Swiftcurrent Creek When my hands don't play the strings the same way.

I don't remember who else wanted a thread from me... so here's a freebie for anyone who wants a Paar thread before the pups are born. :P

The day she would bring her children into the world was drawing near, and with it Paarthurnax' irritability rose. She was so easily agitated with herself and others and, not wishing to upset her pack-mates more than her presence alone already had, she withdrew. The crimson beauty wandered a lot, seeking privacy in the woodlands where she could be alone with her solemn thoughts. She was being swept away by depression, slowly and surely.

Pregnancy had not been kind to her. Along with her fragile emotions, it messed with her whirlwind hormones and making her appear bloated and unattractive. She already felt a fierce love and protectiveness over her unborn brood, the tiny beings she'd created through her love with Shadow, but she wished more than anything to have and hold them already. Soon the time would come, and they alone would occupy her attention. She would have only her babes to worry for, rather than herself and the wolves who clearly did not appreciate her place in the ranks.

The bitter cold did not bother Paarthurnax Frostfur, who lingered outside the hollow she shared with Bazi. Her pale companion had already removed herself for the morning, no doubt hunting or scouting or seeking the conversation of another who did not lose patience with her. The crimson mother-to-be pawed at the frozen earth, digging up a mouse that her den-mate had buried for her the day before, and she demolished it with a swift crunch of her powerful jaws before retreating to the den's mouth, where she lowered herself into a sphinx-like position to rest.

The newest member of the pack cautiously approached the crimson female. Her posture became one of submission, not wanting to anger the pregnant wolf. For a brief second, a whirlwind of emotions passed over her face-jealousy, sadness, and pain. They were quickly replaced with a neutral, but friendly expression. "Greetings,-" she let the sentence trail off embarrassingly, not knowing the females name. She averted her gaze, hoping the wolf would not snap at her.

The sound of an approaching wolf caused Paarthurnax' ears to prick forward and the bold guard hairs of her neck to bristle, and promptly she was on her feet. She looked frantically around, past the trees that sheltered her hollow, and soon her eyes were fixed to the sleek figure of an unfamiliar female. The two-toned Frostfur relaxed somewhat, glad to see that Dovev had not resumed his stalking, though was still naturally on edge with the presence of a stranger so close to her whelping area.

Her new comrade did not seem to hold desire to intrude, however, and it seemed it was mere curiosity that had brought her in the direction of Paar's home. The mother-to-be eyed the newcomer thoughtfully, her hackles flattening and her shoulders slackening at the seemingly uncertain greeting that the other Creeker offered, and willed her frayed nerves to ease. "Hello," she said softly, sensing uncertainty. This creature was not one she recognised from he gathering, and so concluded that she must be a recent recruit. "Are you... alright? I don't think I've seen you around."

Eclipsis dipped her head, her gaze settling just beneath the beautiful female. "Are you... alright? I don't think I've seen you around."
"I am new to this pack and it's territories. The ways of a pack are something new to me." She paused before speaking, giving a small mirthless laugh. "As for alright...I would not go that far." Her eyes glinted coldly before she spoke once more."I will be alright when I have hunted down my mate and killed him."

As if suddenly realizing what she had said, she crouched in front of the female, averting her gaze. "Forgive me, I do not wish to trouble you with my thoughts"

The unfamiliar female confirmed her suspicions: she was new to the pack. It did surprise her to hear that pack life was not known to her, however, considering how natural it was for their species. Paarthurnax observed the other wolfess quietly as she continued to speak, her expression darkening somewhat as she announced her desire to seek her partner and murder him. It was then that the bi-coloured Frostfur tilted her cinnamon ears back, and she frowned deeply.

She was not one to share her woes so openly with strangers, so this she-wolf's brutal honesty made her feel incredibly uncomfortable. Paar remained quiet, not sure how to respond, until something of an apology was spoken for her. She dismissed it, and made to offer her name: "my name is Paarthurnax. What is yours?"

"Eclipsis. My name is Eclipsis," She looked closer at the female. She truly was beautiful, whoever had her as a mate was lucky indeed. "When are your pups to be born?" she asked tenderly. She wanted to make up for the stupid moment when she had spilled her guts to the stranger. She didn't know why she had done it, probably just wanted to vent.

She could tell by the females expression that she was made uncomfortable by her speech, however short it had been. But then again, wouldn't everyone feel uncomfortable? Her mind wandered breifly to an image of her dead pup, the black and white female. She felt a stiff pang of longing, and for a minute it showed on her features...before she pushed it away.

Although Paar did not press the subject of the other wolfess' hostility, she could not deny that she was curious. She was a gentle creature, one who often reached out in attempt to comfort, a solid shoulder to lean on as well as a sympathetic ear. But this time, beneath the weight of her own grief and heartache, the crimson Frostfur did not attempt to soothe whatever pain this newcomer seemed to be burdened by. Instead she withdrew from it, like a turtle seeking the solace of her shell.

The topic moved on, however, and the ashen she-wolf offered her name. Paarthurnax dipped her pale muzzle politely and respectfully to her comrade, though she blinked her warm copper eyes upward to linger on Eclipsis' fine features as she question the due date of her litter. "Any day," she said, a small smile blossoming on her lovely features. "I suspect it shall be sooner rather than later."