and less painful. Blue Willow smiled again she hoped she eased a few of her fears, though Blue Willow was still very much worried about Pied.

Blue Willow asked if their father was large and Pied nodded mutely. The medic's other words comforted her slightly, though the message was clear: she would be in pain until she delivered. She huffed out a little breath. Just a moment ago, she'd thought she couldn't handle it for another four weeks. But I can, she thought with resolve, her jaw muscles tightening, I can and I must. I don't have a choice. And it'll all be worth it in the end.

She missed most of the Healer's specifics about medication and when she snapped back to attention, Pied simply said, "I'll take whatever you have to offer. My pain... it's the least of my worries," she said a little shakily. It still worried and overwhelmed her. "I just want to make sure they're okay. If I have to make a choice between alleviating my pain and risking my pups' health, I'll take the pain." The Tau looked up at Blue Willow, hoping the medic understood to prioritize the pups first, the mother second.

"Eight weeks is only three weeks away," she muttered quietly. "Do you suggest bed rest or will it be better to stay on my feet as long as I can?" the Tau wondered, gritting her teeth when one (or more) of the pups moved and what was presumably a paw stuck her in her still-tender ribs. The pain shot through her in a hot flash, then dulled to an ache. Her breath hitched in her throat but Pied made no sound of distress besides eventually letting out a long, low breath.

i only need 4 more posts in this thread to get 10 and i'll have my healer co-rank...squee!!!! ILY right now :) On a different note Pied is such a sweetie i kinda just want to hug and snuggle her.

Blue Willow caught the nod and felt a little more nervous, usually when the father was large the pups were too. It wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, but it would hurt the poor wolf in front of her. She saw as the other's jaw hardened in resolve and smiled happily. "That's the ticket I have found that if you have a strong will the pups are all the better for it as is the mother.

Blue Willow nodded her head agreeing and affirming that she understood. "Actualy the one's I mentioned are very good for pregnancy even if you don't have pain. Ginger combats nausea, and boosts your immune system as well as the pups. Oatstraw keeps you less stressed as well as also boosts your immune system. Red Rasberry leaves help to prevent miscarrying and it also boosts your immune system as well as strengthens all your walls so that contractions and delivery are not as painful. You do not need to worry I would never give you anything if there was even the slight chance of danger, not when there are pups to be concerned with, they are far too important to our livlihood as well as our hearts.

Blue Willow thought about the question. It would do Pied herself some good to be up and moving around as it would make delivery easier, yet she should also rest often. "I do not suggest complete bed rest it does you and the babies good to be up and moving. Not only does it help ease delivery later when you are active, but it also keeps mother happy and stress free which is very very important. Under no conditions if possible are you to get stressed out it can cause so many problems, including early delivery and pain. I do however want to stress that when you feel tired or anything you should rest. Rest is as important as being active, do not overtax yourself. She hoped she answered her so she understood.

Aw, yay on all fronts. :)

Blue Willow told her a little more about the different medicines (herbs, rather) and what they would do. "They all sound like snacks," she mused with a waxy sort of smile. "Some of the stuff Dublin gave me for my wounds after the attack tasted so bitter. But whatever it takes..." She would happily ingest whatever she must, whether it tasted like ice cream or vomit.

"Avoid stress," the Tau repeated. She supposed she could manage that. The only source of stress in her life (aside from the occasional disagreement with Kisu) was the fear of any harm coming to the pups. "I'll do my best. And I'll move around as much as I can but take it easy. I'll stay close to the den," she added, more to herself than to the Healer. She felt safer and more comfortable here and, while she would miss the excitement of pack life—especially so soon after rejoining—Pied couldn't really afford it, could she?

"Whenever you leave—and I'm in no rush, so don't feel obligated to go now—can you do me a favor? Can you let either Hawkeye or Perry know I won't be out and about much?" Suddenly, the Tau wished her burrow was nearer the Alphas', even if it was wonderful in its seclusion. "I may not get to see much of Hawkeye before she delivers but I'll do my best to be there when she gives birth. Please tell them that too, if you don't mind. Thanks, Blue Willow."

Her general discomfort forced Pied to her feet and the poor, heavy-bellied woman paced the small hillside a little bit before sinking to her haunches again a moment later. It was crazy to her how, just a week ago, she hadn't even been visibly pregnant. Now she looked as if she'd swallowed a bouquet of balloons. Not to mention the way they moved. Although it was uncomfortable at best and downright agonizing at worst, the Tau wouldn't have it any other way. She remembered starkly those moments when she believed them to be dead and every little kick reminded her that they were growing, big and strong.

I'll post this last time and then you and we should be good.

Blue Willow chuckled feeling her mood uplift just being near the pregnant tau. "Yes some herbs are terrible tasting. Blue Willow made a wry face, "No not some most. She remembered sometimes having to eat her families herbs when they were holed up in the winter away from a pack, she attributed her leanness to those few seasons that she had to do so.

Blue Willow nodded her head "You don't have to stay close to the den everyday, I think you can go for farther walks as long as you take someone with you in case you should have an emergency or need to rest that way someone can be near you.

She nodded her head "As soon as i leave i'll go straight to them and tell them, or at least Hawkeye. I do not know if I can find Perry as he has taken a lot of the patrol duties lately.That will give me a chance to check on Hawkeye as well. I'll also get you some ginger and bring it over.

Blue Willow looked at her and smiled and said quietly "Do you need anything else before i go and get Ginger and deliver the message to Hawkeye?

Blue Willow pointed out that she didn't have to stay near the den and Pied replied, "I know but I feel safer staying close by, you know?" She fell silent as the medic mentioned dropping in on Hawkeye, then mused regretfully, "I wish I could go with you. I just don't have the strength, I don't think, and that's another reason why I'm going to stick close to home."

Despite the Tau's reassurance that the medic needn't rush off, Blue Willow made ready to leave. Pied thought of protesting and asking her to stay a bit longer. She would be alone once she left, after all. She didn't know when Kisu would be back. When her mate did make his way home, she would tell him everything the Healer had told her, then make clear her plans to remain relatively homebound until the puppies came. She didn't expect him to stay home all the time too; one of them needed to blend in with the pack right now, after all.

"No, I don't think so," Pied said, seeing no reason to delay the medic. Anyway, she would be back soon. "Tell Hawkeye I love her. And when you return, you'll have to tell me how she's doing." The dappled she-wolf waved her tail and watched Blue Willow leave before shuffling heavily toward the den's mouth and slipping down inside with a grunt.