Whitefish River There's not much comfort in this place; I'll keep you safe

birth thread, set for 6/30 around 3am
Everyone is welcome! She would have requested that no one come in the den until she was done giving birth, but anyone is welcome to wait outside the den!

Mature Content Warning

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The participants have indicated the following reason(s) for this warning: birth stuff

The previous morning, she had woken to an ache in her very round abdomen; the pain had continued occasionally throughout the day, and the healer had attributed it to the fact that she had been overworking herself a little the last few days in order to make sure everything was ready for the arrival of the pups. She hadn't worried too much about it, but had made sure to remain in the den and rest most of the day.

When night fell, she had sensed Emrik's return to his post outside the den. He hardly left at all, except for brief periods of time here and there where she assumed he was eating or maybe stretching his legs. She wasn't at all surprised by his diligence; she knew well his protective streak, and she knew nothing she could say would make him return to his own den for a good night's sleep. She had wanted to ask him to sleep inside at least, but a rare insecurity had kept her from suggesting it. But tonight, she just couldn't bear to see him out there sleeping for one more night. She had waddled outside and insisted that he come in and sleep, and to her relief, he hadn't argued too much about it. She had fallen asleep in her makeshift bed of willow tree branches, the sounds of his breathing eventually allowing her to quiet her mind.

Hours later, she woke with a start as a very painful kind of ache moved through her abdomen. The pain had passed fairly quickly, despite it feeling like it lasted forever, only to return a few minutes later when she had finally settled back on the ground. She stood this time and turned in her bed, sitting halfway back down to ride out the pain. After going through the same pattern of pain and then relief two more times, she knew it was finally time to meet her children. Another surge of pain pulled her to her feet again, and this time, she glanced over at Emrik. She wasn't sure if she had woken him with all of her restless ups and downs. @Emrik ? she said into the darkness, her voice strained and slightly tinged with fear. I think-- her words were cut off when an even more painful contraction seized her body. She moved back to her pallet when the pain subsided but was quickly overtaken by more pain, this time the contraction accompanied by the very strong urge to push. She concentrated on her breathing, glancing to Emrik with reassurance assuming had come to her side. She tried to focus on what her mom had told her once--that her body would know what to do. She tried to focus on following her instincts, riding the waves of pain as they came closer together, and pushing when her muscles commanded her to. A few hard, strong pushes finally delivered her firstborn (@Castor), and she quickly cleaned away the sac and detached the newborn from its placenta. Once cleaned, she moved the pup close to her, licking him and urging him to nurse as she admired his coat of varying shades of cream and brown.

For a few moments, she had a brief reprieve, and she watched her son in the first minutes of his life, completely in awe of him and trying to really grasp that he was part of her.

She had eventually coxed him inside, which was weird in and of itself because Emirk had never slept alongside any other than his family. Although he considered Speedy family so maybe it wasn’t that weird? Let’s just say, he wasn’t sure how he felt. But he knew he was happy she trusted him enough to call him inside.

He hadn’t heard any rumbling from the woman as she struggled to find a comfortable spot. It wasn’t until gently but intently roused him from his sleep that Emrik knew something was different. “Speedy?” He whispered groggily as he stood and shoke out his pelt to ward of the feeling of sleep. “What happened?” As he became more and more aware he wandered slowly, hesitantly over to her side.

OH GOD! It was time! Giving a nervous shake, Emrik was suddenly a bundle of nerves. But he tried to stay calm for her, his tail nervously twitching behind him. When she glanced his way, he offered the most reassuring smile her could, and kind soothing words when she pushed. He couldn’t believe that tiny bundle that she brought into the world, despite all the gross birth stuff, the kid was actually kinda cute.

Padding around, Reiko knew it was any day now that Speedy was due. Today was the day that she had prepared for, worked for, and would continue to work for to make sure she would give Speedy and her pups all that she could. But she wasn't aware that today was the day, of all days. While she approached Speedy's den, the birthing had already begun, Emrik had already gone inside and she was just about to peer into the den -  Speedy? I'm gonna go try and find something to eat, would you like anything? Once her nose crossed the den's barrier, thats when the familiar scent smacked her right in the face - hard enough for her to stumble back and fall onto her bum.

It was happening! Instead of calling out to the new mother, Reiko stood by on the outside of the den - Speedy must know she's here now, after she had so rudely called out the way she did. So if she needed anything, the physician would simply ask. For now, with a smile on her face, heart beating in her chest and tail wriggling in excitement, she waited outside the den with bated breath.

Last the cowboy had seen of the pregnant woman, he was sure she was due any day. It was evident in his time with the pack that almost everyone was willing to pitch in for the single mother, Tobias included. It seemed he and Reiko had similar thoughts as he approached the cave to offer a hunt for her, only stopping when he saw the small girl’s expression. The smell that followed hit him like a brick to the face leaving him with no room to question what had her panties in a twist. So today’s the day, eh? the question was more so for himself than anyone else, but his voice was loud enough for his company to hear.

His exit from the womb is rather uneventful, though the change isn't the most welcome thing. He'd rather liked where he'd been, but the whole event is far too tiring to bother fussing about it. So Castor enters the world quietly, slightly agitated by his mother's cleaning and the chill of the air but oddly placid for a newborn. It takes him a moment to realize what he's meant to do, but he takes to nursing half-heartedly after a few beats, driven more by instinct than hunger. The act is comforting, if nothing else, and the pup quickly drifts into a state of half-consciousness.

No posting order <3

There wasn't much time before the pain returned, stealing her breath and forcing her eyes to shut as tight as they could while she tried to make it through the contraction. It passed, and she released a harsh breath. She heard the arrival of a few of her packmates, smiling a little at Reiko's loud appearance. But fairly quickly, she was saddled with another wave of pain, this one bringing her up from the ground a little as she felt the sudden urge to push. She didn't want to worry anyone, so she tried to hide how much it hurt, but when the pain returned again and she began to push even harder, a small whine fell from her before she could stop it. She was too concentrated on her task then to really mind, though; she was granted very little time between the last contraction and the next, and she soon found her focus completely on the pain and pushing, and then there was a second puppy (@Acheron). She quickly cleaned him and once she heard his soft cries, she picked him up and set him next to his brother. He was white like Charon, and she wondered if he would look more like his father as he grew older. She settled back down and watched them nurse, glancing up at Emrik and offering him a tired smile so he wouldn't worry.

She had even less time before the pain returned, and she sat up again, tightly closing her eyes and breathing through each wave of pain. Everytime she felt a contraction starting she knew it would hurt, but she never got used to the pain. Each time hurt just as much as the time before, so after multiple very hard pushes delivered the third puppy, her energy began to wane. Still, she worked quickly to free her first daughter (@Spica) from her sac and cleaned her until she heard her cry. Then, she gently picked her up and placed her next to her brothers. She nuzzled each one, glad that so far, everyone seemed perfectly healthy. 

As tired as she was, she still pulled herself up from the ground fairly quickly when the pain started again. She had just began to think that maybe she was done, but the new wave of pain told her differently. She looked to the three previously nursing pups apologetically, feeling guilty that she had jostled them. Her guilt was quickly forgotten as more pain moved through her body, and soon she was pushing again. After a few more taxing pushes, her fourth child was born (@Syrma). Speedy cleaned and nuzzled her until she heard the cry she had been waiting for and then picked her up and placed her next to her sister before settling back down. Her two daughters looked almost identical, both a pretty slate grey color that darkened on their feet, noses, and ears with white going from their chests to their stomachs. She admired them all again, reveling in their little sounds and glad they were alive and doing well so far. She had feared the worst throughout her pregnancy, and she as beyond thankful that everything had gone okay.

She wasn't sure if she was done yet; only time would be able to answer that for her. But, she was pretty exhausted at this point, and she wasn't sure she could muster up the energy to deliver anymore pups. She curled tighter around the four newborns and rested her head on her paws, offering Emrik a weak smile and looking at him through heavy eyelids. Thanks for staying, she murmured.

He wasn't quite capable of understanding what was happening, but he very clearly felt the changes. He was warm and safe, and then he was being forced to move. Then, he was very cold and his world felt way too open. But, comfort came in the form of something warm gently moving against him, making him cry out anytime the movement stopped. Again, he was moving against his will, and he started to cry out again, but then he was very warm and there was a very enticing, equally comforting smell. Instinct guided him to nurse, and warmth filled his belly; the nice feeling was the last thing he remembered before he fell asleep. And, when he was suddenly woken some unknown amount of time later, he cried out until he could fill his tummy with the warm stuff again and fall back asleep.

Chai was keeping extra vigilant, working extra hard. Because like everyone else, she knew that soon, the heavily pregnant female, Speedy, would be a mother. That meant more mouths to feed, innocent lives to protect by keeping a strict watch over the borders. The ember coated wolf had little experience with children, but her innate need to shelter them in these vulnerable first months, was strong. 

Several scents were congregated in one area, around the den that Speedy had chosen for herself. Guided by curiosity, Chai made her way there. Only when she arrived, hearing the voices of Reiko and Tobias and the looks on their faces, did she know today was the big day. Her heart flew into her throat, icy eyes wide as she approached gingerly. The smell of blood and birth filled her nose, making her swallow thickly. Instinctually she kept well away from the den, whispering. "Is...is everyone alright?" She asked with a whine, more in reference to Speedy and her new little family.

Where was he?

All he remembered was falling for the longest time, down and down and down. The pain and the impact of each thud and bounce off the mountain walls. Gradually he had forgotten how long it was that he had been falling. He didn't remember hitting the ground. He never hit the ground, of that much he was pretty sure.

Then he'd been warm and comfortable and without pain again for some time, and now as he came sliding into the world, everything was cold and different. He was distinctly aware of the fact that he was a she now, that much was clear. But the memories, the painful memories of what his own family had done to him and what he had done onto them, they were still so very clearly imprinted in his mind. He wasn't sure if it was betrayal or guilt that was more present in his mind.

Hey, you there, tell me what's going on! he yapped in command, but all that came out of her mouth were complaintful mewls while she was being cleaned and put at a teat. Alright, fine, I'll just eat for now. There was something very familiar about this situation. Something very familiar that he couldn't quite place. Was this - was he - was this what it was like to be born? Was he born again?

Was he... dead?
Was this heaven?
Was this hell?
Was it all a dream?

Was falling from the mountain as the man who had a family, a life, a position and a pack the dream and was this the real life that she had yet to begin?

The little control freak found it hard to figure what was going on, and she hated it. She complained loudly but upon further prodding towards the teat decided that she was hungry anyway. Alright, alright, sheesh, I didn't know you were going to be like that! With a mental roll of her eyes she settled and started to eat. I'll figure out what's going on later. Or maybe I'll simply wake up from this dream soon. After eating she felt rather sleepy. This being born thing rather took a lot of energy, phew. But she wouldn't give in. She'd be damned if she wasn't the last of them all to fall asleep, if at all! Nobody'd told her what was going on yet, after all!

Although she had no understanding of it, or the timing of why it must be now, a day had dawned and much changed in her narrow little scope of this life. The gentle vastness of her comforting seas changed, and to her perceptions it seemed suddenly when it wasn't--not at all, with their mother making the preparations plenty; in fact she was slow, last of them all even. But that was fine.. maybe a pace like that was meant to suit her. Who knew?

But, oh, this didn't seem right? She felt so very stationary here in this new beyond as she was cleaned and situated just like all of her littermates ahead of her. All she could do was wobble and mewl while she searched for that feeling of floating she'd always known. The phantom sensations remained imprinted on her, and so fresh and new, the memories hadn't faded yet. She cried, and cried a little louder the more familiar actual air came to her little lungs.

Then.. above all of that discontent rose a new contender: hunger. Maybe it was the fussing that took it out of her enough to have this make such perfect sense. As urged by Speedy, she took readily enough to nursing once her initial complaints were voiced--but she didn't quite quiet so soon, still grumbling until it was mostly just gurgles as she fed. Since a full belly and a warm spot next to her sister felt pretty good, this would have to do for now.

crappy phone post sorry!

He was surprised at first by everyone that had come to cheer on the new mother. Apprehensive at first he grew even more nervous. But was glad to know that Speedy had such a marvellous support system. Although he could tell she was in pain, she seemed almost comforted by the fact that she had her pack mates near.

With this in mind Emrik smiled softly, as Speedy dutifully took to her role as mother and cleansed her pups. So small and weak. He sat as close as he dared. “Of course Speedy. I’m not going anywhere, I’ll be right here. Let me know if you need anything, anything at all.” Although his tone was hushed there was an exhilarating edge.

Emrik was honoured that Speedy still trusted him, that at the very least they were still friends. The best of friends. “You did so well. I’m so proud of you.” He was inspired by her strength, despite the cloud of darkness that surrounded their conception, Emrik knew that these youngsters would be in loving paws. Not just from their mother, but from the entire pack that had come to greet them. And of course, he would be sticking around, for a little while yet.

She smiled weakly at him, thankful that he was here; he didn't have to be, especially with how uncertain she had left things, and for him to find her pregnant and in trouble...she wasn't sure why he hadn't just turned around and gone back home where things were likely to be way less complicated. 

More pain made her sit up, eyes closed and teeth gritted as she prepared to do this for a fifth time. Had she been less exhausted and not in the midst of another painful contraction, she would have wondered how five could even fit in there, but she was too distracted to really devote much thought to that question. She had to push harder and longer this time, whether it was because she was so tired or because of the pup itself, she wasn't sure. She struggled a lot but finally delivered her fifth child. Pushing her exhaustion aside, she cleaned the tiny pup, noticing that it was the smallest yet. Precious seconds went by, and she had yet to hear the newborn cry or see it move at all. Standing, she moved and positioned herself so that she held the pup between her front legs. She tried and tried to stimulate the puppy, desperately licking her all over and praying each second that she would finally hear her cry. But, no sound ever came. She looked down at her daughter's lifeless body; she was far too small, and her skin held a blue tinge that told the new mother she had been gone long before she was born. Tears fell quickly down her cheeks as she nuzzled her deceased daughter. She couldn't help but feel like this was punishment for all the wrong she had done, all the lives she had damaged. It seemed only fitting that she should have to pay in such a way that broke her. 

Sniffling, she finally looked up at Emrik, her expression heavy with grief. She looked back at her other four children and seeing that they were all sleeping soundly in a pile, she returned her defeated gaze back to her friend. Will you keep them warm for a little bit while-- she paused, unable to say anymore as a quiet sob pushed it's way out. Swallowing and drawing in a deep breath, she stood and delicately picked up her daughter, turning and moving towards the den exit before she lost her composure again. 

She carried the pup outside, shaking her head at any questions or offers of help that may have come from her waiting packmates; this was something she needed to do on her own. 

Once outside the caves, she carried her lost child until a large, obviously very old tree caught her attention; it was taller than any of the trees around it with huge branches and a trunk bigger than any she'd ever seen. She would have liked to do this at the willow tree, but it was too far for her in her current state; this seemed like just as good of a place, anyway. She gently laid the pup on the ground and began digging a small hole. She dug until the grave was as deep as her legs were long and then gently placed her daughter inside. She stared down at her failure for a few moments before she could bring  herself to cover the hole back up with dirt. After placing a few large rocks on top, she sat down, winded from the extra exertion and not quite ready to leave. While she caught her breath, she said a silent goodbye, lingering still for a little while after before finally making her way back to her living children who still needed her. 

She stopped in front of her packmates probably looking awful having just given birth and with dirt all over her front legs. You can come see the now, she offered, trying to muster up a smile but finding it too hard. She turned and walked back into the den, thanking Emrik and taking his place next to the children. She curled around them and within seconds, succumbed to her grief and exhaustion, falling into a deep but troubled sleep.

Yep! She squeaked an answer as Tobi as next to come onto the scene. She tried to be quiet, but the high pitch was hard to swallow as it remained caught in her throat. Nervously she sat next to the den's entrance, as straight as a tree trunk, anxious as ever, she was not keeping her cool at keeping her distance from Speedy as she did what should come naturally. Speedy was a great healer to boot if she did not ask for help, there was no need to crowd the woman. 

Chai was next to appear and just as everyone else, was as curious about how it was going in there. Reiko's ears drew toward the den, anticipating perhaps an answer - nothing. She grew more and more concerned, excited, a ball of energy just waiting to explode into action! Tick tock... tick tock, time felt like an eternity as she waited, as they all gathered outside to wait until finally, the exhausted Speedy came to invite them in to see the pups. 

With a sigh of relief, Reiko laid down. Finally, it was all over. Despite Speedy's exhaustion, all seemed well. She chose to remain outside, for now, to give everyone else a turn and perhaps some more space for the new mother. Reiko would stay at the den's entrance for a little while longer, only to go find some gifts for the new mother and her children later.

The sound of each cry would carry out with the birth of each new life until one last cry came, but this time from the mother. Hesitating to take a step forward, Speedy soon came out tears staining her face with a small limp body hanging from her maw. There was nothing to say as she quickly fled into the woods before anyone including himself could offer assistance, but he understood. Somethings just had to be done alone, and this was something only the mother could do.

When the woman did come back she said they could see the pups but the cowboy only gave a simple shake of his head. Another time, you deserve some rest. The pups weren't going anywhere and after everything, it was better to give the new family some space. Once she had settled back in her den and he was sure everything would be fine, Tobias took his leave.

A sad frown made itself known as Emrik watched Speedy struggle with the emotional turn this experience had taken. Swallowing thickly, sadness eroded the joy and excitement of earlier. “Of course.” He spoke softly, being careful to take up the exact same position she had been in just moments before. The soft cries her children offered at her absence and the lack of food would haunt Emrik for a long long time.

Upon seeing her return Emrik rose form his spot careful to not disturb his charges to much. Although he had heard the words to their packmates, none had ventured to close. As Speedy fell into a deep slumber, Emrik took up a spot within the den near the entrance. Keeping an eye on the new mother and her newborn children.