Dragoncrest Cliffs i am the sun, all life and days

Even if Thuringwethil doesn’t want to admit it, she wants to keep the children as small and innocent as possible. She doesn’t feel the same as she once had when she introduced Drageda’s first litter born, watching as four happy puppies greeted their pack mates easily. Now, it is her own brood and her chest has tightened as she does a quick headcount of their three. And again and again and again.

She tries to keep an encouraging smile upon her muzzle to hide her own anxiety over their newest endeavor. She leans forward and gives her mate a kiss and murmuring a few soft words to ease some of the tension. “Ready?” she says quietly as she backs out of the den.

The day is warm and sunny, greeting them in the sparse section of the forest. She waits for @Wildfire, @Blixen, @Artaax, and Robin to fumble out of the den before she looks onward for their companions for the day. With the three puppies bumbling between them, she barely lets her eyes part from them, but when she does, she hopes to see @Dio, @Portia, @Sirio, and @Dalia equally ready for what they have to bring today.

Although depression no longer plagued her, Wildfire felt quite exhausted lately. She would take it—being tired beat being down in the dumps any day of the week—but the three pups were really stretching her thin as they continued growing at what felt like lightning speeds. She was quite ready for them to be relocated somewhere more central, where more wolves could get involved in their upbringing, even if the thought triggered every possessive and protective instinct within her. For her own sanity, Wildfire knew she would have to cut the umbilical, but it would be tough.

"Yes," she answered the Heda's question, returning the gentle kiss and flashing Thuringwethil a careworn smile before turning her attention upon their boisterous trio of children. They were growing up so fast. She felt a pang when she thought of how it should have been five, not three, gathered at their mothers' heels. But then, how could she have coped with that many pups to look after? She felt a little guilty to think it but maybe they were all better off without Antler and Phoenix.

She pushed thoughts of her dead sons aside as she stepped over Robin, who had stopped abruptly in the middle of a bounce to nibble at an itch on his rump. Wildfire pivoted and ducked her head to lend him a hand (or a tooth, rather) before nudging his butt with her nose and raising her head again to peer around for any sign of her sister wife, niece and nephew.

oh boyo-- today was a big day. portia stepped from the den with two much less boisterous children at her ankles. though she'd always peg dalia as the more adventurous one, both pups seemed to have gotten the calmer genes from herself and dio. she didn't mind, it made her life somewhat easier. they were harder to socialize, but at least robin artaax and blixen were always a few feet away for a quick playdate. she let out a gentle chuff when she saw the family approach, nudging @Dalia and @Sirio forward (or at least out of the den to walk underneath her).

she began towards them, tail wagging and softly whining to encourage her babies to keep trucking. the pups were old enough to relocate, and she was so ready for it. portia had really missed the caverns. they were so open and everyone was there-- plus, that was where her herbs were! she'd kept a tiny little cache in her whelping den, but now she had full access to the big stuff. she was ready to be nearby a fully stocked cache at all times once agai-- especially now that she had children.

she stayed quiet as Portia nudged her and sirio from the den into the world once again. though she is still shy and quiet, Dalia has become just a bit more adventurous, wanting to explore and see things other than the den she was welped in. she hoped to avoid having to socialize though, only god knows how badly she and her brother failed at the job.

following beneath her mother's moving figure, Dalia made sure to keep her shoulder next to sirio, hoping to make sure he felt comfortable with her by his side. where were they all going? Dalia was too focused on the idea to even stop and look at the grass and bugs that flew over head.

Today was a big day. 

Blixen had likely been told as much, but she could sense the relief in her parents and see the weather-worn smiles they passed between one another. It bespoke of a new step in their lives, but she was not afraid. For all her fussiness in her early days, Blixen was quickly blossoming into a self-sure ball of sunshine and joy. Every day brought something new into her world—be it a game, an object, or an understanding, she was voracious in her need to consume every shred of knowledge within her reach. She was already beginning to understand cause and effect, and embracing this newfound wealth of information. 

Upon spotting Portia and the other pups, Blixen let out a loud shriek of laughter. She nearly tripped over Robin when he abruptly stopped to corncob an itch on his rump, but manage to recover at least somewhat gracefully. "HI!" She bellowed across the way to the other children being ushered by their speckled mother and golden father. There was no comprehension, yet, that she would no longer be returning to the den as she knew it. The only thing she was concerned with was the two other kids—just like the last time they met, she was entirely enamored with them and wanted nothing more than to instigate play.

The air buzzed with excitement. Artaax didn’t understand what the anticipation was all about, but the boy was instigated by it nonetheless.
 
There was no need to coax him as his parents and siblings moved to assimilate with the other family who lived across the way. As his sister dashed forward, the pup bounded after her with an exuberant squeal, his puppy-blue eyes glittering with pure delight in anticipation for their outing. Robin hung behind to fuss with his hind-end, but Artaax paid little mind as spotted Thuringwethil just up ahead.
 
He bumbled towards the Heda, oversized ears swiveling backwards as he came to flank her and nibbled excitedly at her right hind-paw. A little ways further he noticed Portia and her brood  moving nearer; he, too, exclaimed a sound of delight at seeing the other youngsters while his tail whipped to and fro with a force that shifted his entire pudgy form.

It was as good of a day as any, and he watched the little ones appear from the den at their mother's urgings. His tail picked up its own happy rhythm and he got up from his spot just a few meters away where he had been enjoying the warm sunshine (and keeping watch, too, while things were wrapped up here) but this would warrant every bit of his attention; it was a momentous day in their short lives so far.

Their horizons were about to expand considerably and a few strides later, he joined up at their sides, offering a few encouraging nudges should any time warrant it--although Dalia and Sirio didn't seem to need it quite yet. He was looking forward to moving them up and out into the world, step by small step, and integrating them with the rest of the pack too. Although, he did have to wonder how they would weather all the changes that this would spur, and how that would come to shape them in the days to follow.

He gently nosed against Portia's shoulder just before the other puppies distracted him. His ears perked up and he wagged his tail with a new beat.

[table width=80%][tr][td]He didn't understand what all the fuss was about - they had gone out before and it was obvious he enjoyed being inside more than outside. Still, he would give mother another chance to prove the outside world was not the worst place ever and he silently followed her and Dalia out where he was greeted by many faces and bodies - some tall, some the same height as him. He was flabbergasted and uncomfortable - his tail was nearly glued to his belly as he whined when an excited girl came to greet him and his sister.

He frowned and his nose wrinkled due to a scared, silent snarl. He didn't move an inch and decided that it was best to stay with mother. Dalia was free to do whatever with these kids but he really wasn't into it. Perhaps it would change as time went on, but for now it was too much to handle for the little guy.[/tr][/td][/table]

There won't be any specific rounds in hopes to keep the flow open. @Wildfire @Dio @Portia @Artaax @Blixen @Sirio @Dalia. This thread is now open to everyone welcome in Hougeda: @Hush @Eske @Asherah @Anatha @Elohim. It will be assumed @Tirgatao is here, too!

The site of Portia and Dio with their broad brings a welcoming smile to her features, she ushers the three of theirs forward as they come together in the thick foliage that leads down into the cavern. The path has become travel worn since they’ve laid claim, making it easy for the little ones to follow along and find their way home easily should they wander too far. It feels like they’d all been born yesterday, the time zooming by through the good and bad and the fumbles along the way. They’ve all made it more or less in one piece.

Near the entrance to the cavern, Thuringwethil steps back to let Dio move past her and take the lead. “Be careful,” she says softly for the children. “It is steep.”

Thuringwethil dips her head to bump against Robin as he steps close and by her, nipping his rump and he scoots forward along with the rest of the crew, leaving Heda to take up the rear as they give the puppies free range of the cavern below.

Tirgatao knew today was the day, but the excitement brimming in her mind gave her little room to ruminate on many other things that required her attention.

She sat waiting near the entrance of the caverns with her tail curled around her haunches, and ears trained on the path as she eagerly awaited the first signs of the children. Being the pack Shouna, and a trusted friend to Heda, Tirgatao had seen the children on multiple occasions but not under these circumstances. This was an important step in their lives, and the first they would take to become fully intergrated members of Drageda. 

The regal dark figure of her beloved friend is the first to appear, followed by Dio, and shortly thereafter by the mothers and their children. Tirgatao rises and waves her tail when they draw close. A placating series of whines tumble rapid-fire from her lips, and she creeps forward to lick at Heda's chin, then Dio's and finally Wildfire should any of them welcome her submissive advances. Her joy is palatable—an unusual sight for the normally collected Shouna. 

Tirgatao opens her mouth to speak to the gathered parents, but she is immediately distracted by a red streak making her way over. She lowers herself so that her sternum rests against the cool shale just as @Blixen reaches her, wagging her little tail so hard she nearly topples over and showering her in puppy kisses. The advisor chuckles and noses the young girl's flank as she suddenly darts off in another direction. Tirgatao rises again and rests her ears against her pillowy mane. "You've done well," it isn't clear who she is talking to, but her tone suggests the fondness she feels for the entire group.

It wasn't long before Dio and his family joined them and the tribe of four adults and five pups began the trek to Hougeda. Wildfire couldn't help but smile at her children's enthusiasm. Secretly, she was glad Artaax, Blixen and Robin were a little more fearless and outgoing than Portia's duo, simply because it made it easier on her. It meant she didn't have to coerce or coddle them. She did wonder if these traits would give her trouble once they moved in with the rest of the pack—would her kids be hard to corral? Would they bother the others? Would they get into mischief constantly?—but, for now, she was just grateful.

They arrived at the rendezvous site without particular incident and were greeted by several pack mates, including Tirgatao. Wildfire felt a protective instinct swell in her breast like an ocean wave. She let it crest, then crash and eventually ebb. She forced herself to walk, not run, toward Blixen and the Shouna. Before she even reached Tirgatao, Wildfire's daughter had run off to investigate some other distraction. The Bandrona kept an eye on her for a moment, then forced herself to look away. Between herself, her mate, Dio, Portia and everyone else, her puppies would be kept safe.

All the same, the ambassador exchanged a few greetings with those gathered before retreating to the far edge of the goings-on so she could more easily watch Artaax, Blixen and Robin interacting with their brand new surroundings. It wasn't just about keeping them in her sight at all times—although she had to admit, if only to herself, that she was a little on edge—but also bearing witness to this joyous occasion and how her offspring reacted to all of it. Wildfire didn't want to miss a thing.

both puppies refused to play with the others, and sirio practically tried to curl into himself to avoid one of the other dragons. portia sucked in a heavy breath and nosed them both forward, noting dalia sticking protectively to her brothers side. she was not very sociable, but she was headstrong in her own way. portia hoped something good would come from that, and sirio would get over his fear of what seemed like everything.

inside housed, portia exchanged a few hellos and thanks with wolves and found her old spot in the cavern. she kept a watchful eye on her pups, but was assuming they'd stay near her. she sat down with her green gaze wide and alert, watching for any signs within the cave. as far as she was concerned, drageda had been very welcoming, but she'd never forget the wolves who disapproved of her as a member and mother of drageda. her children would not get that treatment.

Steadily, they made their way. He fought to smooth the worried crease to his expression somewhere along the pathway. His duo seemed especially withdrawn compared to Wildfire's little bunch, who greeted the change much more openly than his did. "It'll be alright," he chuffed softly to them (to Sirio mainly who appeared more prickly about it than Dalia did) as Portia nudged her encouragement as well. True, it was a lot to take in, but they would need to get used to it--he wanted to see them make the transition as well as they could. Soon, he hoped, they would understand it was not so bad out in the big, wide world around them.

Nevertheless, after he picked up the lead of the parade to the cavern, he was happy to see the other pack wolves and easy, familiar greetings ensued. He settled eventually when the initial bustle began to dial back, quite content to hover nearby while his whelps got their bearings--should all be well enough with them, of course. He watched them keenly, and Portia too, to gauge her handling of.. well, their learning; he did not want to worry unnecessarily on their behalf. Most of all, he wanted to trust it just took time.

While Dalia and Sirio would always have the first of his focus, he extended a very natural protectiveness to the whole collective clutch of young dragons--and not just because it always stayed somewhere in the back of his mind that they were his blood, too. They were safe and well-watched here; he would see to it.

He stuck close to his nomi and allowed his place to fall towards the rear of the parade. Curiosity struck him – why would his mother bring up the rear of the line instead of heading it? In his young mind, being first was always best. Still, he enjoyed the lefty’s female presence and admired her prowess as she picked her way down the trail.
 
Although his sister seemed keen on frolicking with the other young dragons, Artaax was content on observing them from where he was. Excitement caused his heart to flutter against his ribcage. He didn’t understand the full implications of where his family was headed, but every outing he’d been on thus far always proved to be an exhilarating experience.
 
Their path led them towards a cavern where the strong odor of their pack hung heavily. Artaax’s ears perked, his eager gaze devouring the unfamiliar scenery until he spotted his bright-furred sibling dashing towards someone he didn’t recognize. He spun towards Robin, yipping elatedly to encourage his brother to join him before scurrying ahead towards the other pups. “Gooo!” he laughed as he hurried past them with the hope that they would join in on the other festivities.
 
He bumbled in Tirgatao’s direction, throwing himself near her scruff as he aimed to gnaw on one of her ears. Although he hadn’t the slightest clue who the female was, he was simply delighted that no one tried to deter him from socializing with others.

Portia and Dio’s children seem more reserved, she notices more and more, as they all fall into the cavern. The space is open enough not to overcrowd anyone and there’s little the puppies can get themselves into. She swishes her tail as Blixen takes off toward Tirgatao, then Artaax, but their attention is short lived. Melchior hangs in the back, but Hush and the others are nowhere to be found. She doesn’t mind the small gathering—the majority of the pack is the parents anyway so she doesn’t allow herself to linger.

Thuringwethil glances over to Portia that mimics shelter for her own children. Having to spend most of her attention on her own litter, she didn’t have the proper chance to interact more with the other puppies of the pack. The timing will have his advantages but her absence in their early life may suffer. Brushing off the thought a moment later, she follows up behind her children and watches them interact with the adults and get acclimated to their new sleeping quarters.

dalia followed portia and dio slowly and quietly, yet hung very close to portia's front leg. she didn't dare venture off, especially when she was surrounded by others she didn't know. not to mention, sirio was still being prickly about the situtation of moving, dalia didn't wish to leave behind. every now and then, she would stop to check up on him, nudge his shoulder with her muzzle before returning to portia's side.