Hideaway Strath When the party begins!

Semi-Private. Arlette won't tolerate a lot >D  @Derg :D In my next post, Turmeric and Thyme will follow!

Arlette had a feeling that the pups would come sooner than later. She had felt some camps and it got her really nervous since last time she also had those cramps. She associated them with her miscarriage. The female had been a little restless these past couple of days. She also made herself busy finding another spot to give birth instead of her den with Derg. She felt that it was too open or at least too many wolves might come and have a peek. She didn't feel the need to have so many wolves when she was in labor like Simmik had.

In the days before, Arlette had found a small chamber in The Chambers. She had wandered deeper and deeper into the cave system until walls were even closing in around her sides. There in the back, she had found a small opening that revealed a small chamber. Perfect for her size to give birth, and tailored to her wishes. Privacy. The last time she gave birth on an open field. Mayhem around her, and close to a dead cougar... as well as her deceased mate. She really wanted the opposite now. She had placed what she thought she might need there in preparation, lavender to calm herself and some poppy seeds for the possible pain.

She was still in doubt if she wanted Derg there with her, though she remembered from her mother that she never allowed her mate close. She didn't expect to stay here with these pups here for months, too small. Especially if Derg was keen on watching them too. The one-wolf-wide passage continued deeper into the mountains, but Arlette also knew it wasn't wise to move too deep in the cave system. She knew Derg was a little worried, she could tell by the way he had hovered over her these last few weeks. A cramp went through her as she trotted into the Chambers. These cavities started off so big and enormous but had several tunnels leading off to other chambers, including her little one deeper in the cave. She made her way to it, sides heaving as she lied down.

Arlette wasn't sure if Derg followed her, probably, but she was more focused on these cramps that went through her. She was really worried that she would be met with dead newborns. Her ears flattened against her skull as another cramp followed. She took some of the poppy seeds just to ease that pain. A rush of fluids followed. It was so very familiar. She closed her eyes but quickly opened them, almost transported back to that moment. It felt so real. Kaito's dead body next to her, while blood flowed from her jugular and side of her neck. Mangled. She cried out and wasn't sure if this pain was real or if she was imagining it. Was this pain from before or was this a current pain? She couldn't tell. That familiar stab of utter discomfort that got her crippled to the ground, followed by the pain of that cougar grabbing her. Arlette's scars aching as all her nerves were triggered.

She felt him coming at her again, the tawny beast. It was so real. Arlette was certain that it had come back to haunt her. She lunged forward, just like she had done last time. Her teeth lashing out at the beast. She wanted it gone. She was determined to not lose her children again. She felt a little victorious as she wasn't met with claws. Another shot of pain got her laying down again, using the side of the rock wall for support. She grunted and whined. That rock, that hard underground wasn't there before. She pushed when another wave of pain went through her. Arlette panted and pushed again. She could feel the pup and pushed until that pressure was gone. The pale mother sobbed, feeling as she failed.

Failed again.

Then, a cry proved her wrong (@Mulberry). Arlette's head snapped up. She realized she was nowhere near Easthollow. She was surrounded by rock, and-- And her pup! Her living child! Arlette let out a choked cry when she saw the dark pup wiggle, but most of all, let out the most wonderful screaming she ever heard. Arlette started to cry again, but now they were happy tears. She reached behind her and started to lick and eat away the broken sack, meeting her firstborn. Dark as the night. Dark as Arlette's own father and brother. The mother licked her clean because her firstborn was a strong daughter. She had some light around her neck, belly, and paws. She was perfect. Arlette nudged the little one in the right direction as she sank back down on her side, catching her breath, hoping there would be more to follow.