Autumn brings changes

[Uskiya]

Uskiya stood silently waiting among the fallen leaves, their bright hues scarcly matched the brightnes of her golden orbs. Something exciting was happening. New life was forming in her belly and it was time to look for a whelping den. She would tell Cal the news as soon as he arrives, she had told him to meet her here and hoped that he would come soon, her excitmet was building and she could barely contain herself. She let out a happy yip, she also smiled at the prospect of telling Lydair, who seemed to be the varg that she was closest to besides Cal. A healer would also so be good to hav around with so many pups, especialy when there would be newborns ssquirming around. The fae pranced around happily, her belly already slightly swollen though it wasn't very noticable. She snapped at falling leaves and broke small twigs in her puppy like playfulness.

There couldn't have been a better place to have pups, with the safe promise of a family that would become. She pranced forward and yipped again, happiness flooding her entire body. Wait till she told Cal, he would be happy. He had been wanting pups, but ow exactly would he react. She knew he wanted them, but was he expecting them so soon. Was it too soon? The fae growled at herself for such thoughts, Cal would be very happy. So she was very happy as well. She was excited to tell the others when the time came. Golden orbs scanned the area, auds swiveled and tail wagged. Everything about this place was wonderful. Soon the whole pack would know, but for now her main goal was to tell the father. She paced about impatiently, excitement pushing on fidgeting. Uskiya thought she would burst with joy. Her tail wagged furiously and she constantly moved about as she waited for Cal.

[Cal]

The leaves were falling signalling the end of autumn. Almost all of the leaves now abandoned their trees. A small familiar breeze blew in the grounds of Ge-rad sweeping colours of red, orange, and yellow into air. One leaf in particular landed in the dirt, where an enormous brown paw crushed it. Brown fur mixed with small bits of black, Cal emerged from the trees and now were sniffing energeticly. Walking in the direction where his mate told him to meet him. It had been only several suns when he was trapped in a storm not far from these lands, sustaining a small injury but otherwise he couldn't be more happier coming back where he called "home". Every time he walked here he felt a surge of joy in him that he was lucky enough to even be here. He had a wonderful life, helping Draeg building this pack ever since he had taken over. Doing his scouting duties regularly, and also visiting other rival packs. Occasionally coming back to check on his mate, but today was particularly special, news waiting to reach his ears about his unborn children. The brown he-varg did not know what he was going to be facing.

Nose raised in the air as he toke slow footsteps towards hie destination. Finally, yellow eyes fixed upon his mate he broke into a run. Reaching his mate he started licking and nuzzling her affectioniately. "Hello...great to be back home...missed you.." growled Cal softly in his her ear. Pulling away and finally giving her a little room as he sat on his haunches. Seeing the happy expression he wondered what was going on. Although she was always happy to see her mate, there was something about her today which seemed a little odd. The smile that was on Uskiya he never seen before, and it was though she was bursting to tell him something. "Er...is there something that you wish to tell me?" asked Cal slowly as he gave her a playful nip to her ears.

[Lydair]

Flames left amber, orange, or yellow streaks wringing through the bounty of leaves that pleted the forest underbrush or hung limply from scraggly branches. Animals of all sorts dashed quickly through the underbrush, surprising the main lera here- putnar, actually- with their devilish boldness.One such creature walked through the forest; although she clearly was no pure Varg she hedl herself proudly. her muzzle was short and tapered; her legs were undecidably long and her fur was an exquistite mizture of blues and blacks; half-way down it stopped abruptly and turned into a white. To the tips of her paws and under them they pelt stayed that pure white; cream did not smudge the coloring. Her lithe paws padded gracefully over the branches and leaves that skittered up behind her.
Her small head raised; her black, leathery nose twitched and trembled and an excited gleam filled her cyan orbs; scents were hovering in t he air, and those were ones she knew- Cal and Uskiya; the latter one of her closer friends within Ge-Rad.She knew her to be expecting, and guessed she was waiting for Cal, her mate, as to tell him the fantastic news. As the scents and trails grew stronger, especially that of Cal, who had traveled this way, her pace picked up into a shufflign canter; she didn't want to wear herself out this early but adrenaline pumped through her veins; she was nearly bursting with hapiness for her friend.

Skittering to a stop, Lydair grinned as she spotted Uskiya and barked a warm greeting to the pair of Vargs. 'Good day to you both, Cal and Uskiya!" the hyrbid chirped, drawing herself up and seating her body beside them. Her eyes sparkled; from the odd, uncertain look on Cal's face she guessed the gray fae hadn't yet told him her news.

[Uskiya]

Uskiya greeted Cal with many licks and her tail wagged furiously. In almost circular motions. Her auds perked as she thought she heard the padding of paws close by. She looked to Cal, a big grin on her maw. "I missed you to. I'm not used to you being gone still." She said nuzzling him, obviously he was oblivious to the fact that she was carrying something in her furred belly. "There is something I would like to tell you." Uskiya turned and saw Lydair walk in, she wagged her tail. "Lydair, wonderful to see you again. You're just in time for the big news." Though the fae suspected that Lydair knew of her being pregnant. HEr golden orbs turned back to Cal and she yipped excitedly and pranced around Cal. The fae couldn't find the exact words, she wasn't sure how to say it. "Cal, I'm carrying something very precious. " She looked at him wondering if he understood. "We're going to have puppies!" the fae grinned and licked Cal on the muzzle. She was so excited, her eyes turned to Lydair and she smiled, as healer the gray fae wanted Lydair near incase herbs were needed. Uskia felt herself fill up with happiness and still found it hard to keep it all in side. She pranced around the two vargs, golden orbs bright and vivid. Had it been so long since she had been so happy? Cal being gone off and on Uskiya had missed him, though now she was so happy o see him that she couldn't stand it. With Lydair as her best friend and a pack that was becoming a family their pups would grow up in a wonderful place. Have a loving family, one that she never had. But now her past didn't matter, she had so much going for her. Puppies, a loving mate. Who at the mention of his name her heart fluttered. Soon squirming in her belly would start and things would begin to change. Things were allready changing.

(((meh, not so good)))

[Cal]

Cal chuckling as Uskiya returned his many licks. Feeling her tongue gliding over his muzzle and his cheek. Her muzzle brought into his neck fur and they were brought into a tight embrace. Growling in pleasure and finally he broke away from her. He felt heat beneath his fur, he too had miss Uskiya on his travels, thinking about her beautiful face, and her golden eyes..."It's alright, I miss you too on my travels. Don't worry, the most you won't see me is for a few suns." whispered Cal into her ear. "Yes? What is it that you would like to tell me?" But before his mate could answer his yellow orbs flickered and he saw the form of Lydair padding towards the couple. Grinning as he turned around he greeted his friend, happy to see that she wasn't in the mood that he saw her last time. Indeed she was more happier than last time. But something odd was happening here, he could see the glint of excitement in her eyes and wondered what in Tor's name is going on here? "Lydair! good to see you wandering about the territory. What brings you here on sure a wonderful day?"

Spinning around when his mate mentioned "big news" the brown he-varg face's was only more confused than ever. He watched as she gave an excited yip and started prancing around him. Still staring bewildered he could only have his maw hang slightly agaped, still staring at the two faemmes as they clearly know something they he didn't. Cal saw that Uskiya couldn't seem to have putted it in words, but he really wanted to know now. Five words appearing in his head "What is going on here?" Finally Uskiya spoke, and Cal still didn't understand on what precious things that she was holding. Suddenly, something clicked in his head and he felt stupid of not noticing at all the clues. Fitting all of the puzzle pieces together. Maw still hanging as he thought of the only possible reason of all this giddiness. Pups. Feeling the heat rise and heart beating faster, he only hoped and prayed to Fenris that this was true. The excitement now rubbed off the brown male as it clearly showed in his eyes. Finally, Uskiya confirmed his thoughts and a silence slowly followed. Not feeling anything for a couple of seconds, not even when Uskiya gave him one lick on the muzzle. He was going to be a father....he was going to be a father!!! The thought slowly dawned in on him and it was becoming reality. Still stunned, lips twitching and now thinking back to the time of the waterfall. Pack, pups, everything was following as planned.

Cal still has a blank expression on his face, lips twitching slightly. Then suddenly without warning he gave a joyful howl, a howl that would ring for many miles and everyone from Ge-rad would hear it. Now prancing around like his mate, giving her furious licks and nuzzles and rubbing his sides aganist hers. In a few short weeks he was going to be a father!!! Now there were all these things he had to do, find the den, tell Alphas Draeg and Cwen, spread the happy news all over the land. Cal now truely loved his mate to the end, now they were going to have pups. At last they will have a family, something that they both didn't have in their childhood. Also, the pups would need names! Mind racing in his head as he thought of some possible names for his children. Thinking of the perfect one that will suit them. Through all this, Cal still haven't said one word yet though he lost the ability to speak in the euphoria. "I still can't believe it. I AM GOING TO BE A FATHER! Oh Uskiya...puppies!! We're going to become parents!" shouted Cal. "There were so much to prepare now. Where's the den? Does anybody else know yet?" Feeling extremely bouncy and speaking extremely quickly. Approaching his mate and continuing with showering her with licks of affection.

Suddenly, a different feeling appeared in him, worry. Though he was extremely happy right now he couldn't help feeling and seeing the problems of this situation. He had never tended to a pregnant faemme before, so he didn't know how to treat them. How will he raise them? The fear of becoming a father was starting to dawn on him. He didn't know how to take care of newborn cubs either...and what if Uskiya needed him while he wasn't in pack boundaries? Question after question filled his mind, thinking about the whelping den and the things that needs to be prepared.

Finally, breaking out of his trance he found a solution to all of his problems. He would ask Draeg for a little advice, since he had taken care of Cwen and Firefly when they were pregnant. He was sure that the amber Dragga would provide at least the teeniest help in the situation. "We must tell the others. They will just be so happy. This is wonderful news." Cal cried. "Anything I can get you my love? Perhaps something to eat or something? I can go hunt if you want."

[Uskiya]

Uskiya watched as Cal stared blankly at her, it was obvious he still was oblivious to the news. Finally some swich went off in the brown varg's head and he jumped forward with happyness. She laughed as he licked her in his excitement. Her tail wagged joyfully, spinning in circles. She pranced around again, then her auds stopped and she frowned as Cal's happy face soon became slightly worried. "Cal, we're goingto be fine. I know this very new, but Lydair will be around to help. " She turned to Lydair and grinned. "Ge-rad will know in time. But we need to find a whelping den." The gray fae said, shifting slightly. Her furred belly had started to grow and stretch, and so the fae found on the occasion that she would become uncomfortable. Her expression changed to a slightly saddened one and she silded up to Cal, burrying her face in his fur. "You aren't going to leave anytime soon are you?" she looked up at him, golden orbs worried.

She stepped back and thought momentarily on his question. " I'm fine for now." She said padding away from Lydair and Cal. She gingerly lie down and groomed her paws, trying to get her mind off of her thoughts. She knew that Cal would have to be gone at some point, but she didn't want him to. But she would have Lydair to help her. She looked at the falling leaves, a slight worry in her mind knowing that the pups would face winter while they were still somewhat young. She was not born quite so late and she faired the winter well, but the pups would have to stay close. This meant Uskiya willl have to eat a lot so she could produce enouh milk for the pups. She let out a sigh and rolled over to her side. It was more comfortable this way for her. Her mood started changing and a smile soon found it's way back on her maw and she smiled to both vargs. Inside she was so happy, Cal had been waiting for this day and she had to. Now it was finally coming and they would be parents. Her golden orbs were more bright now, she just hoped that she would be a wonderful mother.

(((Lydair get your furry behind and post)))

[Lydair]

The healer chuckled and grinned, her pearly muzzle raising proudly; one of her closet friends was carrying cubs and she would be there as they grew; would help tend to them and aid Cal through the entire pregnancy. The hybrid's thick tail wagged furiously as Cal and Uskiya exchanged words and actions of love, and she sat back, knowing it would be a while until they both had retrieved enough sense to be able to say anything. Both varg's eyes were glittering excitedly; Lydair thought for a moment Cal might suffocate Uskiya in his effort to show his happiness.
"Let her alone, you lug." Lydair spoke, holding a facade of mock sternness. "Neither one of you has a bit of sense about you right now." she grinned at Uskiya, padding towards her. "Of course i'll be here!" she barked, crouching a few paces from the she-Varg; the odd-pelted hybrid. "I'm sure they all know now.' she assured Cal teasingly; his howl still stung her ears, made her dizzy. None in her family could ever howl so strongly, especcially not her father, and her mother, being a soft-voiced femme, rarely howled.

Lydair watched, amused, as Cal pranced about Uskiya; indeed, he had much to be happy about; she would be the first varg to give birth within the Ge-rad terra under Draeg's rule. She, too, felt a pang of worry as she realized Cal would be gone; Lydair wished for her mother's guiding eye; several herbs and various plants could be of use to her. Winter.
The thought struck her like Fenris' cuff across her white maw. She knew several cubs who had died a few weeks after birth because they were born in late fall; she hoped on Zostar's name that Uskiya's cubs would be different, that they would be strong and could survive the brutal cold. "Yes, a den..." Lydair murmured softly. "Would you dig it yourself, Cal, or would you rather find an abandoned one, Uskiya?" She looked from Varg to Varg, ears twitching with uncertainty.

Shrugging slender shoulders, Lydair's maw bore a grin of happiness and pride. "I know you'll be a fantastic mother, Uskiya- and I'll be here to help the entire time.." She backed away from the couple and lay down, resting a short, tapered snout on dazzling white paws. "I'm so happy for you..."

[Draeg]

All throughout Ge-Rad the forest was slowly dying as winter continued it’s ever-vigilant approach, already the leaves were abandoning their summer homes and carpeting the forest floor in a dazzling array of red, orange, and yellow. It wouldn’t be long until food became scare and the lera began their migration south for warmer lands or sunk into hibernation for the winter, it would be a hard life for those select few that remained with little food to sustain them and many would succumb to starvation and predation until the return of spring. But at the moment there was still enough vegetation for the lera to feast upon and fatten themselves up for the approaching season so prey was plentiful for all the free varg of Transylvania. For Draeg, the newly appointed Dragga of Ge-Rad, this was good news, it meant more time for him to learn the full extent of his packs capabilities and get to know each individual member better.

Returning his attention to lifeless rabbit at his feet the amber Dragga took a firm hold of its hind leg in his powerful jaws and with a savage tug removed the limb from its body before devouring it, savoring the taste of its warm blood flowing between his teeth and onto his tongue. He wouldn’t eat it all of course, merely enough to feed his pups that lay hidden just within the packs’ boundaries along with their mother, the rest he would take back to Cwen and the pups. Draeg knew that he was going to have to tell Cwen about Firefly sooner or later before the silver fae found out on her own, it had only been a couple of days since Firefly had come to Ge-Rad in hopes of joining her mate’s pack and while Draeg was eager to accept her into Ge-Rad he knew that he would at least have to get the okay from Cwen. When they had taken Ge-Rad they had both agreed that their would be no secrets between them and that they would each have a fair say in deciding what was best for the pack, so far Cwen had upheld her end of the bargain so it was only right that Draeg do the same. Still he decided that he would wait until Cwen isolated herself from the pack like she often did and he could be alone with her, but for now he was content to feed upon his kill and go see his children.

Just as he was about to continue with his meal a joyful howl rang out in the air, splitting the once peaceful silence of the forest as it sent countless birds flying from their perches in the trees. Lifting his head up and craning an ear skywards the amber wolf stood silently for a moment studying the happy sound. ‘It sounds like…Cal?’ he thought, a bit confused. Deciding to investigate Draeg quickly picked up his kill and began making his toward the origin of the howl, curious to find his friend and see what the commotion was about. As he padded along the amber Dragga wondered how his emissary had been as of late, when he had first joined Draeg had still been angry with him for taking his one and only daughter all the way to Deor to see Firefly behind his back and as such the amber varg had severely lectured his friend during his first evening within the packlands, threatening to banish him from Ge-Rad if he ever found him sneaking around behind his back again whatever the reason may be. However as he padded along Draeg wondered if perhaps he had been too hard on his friend by sending him out on less than necessary scouting expedition to keep the brown wolf away from him until he cooled down, he had meant every word when he had lectured his emissary but perhaps constantly sending him away from his mate so soon after just being reunited with her was too much.

He arrived on the scene to see Cal standing close to Uskiya, his mate and the Ge-Rad’s current pack nurse, showering her in a stream of affectionate licks and nuzzles while Lydair, the pack’s healer, lay not too far away with her head on her paws, all three were chatting away excitedly and it was clear that something had transpired between the three that had been the cause of much celebration. His head held proudly in the air and his tail standing perfectly erect Draeg strode out into the clearing and over to the small group, his amber eyes quickly scanning them for any irregularities that might hint as to why they were all in such an exuberant mood. However when he could he merely shrugged his shoulders and flicked his tail nonchalantly, opening his bloodied jaws and allowing the lifeless rabbit to fall to the ground he spoke. “Okay, spit it out. What’s the occasion? I could hear Cal howling all the way from the outskirts.”

[Cal]

Uskiya seemed to have noticed the sudden look of worry in his eyes. As he listen to her comforting words he allowed those thoughts to slowly disappear. Still, Cal is feeling of joy, excitement, and pleasure. "Of course it's going to be fine, I just shocked me a little how I am going to be a father so soon..." said Cal breathing heavily. "I never thought...." though he didn't finish his sentence as he showered his mate again with licks and nuzzles. He let out a low growl of pleasure as she buried her face in his fur, feeling warm as her fur pressed aganist his...But a part of him still worried for the grey faemme, he knew that she would be uncomfortable and he could only hope that Lydair can take care of her while he was away. Deciding to alert his Dragga the news and request to cut down his scouting duties a little. Now, most of his atttention would be turned to Uskiya, and their unborn children. Coming back to earth as Uskiya pulled away from him and spoke. Nodding along to her statement, that was another thing to bring into consideration. The whelping den. "Yes, I think that we should immediately. We should find one that's suited for you. I am sure that Ge-rad has plenty of abandoned dens." Though the next comment had made Cal shift a little guiltily. He didn't know how to answer her, he knew from the day he joined he had to prove his loyalty to Draeg. So if he gave a direct order he was in no position to refuse. "I don't know...I am hoping to speak with him later about that..." He knew he couldn't leave her here while she was in this state. If something had gone wrong he should be here, and he did doing his best at his job right now.

Chuckling at Lydair's look, he must have damaged her hearing with that last howl. "Of course, but the next time I think I should go after you instead." said Cal laughing. "And...I just know that you will take good care of her while I am away. You promise?" Though he had meant it as a little joke, the brown he-varg couldn't be more serious. He hoped that she was up to the task as "Healer" and take care of his mate during difficult times. The topic of dens returned and he wanted to question Lydair about any nearby dens here seeing that she knew Ge-rad very well. "Perhaps you would like to accompany us while finding the den. I am sure that with three of us we'll find the perfect one."

The breeze blew the scent of a fresh kill direct into the clearing. Lifting his head high Cal scented it, and wondered if something was nearby. Swirvelling around he turned to see hsi Dragga, standing there watching the trio with a kill in his jaws. Thinking that he should be a little more cautious around his Dragga, their friendship in the past had been affected when the brown varg toke his daughter to the boundaries of Deor to find Firefly. Till this moment, he still felt a little guility especially after the little lecture that Draeg had given him. Ever since he had joined, Cal remembered the words of proving himself, and he will do it. Going through many scouting duties and journeys to different rival packs, he didn't find his job half bad. But right now it was the time of celebration, and not the time to think about those things. Allowing himself to give a small nod in respect, but couldn't wipe the grin off his face. He watched as Draeg dropped the kill on the ground and spoke to the trio. Cal's europhia still hadn't ended, as he padded up to the amber Dragga. "Draeg!! How wonderful of you to join us on such a fantastic moment." cried Cal excitedly. "You heard me? Guess I must have been a little loud there. Anyways, I just found out....that Uskiya is pregnant!!" he yelled excitedly. Still smiling, he looked to those amber eyes and seeing how Draeg would react to the news. Suddenly, something struck him from inside that toke the wind out of him. What if Draeg wouldn't allow them to have pups? Seeing how much trouble he caused him last time perhaps this would be the way of getting him back? No, he wouldn't do that. Not now, not to spoil everyone's moods. The smile dropped like a stone, and a flicker of fear could be seen from his eyes. "Draeg, you would allow Uskiya to bear our pups, right?" asked Cal nervously.

[Lydair]

(((I must post. -grins- Sorry, Uskiya, but i may not be able to later. )))

Lydair looked up, worry passing through her azure eyes as she realized that Cal's position of emmisary for Ge-Rad was not only a position that required a bounty of time, but also dedication- and she had to wonder how Cal could do it, leave Uskiya alone while she was pregnant. The ehaler could only hope both Varg could place their trust in her. "I am sure Draeg would not object to you staying, especially when she is heavy with your children." her tone was serious; she didn't know Draeg all that well but any Varg with a family- and as far as she knew, he had two - wouldn't make the sire stay from his mate during her pregnancy.

As Cal spoke to her, her silvery tipped auds curled forward and flicked, and she stood quickly to pad beside the two Varg. Her cyan orbs boring into Cal's, she picked her words carefully; her muzzle raised proudly. "I need your trust more than anything during this, Cal. If i don't have that, then how will Uskiya feel if you leave? If her mate doesn't trust the healer, I know the mother will be nervous." Lydair glanced to Uskiya before her gaze turned back to the brown male. "I promise she'll be alright. Trust my knowledge, Cal." The femme realized the hint of laughter in his tone, but it was laced with a seriousness she would not forget easily, and his eyes held worry.
As the male turned the talk to whelping dens, Lydair's thick-plumed tail wagged and she barked her acceptance. "Of course! I'd love to help you two." The healer sat down beside Uskiya, once more resting her snout on her small paws.

Hare wafted past her nose and her nares quivered; her cyan eyes visibly brightened and she half-stood, tongue lolling from her jaws. Realizing it was Draeg, her legs folded back beneath her sledner bodice and she greeted hi with a friendly smile and dip of her pearly muzzle. "Good day, Draeg." suddenly Cal exploded with a yell, catching the femme off guard as his happiness took over and he began talking, words streaming from his maw excitedly. he quieted suddenly, and at his words the healer lept to her feet. "You'd let them, wouldn't you Draeg?"

[Uskiya]

Uskiya smiled, knowing that things would be fine so long as either Lydair or Cal were around. "No I have no bit of sense." Uskiya chuckled tail thumping. "But I am sure you do." She said turning to Lydair after surviving the slobbering licks Cal had attacked her with. Uskiya pondered at Lydair's question, she wouldn't mind digging one, or atleast she thought, though the idea of finding one that was already dug would be wonderful. The fae smiled, she had never been a mother before, nor had she had a one that loved her. This of course Lydair did not know, but if she thought Uskiya could be a great mother than things would be okay. Uskiya would not be lke her mother, she would love her pups and her mate. Not try to murder them and then be sentenced to death in the freezing water where a varg's soul was never to rest. She shivered, but cleared her mind of such things.

"Lydair will take fine care of me. Cal, I trust her to be there and protect me if you can't." The gray fae said looking to Lydair, as the conversation went to that of Cal being gone Uskiya looked sad again. She didn't want him to leave, she was excited for this but scared as well. So many things could go wrong. She looked to Cal. "I don't want you to be gone, but you have a duty to the pack as well." She sighed, maybe things would work out, perhaps Lydair was right, Draeg knew about family's, he would hopefully understand. She did brighten up as the whelping den was mentioned again. "Yes Lydair you should definately help us find one." Suddenly the smell of hare came clear into the varg's spot. Uskiya sniffed the sweet scent and her tongue licked her maw. Draeg appeared from the trees and looked from each varg to the other. Uskiya dipped her muzzle in greeting. "Hello Draeg." She said smiling in her happiness. Cal burst forth and began talking excitedly when Draeg asked what the commotion was about. When Cal fell silent Uskiya looked to Lydair worriedly, had something gone wrong? Would he allow them, surely Draeg knew the joy of raising pups, he wouldn't take that joy from the two vargs? The gray fae looked up worriedly, he had mentioned finsing a whelping den before, so it was possible he knew before now. Perhaps they were just so nervous no one could tell anything for sure. Uskiya went to stand up, getting gingerly to her feet and swayng sligtly before she got her balance. She looked back at Lydair and then to Cal before resting on her dragga.

[Draeg]

As he stood calmly staring down at the trio from his vantage point, Draeg noticed that they seemed to grow more excited with his sudden arrival. He watched as Cal quickly padded over to him, his face a mask of pure excitement as he quickly explained the situation to the amber Dragga. His eyes widening in surprise upon hearing of Uskiya’s condition the amber varg looked over his friend’s shoulder and glance at the gray femme for a moment, so had been right about her condition after all. ‘I guess even I have my moments.’ He thought dumbly. Despite the fact that he had suspected Uskiya’s condition from the start the amber varg had never really been sure whether his suspicions had been correct or not, even know he was still having a hard time believing that a member of his own pack besides Cwen or Firefly was heavy with pups.

Draeg recognized Cal’s news for what it was, a cause for celebration amongst the wolves of Ge-Rad and a chance to further expand their numbers more than they already had. When he had taken hold of Ge-Rad from Brypaw the pack had been in a great deal of disarray, much of the pack seemed to have fled with the downfall of their leader and the only varg that had remained were Brypaw’s two pups, Kairi and Shako, and the somewhat mysterious Ivee that Draeg had yet to meet. However the problem had quickly fixed itself and soon Ge-Rad’s numbers had swollen and the pack had been returned to its former glory though tension was still high between most of the subordinates and the new alpha’s. But new pups! They would be the first born within Ge-Rad since Draeg and Cwen had assumed control of the pack! True neither Cal or Uskiya had asked his permission to breed and this would probably be the pack nurse’s first litter, but seeing as there was nothing he could really do about Draeg was more than willing to allow the pair the same chance he had been so graciously given while he had been in Deor. And with a pack to hunt for her and tend to her every need Uskiya’s pups all had a better chance of surviving opposed to dying from malnutrition or a premature birth. This was all indeed good news, but that didn’t mean Draeg wouldn’t have a little fun with the new father-to-be while he had the chance.

His eyes narrowed as he returned his attention back to Cal, amber orbs boring into the brown wolf as he glared coldly at him. From the corner of his eyes Draeg could see the worried faces of Lydair and Uskiya, even Cal seemed to realize what was at stake as a flicker of fear passed through his features and his smile disappeared from his muzzle. They all knew that with merely a word Draeg could deny their pleas and forbid the pair from siring any pups, though again, at this stage it really didn’t matter what Draeg said. The pups were coming, even if the amber Draeg said no it wouldn’t halt the process of life and Uskiya would still give birth eventually. After a moment Draeg spoke, his voice low and even as he tried his hardest not to smile. “No.” Despite his best efforts the amber varg couldn’t help but crack a smile, though he figured that it must have looked distorted with his serious expression and blood covered muzzle. “At least not until you’ve both found a den, which,” he turned his gaze back toward Uskiya. “I believe I told you to do when you first arrive if I remember correctly.” Suddenly his paw shot out and cuffed Cal’s head playfully, laughing hysterically as he did so. “Oh come on, you should know me better than that by now. Did you really think I didn’t know about all of this, especially after it was all you went on about when we first met? Of course you have my permission, not that it really matters now seeing as there is nothing I could do about.” Grabbing his kill the amber Dragga padded away from the father-to-be and quickly made his way over toward Uskiya, where he dropped the fresh kill at her feet. “Eat up, trust me you’re going to need it.” He smiled as he nudge the rabbit over to Uskiya with his snout before turning his head back to face her mate. “Seeing as you’re going to have enough trouble on your paws soon consider yourself relieved of your duties for the time being, you really don’t need to be wandering from pack to pack unless I tell you anyway. Spend time with your mate and make sure she’s comfortable, if you need some advice or want to talk to me about something then you know where to find me. Lydair! I’m placing Uskiya under your care now, make sure she’s well taken care of and that no one disturbs her!”

[Cal]

Silence pressed in on them as the last of Cal's words seem to ring in their ears. He watched as Draeg still stood there, no reaction in his face but his eyes had widened when he had told him the news. Though the brown varg wondered what was going on in his Dragga's mind. His maw was still blood-stained and it quivered slightly, and he wondered on what the reply would be. Surely Draeg would allow it, of course he will...how can he not? When he is now the father of two litters he must know the feeling when you first hear the news. Experience in when your mate is pregnant, he wouldn't shatter them all now would he? Finally, Draeg spoke his voice was low and it was quite expressionless.

"No"

Cal felt that he blood turned to ice and his maw hung wide in shock. Why? How could Draeg take this away from him? Now what were they suppose to do? Suddenly, he saw that the amber male had cracked a smile. Utterly confused as his reactions. Was this suppose to be funny? But his next line made his breathing come back. Feeling his heart beat fast and breathing shallow. He couldn't change his emotions so fast, from joy to worry, to anger, and back to joy now. Suddenly, his paw shot out and cuffed Cal's head playfully. Yellow orbs still staring at his friend who was laughing hysterically. "Draeg, for Tor's sake you had me worried there." said Cal faintly. "Thank you so much though, I still can't believe that I am going to be a father." Relief finally swam over him and reality was back in place. The pups were coming, everything was going just like he dreamed. "You knew?" asked Cal when Draeg had told him that he knew that his mate was pregnant. "Well...." Indeed when he first met Draeg Uskiya was still missing and he had been looking really shabby then. Thinking back if it was the other way around, he probably would have guessed too.

He watched as Draeg moved past him, and as he did so he playfully tried to bite his bushy tail. Dropping the kill front of Uskiya, the Dragga had instructed that his mate to eat it. Cal padding forward began showering her with licks. "That's right, eat it. You're going to need to a lot so that your milk will be nice and rich." Turning around, looking dumbstruck at his amber friend's next words. It was although he knew what he was thinking. Cal was just about ot ask if he could be relieved off his scouting duties. Also, the fact that he wanted to discuss this with Draeg, seeing that he had some experience with pregnant faemmes before. He knew that he was good with pups, but the things leading up to the birth he had no idea. Therefore, seeking someone that he knew who have had these experiences. His mind was pounding with endless happy thoughts. How they're soon going to be parents, soon going to have a family. Everything was like a puzzle coming together. "Thank you Draeg, you seemed to know me best." Cal said at last.

[Uskiya]

Uskiya watched Draeg, fear running through her mind though she tried to seem calm and collected. Would he say no and then banish them from the packm practically sentencing the pups to death. There was no way she and Cal could raise pups wthout the protection of a pack. She hoped he saw this as wonderful news, someting to be happy for. Her tail wagged slightly, trying to cheer herself up. A sudden look of sterness swept the dragga's face, Uskiya wondered what was going on, would he not allow them to have pups? HEr auds strained forward and she nearly fell over as Draeg said NO, but a smile grew on his face and the gray fae's expression changed, she wondered what he was doing. She relaxed when he finished his answer, true, they had been given the assignment to find a whleping den but with all the excitement they had forgotten until now. Uskiya watched as the hare was dropped in front of her and nudged her way. She smiled. "Thank you." She felt so lucky, if she had told the same news to er parents they probably would've killed her and the unborn pups. She looked to the hare, licking her maw in anticipation and gingerly tore off a piece of meat and ate it. She felt odd being the only one to eat, especially when her meal was given to her by the dragga. Even though he was more than that. She glanced up as Draeg continued talking, more to Cal but still her auds focused and she smiled, thinking of Cal being by her side through all this. She wasn;t sure how anything would go, or how either of them would react. When Lydair was instructed to take care of her the gray fae smiled, happy that a friend would be there, especially one with so much knowledge of things. She continued eating and paused as Cal came over and lcked her joyfully, she gently nudged him aside and finishe her meal then turned to Draeg. "I can't thank you enough." she smiled and turned to Lydair. " I feel better knowing the healer will be near." Her tail wagged happily and she walked over to the shade of a tree and gingerly lied down. She let out a small grunt and rolled to her side. Golden orbs gleaming, she looked to Cal and her nose twitched as i tpicked up his scent, it smelled so familar to her, and it would become a familar scent to her pups when they would be born. The fae licked her muzzle clean of the blood from her meal and laid her head to rest on teh cool ground. She had a feeling that relaxing was going to be something she would want all the time very soon.

(((sorry Lydair I stole your post, but I will be gone for a while)))

[Draeg]

Still chuckling Draeg acknowledge his friend statement with a flick of his tail, obviously pleased by news of Uskiya’s pregnancy and amused by Cal’s constant barrage of questions. “No, but I suspected.” He admitted. “It’s like I told Uskiya when you both first joined, it’s my job to know these things about my packmates. Besides after two litters you start knowing what to look for.” The amber Dragga quickly brushed by his friend as he made his way over to the mother-to-be, letting out a low growl as Cal snapped at his tail and swatting the brown varg across the muzzle with his bushy tassel. “Hey! Not the tail!” he barked, raising the appendage high in the air so that it was out of reach of eager jaws. Draeg watched as, like him, Cal encouraged his mate to eat and build up her strength for the upcoming trials she would face during her pregnancy before turning back to face the amber Dragga, clearly stunned that he had been relieved of his duties and was being allowed to remain with Uskiya until her term was over. “No.” he growled, shaking his head. “I just know what you’re going to be going through, there’s a difference. And you probably won’t be thanking me once Uskiya here is further into her term and starts getting cranky. It’s like I said a moment ago, you’re going to have enough trouble preparing for the arrival of your pups to keep up with your job.” Noticing the look of doubt in his friends eyes Draeg gave Cal an affectionate nudge and flashed him a reassuring smile. “Relax, everything will be fine. You have the pack to help you through this if things get too hard and you can always come to me if you or Cwen if you need some advice.” Dropping his kill in front of Uskiya and nudging the hare toward the gray femme Draeg watched as she tore into it greedily and quickly devoured the meal in a matter of moments, flashing her a bright smile as she thanked him and nodding his head slightly. Although he hadn’t been around during Cwen’s term Draeg had been with Firefly to experience the final stretch of her term, the amber varg could still remember standing protectively at his mate’s side and tending to her every need and wish until her time finally came and she had given birth to a pair of beautiful Dragga’s whom they had named Zenith and Raikan. Turning his attention toward Uskiya’s stomach Draeg let out a wistful sigh, wondering when the pack nurse would begin to show signs of her condition and start slowing down. “Hey, no need to thank me.” He said nonchalantly, rolling his shoulders into a simple shrug. “Especially when I’m just doing my job, besides pups are always great news and I know that Shayla will be thrilled to learn that her ‘Uncle Cal’ is going to have pups of his own for her to play with. Well, I suppose I’d better go alert the rest of the pack of the good news. You three get to work on finding a den for Uskiya to bare her litter and I’ll see you all back at the meeting place.” With that the amber varg broke out into a mad run and swiftly disappeared into the forest, scarcely making a sound as he set off to find Cwen and rally the rest of the pack.