Instant Crush

*Tuwawi RIP* · (This post was last modified: June 21, 2014, 05:19 PM by Tuwawi RIP.)

Yay babies! No posting order - anyone is welcome. Sveijarn family gather! :D

Sveijarn

She didn't know what to expect when the first ripple of cold anxiety overwhelmed her blood; the body's solution to cope with the initial flutter of undulating pain which heralded the start of labor. Tuwawi was used to change, but not like this. Over the past months her body had stretched to capacity in order to cradle the Sveijarn babes as they grew strong. Their small mother happily shouldered such a weight, proud to carry her and Njal's legacy and love. Soon, she knew, their children would be the apple of their eye and the creek's as well. Though the past few weeks had been tumultuous between Bones' abduction and Jace and Ferdie's exile, Tuwawi was still confident in the creek's prowess and Fox's leadership.

The ember mother tended to fret over her husband more and more, concerned for his well-being as he led patrols to secure the borders. Most recently, the Northerner had departed towards Sunspire to intercept the newest pack crafted by their once brothers, and in this twilight hour his wife could not know Njal's whereabouts. She never stepped far from their burrow, aware that something had changed when her precious parcel sunk low within her abdomen. Slowly her temperature dropped, and when the first contraction shot through her sides, the creek's gamma crept into their home for privacy and seclusion.

Instincts went into overdrive. There was no howl to announce that the children had decided it was time to enter the world. Nature insisted on silence, as to not welcome danger at their doorstep during this vulnerable time. Fear, panic, and uncertainty were second in Tuwawi's scope, too focused on the task at hand to truly reflect upon her situation. She shuffled and coiled, shifting from position to position uncomfortably as her body began to squeeze and twist in preparation for birth.

A long time passed between midnight and the early morning while the waves of pain grew stronger; Tuwawi wanting to push but feeling the time had not come just yet. It wasn't until the sky lightened to a downy grey did the real work begin, the soon-to-be mother already exhausted by this plight. She panted rapidly, a groan or whine eeking from her jaws every time her muscles rippled until the hour was at hand, a ray of yellow dappling into the foyer of the den. The first child was a difficult one, and her journey into the world was long and arduous. The tang of blood mixed in the air - something torn within the mother - but still she endeavored, agonizing push after push until she slipped onto the warm deerskin Bazi had gifted. Tuwawi turned to regard the large puppy still curled in its sack, and she began to clean her first infant, a daughter, until she mewled and wailed hungry for her first meal. Like all pups, the child was a sooty gray however bold and dauntless as she blindly crawled to her mother's side, guided by warm and loving caresses until she latched onto a teat and suckled aggressively. The child could not see her parent's quaking shivers or feel the cold sweat upon her brow. Truly, this was not an easy birth by any measure... yet it did not stop a small, but weak, smile from Tuwawi's lips, impressed by her child's vitality. She had expected nothing less.

A small period of rest was granted following the first offspring, allowing Tuwawi a reprieve to refocus her energy and tend to herself and the first child. However, it was not long until the second was on its way... the already familiar pain of labor amplifying exponentially until it was time to push once more. Tuwawi's back arched and limbs moored as she held her breath, bearing down forcefully. Like the first, the second was large, and even the ember's robust figure offered no fortification from her northern blooded children. Whatever virgin flesh had rend split further, but the maiden did not cry out. Gritted teeth and suspended breath sustained her until the second was welcomed into the den's darkness, large like the first but visibly leaner. It was a boy, their first son, sandy like a stormy beach. Gingerly she cleaned him, his sister always squealing every time their mother shifted away, until his fur was free of fluid, dry, and coiffed. He was not as ambitious as the first; a bit slower to find the milk bar but equally determined. Tuwawi's figured curled around her small brood and constantly inspected them for signs of weakness or defects - but nothing showed. They were perfect, healthy, and borderline angelic.

There were no pause between the second and third; new contractions began immediately and more intense the longer Tuwawi took with her delivery. Nature egged her on, hurrying the mother to not savor the moments, lest damage those yet to be born. With another push the third child was greeted by her mother's seeking muzzle, cleaning vigorously to stir the sleeping babe. It had been easier, their newest daughter smaller than the siblings before her, but the Sveijarn matriarch loved her from the start. Auburn hair quickly revealed itself unlike her kin's more tepid colors. She was the rowdiest yet, even surpassing the firstborn, and equally vocal. She squealed for attention, and Tuwawi was happy to oblige, leading the pup to her stomach to indulge in first supper.

The new mother wondered if she was done - if that was it. Pain in her sides continued, however duller than before. Tuwawi was tired - exhausted - and the weary look in her gunmetal eyes was enough to understand the energy she had expended. Three healthy and squirming pups fought at her side for the best seat at the table, softly whimpering as they drank. She cooed to them, fascinated by the life she had produced and dreamed of what they would become. These thoughts were interrupted by a sharp pain, and Swiftcurrent's phoenix soon felt the need to push for the last time. His way into the world, though already forged by his siblings, was wrought with difficulty, and Tuwawi struggled with delivering the final child. Urgency began to set in, and she stood abruptly to get a better handle on a necessary posture. The three star-children cried, upset at being disturbed so suddenly, but it was necessary, and an apologetic look was all Tuwawi could manage though it made no difference. Her mouth was agape, breaths heavy, and sides heaved with effort. Eventually, he relented and the second son, and final child, was guided into her embrace.

He was a small, pale thing, and barely cried as she washed him, but he was adored. Tuwawi nestled him besides the others, who had found their places once again, and settled as the last shivers of pain wracked her body until labor ceased completely. A great wave of relief and content flooded the new mother; it helped numb the pain and exhaustion. Endorphins were a beautiful thing. Though blood coated her rear, whatever internal wound had occurred began to clot, and a perfume of milk shrouded the unpleasant aroma. Tuwawi's lids sagged and her head rolled onto the dusty floor. However, her ears remained pricked and vigilant. No danger was too great if it meant protecting her new family's life.

Sleep wanted to claim her, as tired as she was, but nerves kept Tuwawi awake. She was alone, and the only defense between the outside and the yet unnamed Sveijarn children. Hopefully, Njal would soon return from his patrol, and they could be together once again. Until then, The new mother patiently waited in the dark of their den as dawn crested the horizon. A new and glorious day awaited.