Whitefish River We've Been Treating Weekdays Like the Weekend

all welcome! Tagging possible people but feel free to snag if you aren't tagged!

Over a week had passed since the symptoms began and the Constable found herself on a new and unfamiliar schedule. Waking up late to fits of nausea only to reject her breakfast, then on with the day. More often than not, Ira found herself retiring early as well from fatigue despite her workload being reduced to about half of what she was used to. Even worse, it seemed that dizzy spells were a new addition to her daily hell. At first, she wasn't too concerned and did her best to hide the symptoms from @Evergreen and @Winterbourne knowing the two would only fret more than they seemed to currently. She could take a wild guess why, but she was more than capable of taking care of herself.

Perhaps it was time to seek out @Speedy just in case... this wasn't food-related like she first thought. All of her past meals had been fresh, most being provided by Evergreen and Winterbourne despite her claims. It wasn't some common sickness since the symptoms did not intensify or progress more than they had and it certainly hadn't gone away yet. Whatever it was still seemed harmless in the long run, but it was better safe than sorry.

A sigh escaped the roan woman as she found a sunny rock to crawl onto and rest. She could feel the world starting to spin again, but perhaps it would pass fast. For now, she would rest her head and take in the few rays of sun that peeked through the clouds.

anyone else can still feel free to join <3

The last three days had been spent exclusively with @Emrik, and as much as she hated for their seclusion to end, she had things she needed to check on. She knew where the useful plants had grown last year, and she was excited to check and see if today was the day she would start to see Spring regrowth. There were others within their ranks now that would be able to help tend an injured packmate when she was unable to, but she still felt like she needed to make her way around the territory in case someone was looking for her in need of her help. 

She hadn't come across anyone yet, but she paused as she saw the rock in the distance. Resting on sunny rocks was a favorite of the healer's, so she couldn't help but smile when she happened upon Ira. It wasn't often that she saw the leader rest. She almost hated to disturb her, but she couldn't resist the urge to check on a packmate. She trotted forward and stopped just beside the rock. Hey, Ira, she greeted gently, hoping not to startle her. How are you?

The roan woman's ear twitched as footsteps trotted near. They were light compared to most of the men that resided within Kaistleoki leaving only a few options left. Without having to guess, Speedy made her identity known as she checked in on her. You're making my job easy, Speedy. She shifted her head to rest where she could see the healer after opening her eyes.

I've been debating tracking you down, but I suppose now I don't have to. A weak chuckle made it's way out of her as she rolled onto her side. I've been nauseous and dizzy on and off for a while now. Didn't seem too concerning, but it's gone on for a while now. Even now her head was swimming.

Inna decided to tag along with Speedy. She had learned a lot about herbs and plants, but she needed more experience. She had caught and ate a squirrel first, though, hence her lateness. She sat next to Speedy and looked at her feet. She was becoming more and more adjusted to pack life, but she was still intimidated by Ira. "May-may I help you..help Ira?" Gosh, she was terrible. why couldn't she speak like a normal wolf? 

Speedy grinned. Well, that must mean I'm doing my job, she replied, glad to have helped Ira in any way. 

The smile quickly faded, concern replacing it with a frown. If Ira was debating looking for her, then someone must be sick or injured. To hear that it was Ira herself that wasn't feeling well deepened her concern. She took a step forward but before she could speak, they were joined by Inna. She hesitantly asked permission to help, and Speedy offered her a reassuring smile. Of course, I would love the help. She looked between the two women before focusing back on her fellow healer. Ira was just telling me that she's been feeling nauseous and dizzy, Speedy explained. 

She looked back to Ira. How long is a while exactly? she asked first. Duration of symptoms was important to know. And have you eaten any weird plants or meat the might have been off? she asked. Have you had your heat yet? Maybe it was hormone related? She turned to Inna. Anything else you think we should ask?

The Constable's eyes switched to Inna as she approached. It was good to see her involved, especially if she could learn something from it. Kaistleoki was fortunate to not have medicinal need often, but it made training those who were interested harder. I appreciate the additional set of eyes. She fully trusted Speedy, but you could never be too careful. 

Their healer was quick as always to start diagnosing her and limit the options. Raising her head slightly from the rock, Ira thought back to just how long it had been. I first noticed the symptoms about a week ago. Howl thought it might have been a meal, but I've been careful to only pick out fresh kills since then. Her heat had passed when she, well... that was about two weeks ago. Perhaps she should mention what happened. If she ended up pregnant there would be no hiding it anyways, My heat has passed...If I am to be completely honest, I am more concerned about these symptoms since I hope to be... expecting.

Ira averted her gaze finding a new sense of embarrassment. The roan woman recalled her conversation with the healer back in the plains when she quickly dismissed her chances of expecting...a lot had changed in such a short time. Not to mention the fact that she had insisted on needing a mate first. They weren't really her kids either...

Inna was relieved to hear that Ira may be expecting. It would explain the symptoms, but without Ira being sick. She noticed that Ira seemed uncomfortable about something, but she didn't point it out. Inna had had no experience with anything pup-related that didn't involve her own childhood. Still, this possibility made sense. She wished she had something to contribute, but she only looked to Speedy to see what she would say next.

Speedy could barely contain her excitement. She wanted to gush over the Constable and ask her a million non-medical questions, but she knew she needed to maintain a calm, collected composure, at least for now. The healer found that she was unable to keep from beaming up at Ira, though, no matter how hard she tried to keep her features neutral. When exactly was your heat? she asked first. Nausea and dizziness are some of the first symptoms for most women. They were certainly her first symptoms when she had become pregnant last spring. Have you been tired or have you had any weird food or scent aversions? The food and scent stuff might come later, but she seemed to remember being pretty tired during her last pregnancy, especially at first.

When the Constable looked back she was immediately met with a grin. On the one hand, it was shocking, but realistically it was expected. Speedy had been interested in the potential of her pregnancy before she was even certain it was possible. Holding in a groan, Ira shifted her forearm to cover the bridge of her nose effectively blocking her sight from the world as she recalled the days. It started about two weeks ago? Maybe a little less? The roan woman felt relieved to hear her symptoms were normal even if she currently felt horrible. Did that mean she was actually pregnant?

The concept was foreign, something she had insisted throughout her life that she would never experience, yet...here she was. The news was still setting in as Ira forced herself to raise her head to look to her company. I've been sleeping more, yes. You said the nausea is a first symptom, will it go away? Gods forbid she felt like this the whole pregnancy. Hopefully, it would not last, Valette never mentioned any of this.

Inna was 99% Ira was pregnant now. "It should go away for awhile." She tried to remember what helped with nausea... was it ginger? "Until then... maybe ginger could help?" She looked towards Speedy for confirmation.

The timeline seems right, Speedy said first. I think it's safe to assume that you are pregnant, Ira. Congratulations, the healer added, grin spreading. Who is the lucky father? she asked. She hadn't seen her with anyone new or spending time with any of them males more than normal, so she was very curious. And she wanted to know who to congratulate the next time she saw him. 

Speedy nodded at Inna's suggestion. Yep, Inna is correct. I can bring you some ginger root to chew on; it helped me a lot last year, she explained. The nausea does usually get better or go away completely later in the pregnancy. Sometimes, it remains a constant symptom throughout, though, but that is less likely. Hopefully that wouldn't be the case for Ira. The tiredness will only get worse, she continued. You should take more time to rest. A lot is changing in your body, and you need all the rest you can get, the healer instructed.

this can be wrapped up whenever you guys are ready! I know it's getting old just make sure you get closings for trades ;)

Ira knew this had been the plan, but to hear it still came across as a surprise. Perhaps it was thanks to the years of expecting she would never well...be expecting. She tried to process the information quickly, it would do no good to regret any choices now. The ginger would be appreciated, anything to relieve some of these symptoms. Ira avoided the father question, if only momentarily. There were a few other things on her mind first, When would travel no longer be advised? There are some matters I need to take care of before then...I'm sure Evergreen and Winterbourne would also be interested in a quick trip. She stole a glance at Speedy, certain she would pick up her answer, but her expectations for how the healer would take the news was still unknown.

Sounds good to me!

Inna took note of Ira's neglect to answer Speedy's question about the father, but she didn't mention it. She didn't know the answer to whether Ira should travel or not, so she left it to Speedy.

Oh. She tried really hard to keep the surprise from her face, but she was sure some of it leaked through anyway. The surprise quickly turned into understanding, and then a reassuring smile spread across her face. Well you can tell them that you're okay to travel for another month or so, The healer advised with a knowing look. You have about six weeks left, give or take a few days, and travel should be fine up until the last two weeks before giving birth, she explained. I would hate for something to happen and you be too far for me to do anything about it. Worry tightened her chest just thinking about it. She could go into labor early and be stuck somewhere without her guidance and plants or the protection of the pack. 

We'll let you rest now, she told Ira. She knew the Constable had much to take care of, and she didn't want to intrude on her down time any longer. Come find me any time you need anything, Speedy said next. Inna too, she added with smile to the woman at her side; she knew her kind apprentice would be just as happy to help in anyway Ira needed.

last post from me!

For a split second she saw what she knew to expect, but before it could settle the healer covered it with a warm smile. Rather it was genuine or a mask she couldn't be sure, but despite her anxieties, she decided to trust Speedy. It was then that she gave the verdict. Around six weeks, just over a month and she would have little paws to watch over. The news was still surreal, but something stirred in her chest something warm. Perhaps this was excitement, not that she never felt the emotion before, but it was different now. Maybe it was for the fact that she never thought to hear this news personally, an unrealistic dream just out of reach. Thank you, both of you. I'll be sure to come sooner if I am in need of care or advice. She returned the smile albeit small before letting her head rest atop her paws again.