Ouroboros Spine Something there

@Valiant

A week and a half passed since Raindrop and Valiant had taken their early honeymoon. Nothing had really changed, since then. Well, except for the fact that she’d started feeling queasy in the mornings. No sickness, just a weak stomach and food aversion. 

She stepped out of the den to get some fresh air. Now, after having gone through a pregnancy once before, she couldn’t help but consider the reason behind her symptoms. But, she couldn’t confirm anything yet. It was simply too early. 

Still, she looked to find Valiant. If her assumption was right, then she was sure he’d like to know about it.

While he was never far, they weren’t “married” yet, and so they didn’t share a sleeping space. She called out for him. A low howl, directed at him alone.

Valiant was looking for Raindrop as well. He was just returning from a night of border marking, tired and sore but in good spirits. As was his custom, he headed straight for Raindrop's den instead of to his own preferred sleeping place under the stars.

He'd dug a new bed for himself, closer to Raindrop, and would not have to travel far to turn in either way.

"You're looking well," he said as he padded toward her, his tail whisking at his heels. She smelled good, too — healthy and vital. He thought, perhaps, he could detect a hint of something else. He did not dare name it, but asked, "How're you feelin'?"

When he padded towards her, her heart fluttered. Her tail swished from side to side, her eyes soft. She reached to nuzzle her snoot into his neck ruff. "Thank you." She replied to his comment, blushing under her fur. When he asked how she felt, though, hesitation had snuck in. "Fine for the most part. Uhm, to be honest, I've felt queasy. Not too hungry either." She told him openly, swiveling her ears to the side. "It's nothing awful. But it's not...." She sighed, "An unfamiliar feeling."

She had an idea what it likely was, and, perhaps he would catch on too, since he'd experienced pregnancy with his wife. But truly, it was too early to tell for certain. There wouldn't be any physical signs for a few more weeks.

He turned his head to run his cheek against hers, gladly accepting the show of affection. Though he was excited at the prospect of expanding their family, he knew there were plenty of things to worry about as well. After all — he'd once watched Easy go through all the right milestones, only to see her lose the pregnancy right as she should have been sure of it. There'd been no pups that year upon the spine — the year after Dutch and Eldest had been born.

He shook off the memories of cold grief and returned his attention to his not-yet wife.

"Well, we gotta get you eatin' again," he said, choosing not to comment on what these symptoms might mean. Whether it was familiar or not, they had to keep Raindrop's strength up. "Angel just told me she saw a white elk out in the meadowlands. I was gonna take Ludo and see what all's out there."

They ought to be married, after all, if she was going to be having his kids.

Sorry for the disappearance. Between work and school I've really slowed down with my writing. :) I have a busy week coming up.

"Well, we gotta get you eatin' again," Valiant told her. Fourtantly, her morning sickness had subsided, making way for hunger. "I know." She chuckled, "Well, I suppose I do feel rather hungry now."

Valiant then went on to tell her about a white elk that Angel had spotted. He was hoping to take Ludo out to scout things out. This reminded her about their conversation regarding wedding details. The hope was to have a beautiful white animal pelt for the ceremony.

"I believe Ludo would love that. He's doing so well. And you are so good with him." It brought joy to her heart, to see firsthand how great of a father Valiant was, and would be. The thought about filling Val in on what happened to Ludo's mother surfaced. 

Her expression turned rather solemn. "I dont know how much he has opened up to you about his family." She began, her voice soft; quiet. She sighed, "The other night, he woke up from a nightmare... about his mother." "She passed away." Tears pricked her eyes, and her ears laid flat against her head.

He could feel his heartbeat in his tongue. Her morning sickness certainly made it seem as though she must be pregnant, and he was sure that her scent had changed. They could only hope that the spark of life inside her continued to grow, and that the birth would then go well —

But he was getting ahead of himself. For now, she was just hungry. Valiant thought to suggest a hunt, but talking about Ludo took precedence.

"He's easy to love," the isbjorn replied, a crinkle-eyed smile on his face. An expression that dimmed as Raindrop began to speak of the boy's past. "Pala?" he asked, grieved by the news. He'd guessed as much, but somehow, the knowledge still made his heart sink.

Valiant pressed the flat of his nose to Raindrop's forehead in a kiss before gathering her closer to him.

"How did it happen?" he asked her. Part morbidly curious, part wanting to make sure he didn't say anything triggering or insensitive to their young charge.

His smile dimmed, his face darkening. He drew her closer, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Yes." She told him solemnly, "But how, I do not know."

Then there was a silence. She had no answer for him. She hadn't pressed Ludo for more detail, not wanting to rub salt in his wound. 

"I haven't wanted to press any further." "And Val... I'm sorry to bother you with this." The pregnancy hormones had already began kicking in; toying with her emotions.

Her hunger was forgotten for the time being, her mind busied by other things.

That made sense to Valiant, though he wondered if it wasn't better to pry, so that the boy would not have to carry that weight alone. Perhaps it was a thought for another day; for the moment, he pressed his muzzle once more into Raindrop's cheek.

"I want to know," he replied, his voice firm. "This is our family now, ain't it?"

But it was a rhetorical question. He would spend some time comforting her before heading off to hunt — and bringing it back to be sure that she ate at least a small meal.