Whitefish River Someone Tell Me Something Comforting

Please let @Dandelion @Primrose @Blackberry @Nutmeg /and or @Speedy post first! After that it's free game, this thread will stay up until saturdayish I might leave it open if it gets really active. Leaving the end part a bit open ended for Speedy to do what she wants here. Takes place on the 26th leading into the 27th early morning and references this thread! Song reference/thread title for those who want background music. Light PP of @Hieronymous approved

It had been days since the Constable had seen Evergreen and Winterbourne. During the first 24 hours Ira had quelled her concerns insisting she just missed them or they had gone out somewhere, but as the second day rolled by with no sightings the dread began to set in. Ira could not travel much in her current state, but after checking in with Hieronymous the roan woman was able to confirm that they did not seem to be in the territory. Even the shared den of the Count and Grocer laid untouched, with stale scents suggesting they had not slumbered there the night before.

They had both gone missing, to where she had no idea. Had they left? Maybe they didn't want her a part of the equation after all, even after everything. The thought sent a pain through the Constable's abdomen that lasted for several minutes. Clearly her concern was now affecting her children. Speedy had insisted that she remained clam, but how could she now? This went beyond normal pregnancy anxiety and as if on command the second her thoughts began to spiral another cramp hit her side. Ira forced herself to take a few deep breaths until the sensation eased up, there was nothing she could do now. It would be idiotic to search past the borders and with night approaching quickly the only option left was to retreat to her den.

Sleep did not come easy. Ira managed to sleep on and off throughout the night, but the times she spent awake her thoughts wandered to Evergreen and Winterbourne. Perhaps they were injured, but surely if that happened one would have come back by now, and with no call for help where exactly did they end up? By the time morning light filtered in through the mouth of her den Ira laid exhausted. They couldn't be dead could they—? It was a thought Ira had been avoiding, but this time she couldn't stop it. It was the worst case scenario and she was sure she was overthinking it, but she knew what it was like to not know your father. By Gods, these kids had two and if they didn't get to meet even one— Pain surged again drawing an audible groan from the woman as she shifted desperately to find a position more comfortable.

This time the feeling did not subside. It was more than worrisome and the spreading pain caused Ira to pant as she quickly grew restless. It wouldn't take long for the Constable to put 2 and 2 together, this wasn't a kick this was searing pain. She was in labor. The contractions came quick and with each one, Ira had to force herself not to cry out. With a final push her first kid, a boy of golden hues had been born, although they remained still. As Speedy said, her instincts came quickly as she moved the blob closer quick to bite the sack and frantically lick the boy clean. Luckily he seemed responsive after what seemed like endless seconds. Ira tried to calm the rapid beating of her heart assuring herself that he was fine, but before she could get too comfortable the pain returned. Knowing now what to expect the second came faster, this time a girl with coloration much like her own and Winterbourne's. As soon as she drew out a response from the girl she would be placed by her brother to feed.

Ira panted looking down at her kids, the next wave of pain did not come but it was evident by the still visible swell of her stomach that there had to be more. These two had been fast, where was the next? Minutes passed and as time ticked by the roan woman grew worried that something might be wrong. Ira swallowed glancing to the entrance of her den. Speedy had promised to stay near, but she had no idea what time of day it was. Surely the healer would still use her own den, was she even there now? She opened her mouth to speak, the first syllables of the woman's name escaped before she was cut off, Spee— a cry ripped from her throat as the contractions returned with a force that caused her to curl. This was worse, way worse than any of the turmoil she had faced before. She hissed forcing herself to strain as the next pup breached, but beyond that they did not seem to budge. Huffing Ira swallowed dryly before attempting to call out again, Speedy—! She was almost certain the two born would be bothered by her shifting, but the Constable couldn't help it. She pawed at the ground straining in anguish until relief finally hit. The culprit was a boy, dark in coloring like Evergreen.

Rather the healer had been there to help or not, Ira had grown rather tunnel-visioned. She was shaking from the efforts of delivery, but she ensured that the boy was cleaned and placed by the others too. The last had come once more naturally. Compared to the previous siblings she had almost missed the realization that the final pup had been delivered. The last was a girl who in coloring also looked like Evergreen. The worry over the fathers had now subsided, too focused on her young that had finally arrived and the weariness that seeped into her bones. They were all beautiful and she could only hope that they were healthy. With the four newborns suckling at her stomach, Ira fell limp letting her head rest as she caught her breath.  The metallic smell of blood hit her nose, but in the moment she couldn't even bother to acknowledge it.

The fathers would never be graced with seeing their children’s faces.

Stress brought the birth early to the new mother. Tantrums and turmoil kicked up by the children, until the pale golden hued boy became the first to emerge into the world. Still, he does not hungrily engulf breathes of air. Instead, he remained quiet, unmoving. It would be another loss, had maternal instincts not kicked in as his mother tended to his needs.

With her urging, the boy opened his mouth. He gasped for breath with a pop of liquid that still surrounded his face. A squeal came next—his presence known and echoed across the den that his fathers specifically picked for this occasion. The sorrow hung heavy, and though the boy could not hear or see, he felt it.

Weakly, he lifted a paw as Ira’s face neared him to place him towards her stomach. It was a tap to her muzzle, light and perhaps meaningless to others, but it was his first attempt at comforting. One track mind, however, took over. Hunger drew him instinctively towards Ira’s belly, and once he found his target, the boy began to knead, showing his contentment with soft noises of appreciation.

One by one, his siblings joined him.

The disappearance of Evergreen and Winterbourne had weighed heavily on the healer over the last few days. She worried about the toll it was taking on Ira. She was very close to having the puppies and the last thing she needed was the distress of their missing fathers. She was also very worried about the two men; it wasn't like either of them to just disappear, especially right now. So where the hell where they? She, too, feared the worst—that they had been hurt or worse. But she was confined within the borders now, with her due date just around the corner, and she felt completely helpless. She hated to imagine them alone somewhere injured without anyone to help them. But she had to trust that the pack would find them. In the mean time, she needed to take care of Ira. 

She had taken to sleeping near the den once she was sure the Count and Grocer were officially missing. It was not ideal given how pregnant she was at this point and she knew @Emrik wouldn't be happy about it, but she wanted to be close in case she was needed. 

She had not slept well that night, unable to shake the feeling that something wasn't right, and she had kept her mate up with her restlessness. Occasionally, she would get up and wander closer to the Constable's den just to check in on things. She had already stocked various plants outside the opening of the den, which offered some comfort to the healer, but not much. 

She did manage to fall asleep at some point in the early morning, waking a few hours later and slowly getting up to check on Ira again. She heard the Constable cry out for her, and her heart jumped into her throat. She sprinted forward as fast as she could manage, ignoring her leader's wishes in her moment of panic and rushing right inside the den. There were already two puppies; they were crying out against the sudden absence of their mother while she struggled to birth a third puppy. There was no time for asking permission, and she would deal with the outcome later. Speedy rushed forward, noticing when she got closer that this puppy seemed to be stuck. Watching Ira struggle hurt her heart, and she would do anything to make it better. She reached down and gently clasped the puppy between her teeth, and when Ira pushed again, she helped guide the child out. The Constable was quick to take over from there, cleaning the boy and pulling him close. 

It wasn't long before a fourth puppy joined them in the den, this one coming much easier. Speedy visually checked the other three as Ira cleaned the girl, making sure they all appeared healthy. The four of them were born and snuggled close to mom and when Speedy looked over at Ira, she grew immediately worried. It was normal to be tired, but the Constable seemed to be more than that. The smell of blood hit the healer as well, and she turned her attention to the source. Fear tightened her chest. It looked like too much blood, and Speedy was worried there might have been some kind of complication. Shit. She refused to let anything happen to Ira. She drew in a deep breath and forced her mind to calm so that she could think. She remembered something her mother had told her about oak leaves. Her round form hurried outside and she clasped a bundle of the leaves she needed as well as water-soaked moss. Then she quickly went back inside. Ira? she said gently, offering licks to her cheek to try and rouse her. Ira, I know you're tired, but I need you to eat these and drink some water. Then you can rest. she licked her cheek again and waited, heart racing as she fought the tears. She could cry about it later. But right now, she needed to make sure the new mother was okay.

cameo tag if called upon or needed :)

It seemed like shit had hit the fan. Emrik was slightly disorientated by all the changes that had once again befallen the river dwelling pack. A foreign leader had given birth within their borders, and another noble pregnant woman had arrived are great stress to herself, and now Evergreen and Winterborne were missing. He could see the strain that had landed on Speedy's shoulders, the worry she carried over Ira and the insurmountable worry that was draining Ira hour by hour.

Emrik had taken to sleeping near Ira's den alongside his wife. He knew if something were to happen they might need help, or someone to get get more help. Having an extra set of paws was always beneficial. And if Ira had noticed he was there at all, she didn't say anything. So he stuck close by. Bring food for both women when he dared leave Speedy's side. Food he noticed was going mostly uneaten.

When Speedy rushed into the den during the fateful hour, Emrik knew it was time. But he also knew it was early. Emrik clenched his jaw, as he took a seat outside the den, not daring to get closer. Speedy knew he was here and would call him if he was needed.

For the grey colored girl the birth was a strange thing, and one she didn't really comprehend. There was a tightness around her body that had not been there before. She was rather motionless as the pressure build up. She was warm and she felt safe. That all changed when the cold hit her, of course, the little one didn't know that it was 'cold' it was rather a change she didn't like. Her little paws and body started to kick in action and flail around. When the sack was opened the female whole body did their first test run; limbs moving and her squeaks activating.

Those squeaks turned into screams even when something changed as well. A warm tongue, though the little girl had no clue what was happening so she just kept screaming and protesting. Everything was different, and an overload of scents invaded her nose. One was overwhelmingly strong, she couldn't pinpoint as to what it was but something told her to try and go there. So she did what she knew from the womb, kicking and wiggling. She made her way to a teat and latched on. That helped to calm her down. Oblivious to everything that was happening around her.

Perhaps she wasn't as dramatic as her other siblings. Or maybe she was and just nobody had bothered to set the stage yet -- it was a little early to tell. Not to mention there was a certain lack of awareness in this larval stage: the world was just a bunch of strange stimuli that was far too overwhelming. 

Squeaks, wiggles, and gaping about like a goldfish were all just instinct. And you know what? She still didn't know what was going on, being jostled about, harassed by unseen beings, and finally placed up where there was warmth and eventually-discovered sustenance.

It'd be a while before any of it started making a lick of sense. Carry on.

A shape seemed to exit the den, likely Speedy, But Ira couldn't be bothered to check. Her eyes closed in the moment of peace that seemed to follow birth unaware of her healer's frantic concern. It almost felt as if she was floating, the only sensations grounding her being the pups that suckled and the tongue that soon pressed to her cheek. An all too familiar voice called her name though when her eyes cracked open Ira was greeted by the sight of a white and grey she-wolf, someone she never had the chance to meet. She spoke her name again but with a blink the image of her mother disappeared now replaced with the concern that etched Speedy's face. Her words almost didn't register, but it wasn't hard to guess when her gaze fell to the leaves and moss. The healer had tended to her long enough that she knew at least what the moss was for and it wouldn't take convincing to get her to drink.

The Constable cleared her throat when she finished, eyes once again finding Speedy, Something went wrong, didn't it? The words were rasped and cracked, but at the very least she managed a response. It was the only explanation she could think of, why else would she be here pushing leaves at her? She was hesitant to look at her kids, but whatever news the healer had wouldn't go away if Ira ignored it so she'd turn nosing over the pups once more. To the roan woman's relief they all still breathed, but it didn't answer the concern. There was still a pile of leaves, what they did she'd never be able to guess all she could do was stare and hope for an answer. Swallowing she spoke again, this time her voice stronger, Speedy, what's wrong?

Ira roused quickly enough, thankfully, and drank from the moss without any more encouragement. But instead of eating the leaves, she asked what was wrong and then nosed her children as if to check that they were okay. The children are all okay. One of them got stuck, but he's doing fine now. She paused and nosed the leaves closer to the Constable, who was asking again what was wrong. Speedy sighed. Eat the leaves, please, she said first. Then her frown deepened further. There is more blood than there should be, she finally answered. But the leaves should help. Those, along with plenty of rest, and you should be back to normal in a day or two. You'll feel pretty tired at first, more than is normal, but it shouldn't last very long. I'm here to make sure of that. She did her best to relax her expression, and then she offered the new mother a comforting smile. Don't worry about it, okay, she offered next. Let me worry about all of this. You rest and eat the plants I give you. She paused and looked over the children, her smile turning warm. There was a lot riding on the promise she had just essentially made to the Constable—that she would make sure everything was fine, that the children wouldn't have to grow up without their mother. She pushed the thought away; that would not happen, and she would make sure of it.

His own birth is mostly rather quiet, though the rather jarring feeling of being stuck leaves the boy slightly distressed. Still, he's tranquil compared to his siblings, only whimpering faintly as he settles against his mother. Then he falls silent.

The Constable didn't need to hear that her boy was stuck, she was able to piece that much together, but at the very least the healer had deemed them all healthy. It was her first priority, especially now, that nothing happened to these kids. Golden eyes shifted to the leaves that were pressed closer to herself and now knowing for sure what she was supposed to do with them she would do so obediently. Chewing on leaves wasn't exactly great, but she trusted Speedy that they would help in whatever way she needed.

It was as she ate that Ira found the answer she was looking for. There was blood, too much of it, a weak glance to her backside confirmed it as she swallowed. That explained the lightheaded sensation she felt. Perhaps whatever went wrong had been hereditary as her own mother passed after giving birth. I see...and you're positive there will be no further complications? Ira couldn't imagine dying, not now, not after her children had already lost their fathers. The constable had always been strong, but now she only hoped that that strength would persist if not for her then for her kids.

Perhaps it should have been mentioned earlier...I do not know under what specific circumstances, but my Mother passed shortly after my sister and I were birthed. I can't afford to meet the same fate... Ira's gaze dropped to the pups at her side. Surely the healer would not need any further explanation as to what she meant.  I trust your work though, Speedy. I'm sure under your care we will be fine. Thank you for being here. The words were meant for the healer alone, but part of the statement had been for herself as well even if the roan woman would never admit it.

Speedy smiled but it didn't quite reach her eyes like it normally would. I will do everything in my power to ensure there are no further complications, she assured the Constable. She didn't want her to worry about it, and she thought it was already a good sign that she was asking questions and eating the plants like she asked. 

Her mouth twisted thoughtfully to the side when Ira offered her the information about her mother's complications after birth. It definitely would have helped to know that before hand, so that she could have been giving her plants in the days leading up to the birth. And she would have been better prepared to deal with any issues. But she wasn't going to say all of that to the new mother; it wouldn't do anything but make her feel bad, and Speedy wouldn't have that. We'll know for next time, then, Speedy told her, a warm smile spreading across her face. She assumed there would be a next time. And I will make sure your children have their mother. 

At her thanks, Speedy shook her head. Of course I would be here, she said first. It's my job, and I would never let my friend do this on her own. They had never really put any labels on their relationship, but Speedy considered the Constable to be more than just her leader; friend seemed to describe pretty well how she felt about the other woman. 

You should get some rest now, the healer suggested. I'll stay close for a few days just in case, and you can call for me for anything you need, she promised. Is there anything you need right now? She would make sure she was comfortable before she went back to @Emrik to rest and maybe cry a little bit.

Of course there was no way to ensure anything, the world could take just as fast as it could give, but Ira appreciated the effort. However, Speedy's face said everything she needed to know. Perhaps she pitied her, or maybe she just wished she knew beforehand, but before she had the chance to ask or forget about it the woman's face had morphed back into a smile.

Next time? Did she really think there would be a next time? Ira never thought she'd see the day that she'd rise her own, and the chances of her getting this opportunity again seemed...slim. At least she had these children, they were more than she could ever ask for. Thank you, but I don't think we will have to worry about a next time. It should go without saying given no fathers were in the picture.

The Constable wasn't surprised Speedy shrugged off the compliment, she always did. What did surprise her was when she referred to her as a friend. Ira was always hard to open up and those she called a friend were few and far between but...the label felt right here. The healer had been there for her countless times, and she was grateful Speedy thought the same of her, jobs aside. It was nice to know she at least had one friend left within Kaistleoki now that she had lost a close one.

Ira wasn't sure what to say and it likely showed on her face, but before she could find the words Speedy had already continued. She gave a small grunt in response to the healer's suggestion before letting her head rest, I'll do my best...you should rest too. Let Emrik take over or have someone else make runs for you. You should be relaxing right now. Ironic coming from her, but the Constable was often better giving advice than following it.

She felt a little guilty for implying that there would be more pups in the Constable's future; the statement was a little insensitive, too, which made her feel even worse. I'm sorry, Ira. I didn't mean to— she paused, unable to find the words. She looked away, ready to steer the subject away from the uncomfortable topic. Ira wasn't in the state to be worrying about the pup's fathers' disappearance. 

Speedy could tell Ira was surprised by the fact that she had called her a friend, but she didn't dispute the claim either. Regardless of whether or not the Constable felt the same way, Speedy still considered her a friend—one she cared for deeply given all the time she had known her and how she had watched her struggle through her injury over the winter and now through a difficult birth with no fathers by her side to offer support. She just wished she could do more for her. 

She nodded, smiling warmly at the other mother's concern. I promise, I will go rest right now, she told Ira. I'll be just outside with Emrik, so just call out if you need something. She turned then and made to exit, stopping once to offer another smile at Ira but eventually taking her leave unless she was stopped.

Speedy was quick to apologize, the truth of her words not hitting. The Constable would only shake her head, there was no need, but she appreciated her attempt to comfort her. With all that she could do done, the healer offered one last smile and a promise to rest. The only thought to cross Ira's mind had been 'good' but truthfully the woman deserved more. As she turned to leave Ira would offer a nod in return, Thank you, Speedy. It was probably the hundredth time she said it, she truly was out of words to offer the healer. When she was left alone, she was tired, but she wanted to watch her slumbering kids. As fate would have it, the new mother would also be pulled quickly under the waves of consciousness.