Life begins with Autumn's end

[Ayasha]

OCC: birthing order is: Rain, Midian, Bellona, Vera///

Rain padded softly onto the ground as it poured from the heavens. The mostly dry earth was no getting some vital moisture, and mist clung to the terra. The land of Ge-rad remained silent in the early morning hours and the chill in the air began to make it's way through the pelts of the sleeping vargs. The ground that was once soft in the summer months was now hard in cold as Autumn would inevitably fade into winter. The air was still and the land of Ge-rad showed no sign of life, except the movement of a black female varg inside her den. Her coat was a little sparse, in areas where she had pulled some out to form the lining of a bed for the pups that were to come. Her normally brilliant green orbs were a duller color and seemed a little sunken. The night had given her no opportunity of sleep; she had been up pacing the den, expanding some walls, nipping at her flanks and fearing the moment that she knew she could not stop. Now the morning found her passing around the interior of her den, the cool air nipping at the sparse parts of her pelt. She let a whine and began to wonder if she should call for someone, anyone. Her mother had promised she would come to help her, but her mother wasn't here yet and Ayasha knew her time was coming.

Before Ayasha had been willing to pace around the den, the pups had positioned themselves so that they were facing forward for when they would come out of the birthing canal. Now they were moving about and Ayasha winced as yet another contraction pulsed through her body. Fear began to creep into her and she wished that someone would come. Slowly she padded the incline to the mouth of the den and peered out. The rain continued to pad on the earth and the mist made it hard to tell if there was anyone around. There was no sign of anyone yet, and her time was coming quickly. Tilting her head back Ayasha let loose a frantic call for someone, anyone. But the call was cut short as another contraction pulsed. They were getting more intense and had a shorter period of time between each one. Her mother said that was a sign that the pups were coming. I don't think anyone is going to be here, I think the pups are going to be born without anyone being here to help.Ayasha though frantically, what if something went wrong? Her body tensed and she felt the pups begin to push their way. By now her body had responded and was ready for the birth. But her mind wasn't. She let out one last howl in hopes that someone would come to be with her. But she knew that by the time anyone came at least one pup would be born.

She let out a shaky sigh and padded slowly down into the den where her nest was. Gently she lowered herself onto the soft pile of fur and leaves, resting her head on the ground she closed her eyes. This was it, this was the moment she had been fearing ever since she had found out. There was nothing anyone could do to stop it. She was happy to have pups, it was something she was happy about, but at the same time..at the same time she was scared out of her mind and she felt alone. True, it would've been worse had she come back to Ge-rad with the pups. She closed her orbs as another contraction came and she felt her fluid sac break. What an odd sensation.She thought as she tilted her head and looked at the ground that was now wet. Once her sac broke she knew that the pups would come rapidly.

She lowered her head back to the ground as the contractions continued to plague her body. Her tail was now held high above her hind quarters and she could feel the pups beginning to make their way to freedom and the real world. She let out a whine and felt her body begin to push. The pain was more than she could've imagined as her body pushed. But instincts kept her from standing as the firs pup slid out of her body. She turned herself so she could begin grooming it and sever the umbilicle cord. But she could barely get in a few licks before the second pup began to push its way out of her. She began to groom both pups, trying to figure out which one to groom the most since they were both damp and whining. She eyes closed tightly as the third pup pushed it's way out of her body and began demanding her attention.Which one do I groom first, does it matter?Ayasha barely had time to think as yet another contraction flowed through her body. But the pup didn't come at first. Ayasha cocked a worried head and waited, she began to worry that perhaps something was wrong.Come little pup, you can do it.She pushed through another contraction and slowly a muzzle appeared. Another contraction and the cranium appeared. Ayasha did her best to lick the film like substance from the muzzle of the little pup. She pushed again and slowly the final pup slid out onto the fur covered nest and began whining. Ayasha let out a sigh and then looked upon the pups with a soft smile. Four healthy pups, three girls and one boy.

Carefully Ayasha pushed the pups over to her belly so they could nurse. She looked over the pups, for the most part their pelts were a dark color, leaving their true colors yet to be known. Ayasha stared out side at the pouring rain, hoping that someone would come and see the joy that had been given to Ge-rad. A few of the pups were already showing traits of their father, but their still damp fur made it difficult to truly tell what their traits and colorations would look like. Ayasha kept an eye on the smallest of the litter as she debated on names. Should she wait for Kaemon? Maybe, Rain for the elsest, Vera for the smallest, Midian for the boy, and bellona for the other girl.She played with the names and decided to let Kaemon decide if he liked them. Slowly she laid her head down and watched over the pups, letting her body heat flow over them to keep them warm in the cool damp morning air. Outside the rain provided a lullaby to the lands of Ge-rad. Outside the world watched silently as mother and pups relaxed in the warmth of the den. Ayasha knew she would have to eat soon, to make sure the pups had enough to eat as they grew up.

[Kaemon]

The night didn’t bring much for the orange hybrid, as Kaemon lay sternal alone in the forest mulling things over, not even minding the nightly rain that left his coat wet and body a little cold. So much had happen, so much he didn’t ask for- so much he felt he wasn’t ready for. His days of just relaxing in the sun were over, soon he would have a family to raise, cubs to take care of and teach. Yes, the was the mann’s decision- he would raise the cubs, that was a no brainier. After all, what kind of mann would he be to abandon his own young? He knew what it felt like to be alone in the world, after his own father left on a journey to find his mother- he had felt so lost, and would have probably even sulked away if it wasn’t for the rest of the pack. Either way, it wasn’t like he blamed his father- Kaemon knew things happened, he just wished he had a little more of a heads up.
Those feelings of lost- he’d be damned if he was to do that to his own cubs. Besides, it’s not like Ayasha asked for this either- it was just one of those things that just happened.

Kaemon rolled over on his side, groaning as he did so. Drops of water fell upon his muzzle, but still- he didn’t exactly care at the moment. What would it be like, he wondered. To raise a family? To support them, and constantly have to look after the cubs to make sure they weren’t in any trouble? He remembered Seeing Sorcha as a cub, along with Kehré and Kenjo- they were always wondering off, trying to get into all sorts of mischief. Kaemon had to laugh a little, though they were quite the handful, they were fun to watch, and even play games with. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad as he thought?

An animal not too far from where Kaemon lay could be heard scuttling in the distance, trying to find food for the upcoming winter. Kaemon’s chocolate oculars watched the large brown rabbit, as his body grew rigid with instincts. Silently, he lifted himself sternal again, and without alarming the animal, he rose upon his paws. He was lucky he had the rain, or else the animal probably not only would have heard him, but smelt him as well. Slowly stalking towards it, the mann then leaped at his prey, and after a small chase- leaped on it’s back and sunk his teeth into the back of the critter’s neck, killing it almost instantly. With the taste of warm meat in his maw, Kaemon got the idea to give it to Ayasha, showing her he did care.

His slightly curled tail held high in the air, Kaemon trotted towards the den, a new spirit overcoming him. Still, he had to admit he was completely terrified, but he could only imagine what his beloved mate was going through. Just then, a shock seemed to surge throughout his whole body, the mann’s heart rate had raised- he felt something was wrong, something was happening. Without a second though, Kaemon began to run though the forest, dashing around trees, the limp body of the rabbit held tightly in his maw.
For what seemed like a lifetime, Kaemon finally arrived at the den, now padding silently towards the mouth. His heart seemed to pound in his ears as he heard the whimpering of Ayasha- could the cubs have come already? Every limb in his body seemed to turn to jello, as the mann stopped just behind a patch of foliage, dropping the rabbit upon the ground. Peering though the leaves into the den, Kaemon couldn’t see much, but the outline of Ayasha, and what looked like four little bodies nursing from her belly. Lowering his head, Kaemon whined silently, unsure of what to do. Licking his lips nervously, he didn’t know if Ayasha would even want to see him there, and even if she did- he was unsure he could even move. His life was changing, and he knew it- the blessing of life was now Kaemon's top priority.

[Shakó]

The days of Ge-Rad were becoming shorter, just as the nights were becoming colder and the leaves were becoming oranger. Fall had seemed to sneak up on them all, brining some much needed cooler weather. The lera all around were getting ready for the upcoming winter, stocking up on food to last the winter, or at least nourish their bodies for those who hibernated. Herla munched upon the grass while it was still green, for they knew it was always trouble finding something nourishing once the snow decided to cover the earth.
The mornings were particularly chilly, with thick fog and the damp earth. This morning proved only a little more wetter, since many lera woke up to the sound of rain hitting the leaves and damp earth around them. Shakó happened to be one of those lera, who found his coat slightly damp from the night’s rain, even though he was found sleeping under a heavily covered bush in a make-shift hole he called a den. Though he couldn’t complain, it was rather peaceful, and the rain seemed to bring a sense of serenity to the forest.

Shakó shook his furry head, his bright gold oculars starring around at his surroundings. He found himself weaker these days, it seemed that over the year a number of events have had a negative role upon his body. An infection still thrived in his right back leg, though still inflamed it was becoming dormant, much thanks to advice from Ge-Rad’s nurse. His body, once toned, looked like it had wasted away a bit, for he was thinner than ever before. Though there was one good sign, his winter coat was starting to blossom in scrappy patches, even if it wasn’t much of a winter coat at all. He knew this winter would be very difficult for him to stay warm, but refused to let himself be defeated so easily.

The beta yawned widely, curling his legs under him to leverage his body up onto all fours as something came running across his path, startling the mann. Shako’s gold oculars stared at the path the figure had ran to, and saw the lean orange and tan form he knew to be his nephew, Kaemon. Shakó instantly knew something was up, for Kaemon left behind a stench of great fear and anticipation, as the air itself seemed to become still. Shako’s heart skipped a beat, and before long he was up on his paws, trotting the trail Kaemon had made at a steady pace. His body, though weak looking and painful, wasn’t to be underestimated by fellow varg; Shakó still had a lot of strength left in it.

It took Shakó a few minutes to reach sight of his younger nephew, who remained behind the foliage that so brilliantly camouflaged him. Beside him, a dead rabbit- freshly killed. Standing only a few meters behind the young mann, it was obvious that Kaemon was simply quivering with fear- so to speak, for he kept whining and lowering his head. Then, Shakó heard it: the whimpering of another varg, and the crying of several newborn cubs. Shakó froze, his audits perked and head cocked- he knew of Ayasha’s and Kaemon’s recent courtship, could it have resulted in her pregnancy, and ultimately result in the birth of cubs? But Ayasha hadn’t been around- unless she came back especially for this occasion? It sure as hell would explain Kaemon odd behavior, since Shakó had never seen him such a nervous wreck. A small grin unfolded upon the ivory beta’s features, he knew know that the young mann’s fears were almost identical to his own on the day his two cubs had been born. With that final thought, Shakó trotted forward to arrive beside Kaemon, clearing his throat as he did so at to not startle the mann more. It was only then could he see the outline inside the den- the silhouettes of a mother nursing her four cubs. “It seems you’ve become a father,” Shakó spoke softly to his nephew. “I know you're scared, but don’t worry, you’re past the worst part- now comes the fun,” the mann smiled, trying to encourage Kaemon. “Come, new life has been brought into this world, let us celebrate- and Ayasha, I’m sure she’d like you’re company,” Shakó finished, as he began to walk toward the den, hoping that maybe Kaemon would loose his cold feet and follow behind him.

Shakó knew he wouldn’t’ stay for long, after all this was Kaemon’s and Ayasha’s moment. Still, he had his reasons, as he slowly wagged his tail on approaching the ebon fae and her four healthy nursing pups. “I think congratulations are in order, my dear. I won’t stay long, I know this is a special moment- but I wanted to tell you, you’re not alone,” the silver and ivory mann whispered at Ayasha, doubling his gaze from Ayasha to the brush Kaemon was hiding behind and back.

[Raine]

//oox: Blah! This post is so horrible, I was having a hard time finding anything to write. Anyway, for now I'm going to keep Raine's coloration's as undertermined, since I'm still playing around with ideas. Hopefully I'll have an idea of how she will look like as things go on. Again, sorry for the bad post, I am not proud of it.//

There was something magical about this day, something out of place amongst what was considered normalcy for an unborn cub. Her eyes would not give sight, and her ears would not give sound. There was simply a warm sensation that filled her small cub frame. A place of peace and joy aside her brother and sisters deep within her mother’s womb. At least until a few moments ago, for now it felt that this safe haven was casting them asunder. Instinct however took over, and she felt herself uncontrollably and instinctively wanting to escape this realm in which she has known throughout her short existence. With the help of this peculiar sensation of being forced in some direction, it was not long before a little bundle of life (all be it wet with the fluids of her mother) greeted the world. But was this truly what she wanted? Only moments ago, she felt safe and warm in the little world she had known. Now a rush of cold filled her body, and she felt alone, helpless and scared. Without the gift of sight, sound and smell, this new world felt dangerous and frightening. Cries of fear and uncertainty escaped her, high pitched yelps that she could not hear reverberated within the birthing den, desperate to find some sort of comfort. Finally, it came in the form of a gentle tongue that brought warmth and comfort.

It was not long until the soothing laps of Ayasha’s tongue had left the little newborn, and she was alone again. As the birthing process went on, she would continue to cry and yelp, as she struggled to find that small bit of comfort that had once found her, and now left to a far off place. Soon, she could feel other wet forms around her, those of her brother and sisters. But it simply didn’t matter, for instinct governed all thought of the small she-cub, and only when the birthing was finally complete did Ayasha guide her four cubs to her ebon belly. Still moist they all were, but safe now nestled to their mother. She could feel this warm tongue once more as Ayasha individually cleaned each cub as best she could. Now that she was warm, a new feeling was beginning to take hold, hunger, the need for sustenance. But this too would be satisfied as she suckled her mom in what could be called a greedy like fashion. Warm milk flowed into the newborns maw, and soon those earlier feelings of fear and uncertainty had faded away as the mist fades away from a dying storm. Her name was yet to be determined, as would be her coloration for the time being. But all those details could wait, for now, she would rest, nestled between her brother and sisters, under the safety of her mother’s love.

[Midian]

Unbeknownst to the little boy, there was another world beyond the heartbeat of his mother and the warmth of her body. A dangerous, cold, and sometimes lonely world, but one he would be joining very soon nonetheless. If he had been able to understand this, the little cub might have wailed in self-pity, but as it was, he was governed by instinct and little more. So when the contractions began to ripple through the body in which he thrived, and when he finally escaped from the womb into the damp warmth of his mother's den, he didn't try to fight it. At least, not until Ayasha began to lick him down and he suddenly became conscious of the vast openness around him, and the chill creeping into the den through the cave mouth. That was too much for the little cub, and he immediately began to squeal, trying to push past another wiggling body to find the comforting world he had just left behind. Though it was a valiant effort, it was sadly done in vain.

Then, a big strong muzzle was dragging him close to two other unfortunate wiggling bodies and a vast fuzzy wall. It happened to be his mother's belly, but the cub had no idea. He squeaked once more and tried to flee, but dragging his belly and shapeless body with legs barely under his control was an operation doomed to fail. He flopped painlessly onto his side before he was negotiated back around to the warm, breathing barrier. Finally allowing himself to be fondled, he relinquished himself to instincts and pushed his nose into Ayasha's warm side, where he latched on tightly and began suckle. So maybe instincts weren't that bad after all. If they could get him this divine, strange meal, perhaps they were worth keeping around. Of course, the cub was hardly thinking such a thing, concerning himself only with keeping the milk flowing. Though an awkward process, where he dribbled and drooled almost as much milk as he swallowed, it was a mind-numbing routine that felt strangely comforting.

He burped a milky sigh, content for now at least, and peeped out a shy whine. Though he could no more hear the new wolf who had entered the den as he could see and speak with him, the cub instinctively knew that Shakó had entered and he turned to face him the best he could. It was such a comical feat, due mostly to the way his head bobbed up and down. Who had ever said pups were coordinated with anything, especially after birth? But he still managed to get his back pressed up against Ayasha's belly and his head faced more or less in the right direction - if one could call Shakó's far left the right direction. No matter. The little cub burped again and dramatically - or as dramatically a blind, deaf, wriggling mass of fuzz and fat, with a bit of drool down his chin could - he sneezed.

[Bellona]

ooc- sorry, sorry, sorry! didn't mean for it to be so late!

It was dark. Dark and warm and peaceful. Laying beside her siblings, the tiny pup was content. Feeling the steady, gentle thump of her mothers heart was all she needed, right beside her brother‘s and sister‘s, even her own, rabbit quick beats of the heart, each of them blending into a rapid-quick-slow-gentle music you could only feel, that didn‘t truly have a sound, or a name.

This quiet-gentle world was shattered when a sharp shudder ran through her mother’s body, and now absolute terror filled her mind, desperate to flee this tiny word that she was encased in, trapping her. Suddenly, there was a lot more room, and she felt a body pass her, and there was even more room. She felt empty. Then there was a pull-push-tug, and it wasn’t warm or safe anymore. It was cold, and big. Very, very big. And she was hungry, a feeling she hadn’t experienced before. Shocked and overwhelmed with all these new emotions and feelings, the little she-pup began to emit little high-pitched squeaks and yelps, and there was more warmth. Her mother’s tongue, and her whole mouth as she pushed her daughter up to her belly.

Instinctively, she pushed up against the warm surface and suckled, and she was now very content, feeling the presence of the siblings she’d been with all this short time of her existence right beside her. And her mother, her tongue gentle and warm, cleaning the wet-sticky-cold stuff off their soft bodies, their soft fur ruffling in the slight breeze from the giant world outside the new big one. She pressed closer to the soft wall of her mother’s warm stomach, and her siblings tiny limbs that climbed over one another and warmed each other, sharing their body heat.

[Vera]

//OOC: Ahem, really not the best. Sorry. D: //

An endless black wall of darkness was all she could see and she could hear nothing at all nor could she use the wonderful tool that the nose was, but the warmth that radiated from the barrier around her being was comfort enough and all she needed. Or so she’d once thought. When the sudden instinct to just get out and away consumed her with its jittery convulsions, she flailed and twisted her tiny, wet body, not wanting to leave this place of warmth to venture out into the unknown. The act she took was clearly inevitable—struggling against the instinct of being born!—but the little pup had no way of knowing what was happening to her. Because the instinct was just that and it was much stronger a force then her body was capable of fighting against, thus her will to wrestle with instinct was crumbled in disaster only moments after it had begun. As soon as her thrashing creased and she stilled, the pushing had a much more successful effect and she escaped from her mother’s womb into the world of unknown.

The unknown was wet, very cold, and unpleasant to the small pup. However, as soon as the warmth of the place she’d once been had vanished, another type of heat took its place, this time in the form of a gentle licking from the long tongue of her mother. A faint, muted whine drifted out of her little maw at her mother’s licking, her way of thanking the creature that she knew was her mother for the comfort she so selflessly provided to her baby. She was grateful for the tenderness of her mother Ayasha, when the unknown world had been so biting and cold when she first entered it. Knowing that gave her another kind of warmth, this kind internal, but that was soon annihilated by a gnawing in her belly as her tiny face pressed onto something warmer and soft. Like before, instinct knew what to do and the new pup of Ge-Rad began suckling along side her brother and two sisters. Sweet, delicious milk flowed freely into her maw, gliding down her throat and filling her belly up, easing the gnawing that was hunger. The milk was the second best thing the unknown world had offered so far, the best still being the love of her family that she’d never met.

So it was safe to think that this world wouldn’t be too bad. Maybe it would prove to be better and more exciting then the first. And maybe it would be full of more love and warmth, like her mother.

[Uskiya]

The rain that poured down from the clouds did little to keep the nurse of Ge-rad from quickly gathering about materials for her daughter's den. It had only been a few days ago that she had found out about Ayasha's pregnancy. But admittedly the nurse had expected Ayasha to be a mother at an early age. She couldn't really say why, it had just been something that she had been aware of. Uskiya had slept outside the den last night making sure her daughter was safe and comfortable, but now she had to hurry about in order to reach the den in time to be there when Ayasha gave birth. Uskiya remembered fondly the day she gave birth to Ayasha, Skep and Chilaili. There had been one still born whom had been burried unamed in the ground. But such was life.

Peering up into the clouded sky Uskiya felt rain drops land against her grey muzzle. Ayasha would have a lot of work to do with the upcoming winter. But Uskiya would be there, not just because she was her mother, but because this was her job. Grabbing a mouth full of twigs the fae spun on her heels and quickly loped back in the direction of the den. It wasn't until she heard a call that her heart quickened and she knew. Propelling herself forward Uskiya lept over any obstacles in her way as she sped through the forest. She hadn't expected the birth to come this soon. But she had no time to waste. It seemed like ages to get there, but once she did she saw Shako standing near the den and an orangeish blob hiding behind some twigs. Dropping the twigs from her mouth she wagged her tassel at Shako and nodded her head. "Everything okay?" She asked, dropping the twigs a few feet from the den and coming closer to peer into the darkness.

Inside Ayasha nursed her four young pups. Uskiya wagged her tail and let out a quiet whine. "Ayasha, I'm here if you need anything." The nurse couldn't help but smile with pride at the young pups that crowded around her daughter's belly. Curiousity pulled away her gaze as she peered over to where Kaemon was waiting. "Kaemon, what on earth are you doing over there?"She padded slowly foward and smiled. He must be frightenened. Uskiya could remember how Cal was when this happened. Even Shako when Yelae had given birth. Uskiya loved being pack nurse, she was there when anyone needed her. Hopefully Draeg would show up sometime soon to partake in this event and celebration.

Turning her attention back to the den Uskiya lowered herself to the ground so she could keep an eye on everything while she remained comfortable. The rain continued to pour down but by now she didn't even notice it. Her thoughts were planning ahead to what would be needed for the pups to be healthy and happy. Not that Ayasha wouldn't be able to handle anything. Kaemon would be fine as well, as soon as the initial shock wore off. After all, they were still rather young. Lifting her head up she kept her golden orbs open for the arrival of anyone else who might've heard the call. Perhaps this is what Ge-rad needed. New life to remind them of their family. Ge-rad had been through so many hardships and losses of pack members that Uskiya wasn't at all surprised that most everyone kept to themselves. But was everyone so afraid of losing one more member that they had become so reliant on solitude? Uskiya had done her best since her return to reconnect with everyone.

Uskiya looked back into the den and smiled at the pups. "You are what we need little ones." She whispered softly.

[Draeg]

The rain descending from the heavens and free falling to the land below was like a gift from god as it touched down upon the scorched earth that was Ge-Rad, heralding an end to the long withstanding drought that had plagued the meadowlands for the better part of the summer. Draeg looked out upon the scene with a growing sense of hope, with any luck the rains would be enough to coax any passing herla to settle within Ge-Rad’s borders and thus replenish his packs food source. At the moment however the amber dragga had more pressing matters to attend to. News of his stepdaughters pregnancy had been the cause of a great deal of commotion over the last few days, Draeg had done his best to accommodate Ayasha during what he knew was probably a trying time for her while at the same time attending to his duties as Dragga of Ge-Rad and father and mentor to Sorcha.

Beads of rain dribbling down his battered maw he released a deep sigh, a prolonged sense of nostalgia tugging away at his heartstrings. He could still remember each and every birth that had occurred within Ge-Rad during his time as dragga with crystal clarity. Ayasha and her siblings had been the first litter born after Draeg had obtained the title of Dragga of Ge-Rad, since then he had watched her grow from the scornful little pup she had been to the beautiful fae she was now. She had changed a great deal, maturing into a fine young fae that he had been proud to adopt and call his own. The next few months would be a trying time for her indeed but at least Draeg would be able to look after her and help alleviate some of the stress of parenthood from her. Ayasha’s desperate cry soon reached his ears, alerting him of her condition and signifying the end of her term. He shot forward like a spring, retreating into the shelter canopy of the forest as he sped through Ge-Rad.

For a moment time seemed to slow to a diminutive crawl, and yet everything seemed to resume its normal pace as he arrived at his intended destination. The first thing Draeg noticed when he arrived was that he was not the first to arrive, dipping his head respectfully to Shako and Uskiya who were hovering over the den like a fresh kill. Smiling he approached the pair, pleased by their vigilance, noting Kaemon flittered nearby nervously, head submersed within the shroud of leaves that obscured the entrance to the small domicile. Even without seeing his face Draeg could sense that the orange mann seemed torn between entering the den and staying put. “A father’s place is with his mate and pups.” he offered, pulling up alongside the nervous youth. “After going through an ordeal like that I think Ayasha would appreciate your company right about now.”

Glancing toward Uskiya he seated himself, resting comfortably on his haunches. “So…” he asked, smirking. “How many?”

((sorry for my lateness))

[Krystal Zanguzen]

“The heavens, they are crying… but why, why now of all times?” It was a thought that had been voiced into the open but had fallen on deaf ears. No one was around to listen, or rather, all were too busy. It didn’t help that the conditions were not what one would like. Rainfall covered the land of Ge-Rad, bringing mist and drenching the land in one swift motion. Of course Ge-Rad as a whole knew of the coming dark clouds and had thus prepared itself but still, there was much on the minds of the Ge-Radians aside from a wayward storm. The land itself was alive with activity from both varg and lera alike. But more importantly, Ge-Rad was on the verge of welcoming new life within its borders, in the form of newborn wolf cubs. Among the many excited, was an ebony and ivory fae. She waited patiently within the safety of her solitary den, and watched as the lazy rain water splattered about the ever dampening soil, like tiny soldiers invading a vast battlefield with sapphire and emerald pools. Her mind was fixated on Ayasha, her pack sister, for she could only fathom the pains and discomforts that came with bearing life into this world.

As much as Krystal wanted to be at the den site and show her support, she knew that this task was one that Ayasha would have to bare alone. Such was the way of the wolf, and so Krystal waited patiently, knowing that the time would come when the pack could greet its newest members. Still, this didn’t keep the former Zanguzen from worrying, nor did it keep the fae sitting still for long. The lead scout found herself pacing around the empty confines of her den, once shared with Ayasha, but those times were now lost. As mates, it was only natural that Ayasha and Kaemon spend much of their time together, and for this Krystal was happy. She had never seen her sister more full of life, more filled with joy and happiness then when the ebony spitfire was beside the chewing fetish mann. But deep within the soul of the bi-colored fae; stood a nagging truth that never failed to rear its ugly head from time to time. This happiness that Ayasha had found, was lost to the mind of the former Zanguzen, left as nothing more than a “what if” and “I wonder what it’s like”, perhaps even destined to stay that way forever.

As always, Krystal shook the thoughts away, casting them astray like water droplets from a soaked pelt after being shaken. She felt horrible, and guilty for allowing those thoughts to come up. But more so then that she felt selfish, for wanting to experience the emotions and feelings that came with sharing one’s self with a mate. After all, not everyone is meant to find that special someone. Wise varg tell of a natural balance in the world, where all things are connected and thus maintain a delicate order. Light and dark, good and evil, happiness and sorrow are all evenly balanced out. For Ayasha and Kaemon to experience the fruits of mate-ship and love, others have to be left without it. It was clear to the former Zanguzen now which side of the spectrum she fell under. Slowly Krystal was coming to accept what seemed so obvious now to her. The former Zanguzen was not meant to find and experience what Ayasha and many others have found. This would not stop her though from supporting her pack sister in every way she could, the ties between Krystal and Ayasha stood proud and strong and nothing would or could break those bonds.

It was that very instinct, which brought Krystal’s bi-colored gaze towards the opening of the den. Something was driving the bi-colored fae towards the exit, into the heart of the rainfall and onward still. Each ebon paw step met a soaking wet pile of soil and yet propelled the lead scout forward. Soft silk like pelt carried the weight of rain water upon the Ge-Radian fae as she traversed a path that would ultimately lead her to the site of Ayasha and Kaemon’s den. This scene played as de-ja-vu all over again, for last time Krystal attended the site of a birth, she was thoroughly rejected by Shako and told to leave. Upon arriving at Ayasha and Kaemon’s den, her gaze spotted the ivory Beta almost immediately, and Krystal at once stood in place. It wasn’t out of the realm of possibility that he could perform that very same act again, and so Krystal couldn’t find it within her to take another step forward. Rather, she waited, hidden within the shadows of a tall redwood, unsure if she should tread any closer. Still, she wanted Ayasha to know that she was here, and so Krystal yipped, hoping to catch her sister’s attention, while asking for passage all in one song.

//ooc: Sorry for the lateness.//

[Firefly]

Rains fell from the heavens above, cold wet and dreary. As if the very land cried of the dying of fall, and soon birth of winter. Bright cyan orbs looked skyward, blinking away the raindrops that fell gracefully down her cheeks. Fly sighed sorrowfully, perhaps this year winter's grip on Ge-rad will not be so harsh. Fly shivered, but her undercoat managed to keep her warm and dry still as she shook off the droplets of water that clung to her tan colored pelt. Her tail bobbled as she padded along, it's circular shape never uncurling.

Today was an important day Fly knew, it was Ayasha's whelping day. If only the weather could be more merciful. Her tiny paws pattered on as she made her way toward the den site.
Firefly walked on, her paws sinking and rising through the leaf litter and mud. When all but a dark shape slowed her down so she could have a better look.

Cyan orbs blinked and looked toward the shape, sniffing the air Firefly recognized the wolf. It was Krystal. The femme watched her from a distance, wondering why she had stopped in the middle of the path, as if frozen or lost. She tilted her head, Krystal seemed lost in a whirlpool of thought and distress. As if deciding on if she should or shouldn't. Caught between a rock and a hard place.

Firefly's pointed ears perked and titled, from a distance, almost drowned out by the rain was Ayasha's whines, faint from within the den. Fly's curly tail waved slightly before she padded on toward a now yipping Krystal. A sound Fly swore she'd never heard from the Zanguzen before.

"Krystal? Why are you still out here when the den site is just ahead? But then again it seemed a silly question to ask, Krystal must have her own reasons, and her own judgments.

Fly's brow frowned with the unknowing. She offered a smile "Come now Krystal, the pup's must be here by now, Ayasha would want to know you are present. Let's go She said simply as she turned slowly to continue her trek toward the den site. The wolf hybrid was slimmer and more petite than the ebon wolfess that was for sure, but it was clear now that Firefly's fear and timidness had already begun to fade away long ago.

Firefly reached the whelping den where she saw a nervous Kaemon. The orange male seemed as if he were about ready to stampede away in jittery fashion. Firefly smiled gently before turning to her packmates and nodded to Uskiya and Shako. Lastly she saw Draeg sitting comfortably on his haunches, and for some reason a shy feeling overcame her. As if millions of gentle wings fluttered within. She lowered her head slightly and gave a gentle nod to the golden alpha as she padded over to join him.

Rain tip tapped over her muzzle as she looked up to give a smile. "So how many?" Her soft voice bloomed, though the rain drowning it into a whisper.

[Ayasha]

Ayasha felt herself fall into a dream like state as she rested her head upon the ground. If what she suspected was true, then the worst was done and from here things would be better. At least they wouldn't be painful. The pups would be helpless for a while now, until their eyes and ears opened. For now they were like worms, squirming on the ground searching for the milk that their entire beings desired.
Outside she began to hear the voices of others, but her mind seemed clouded and she couldn't quite make out who the voices belonged to. The rain began to trickle into the den in a small stream. She watched it as it came to a halt at her paw and began to slowly pool. Her gaze fell back to the pups that nursed at her side. She watched them with curious amusement, as if she weren't really sure how they had gotten there or whose they were. Instinctually she had the want to groom them and watch them, but another part of her wanted to leave the confines of the den. The voices became louder and more clear, suddenly Ayasha was back in the moment. "Shako?" She glanced up to see him standing in the mouth of the cave. "Have you seen Kaemon..and my sister Krystal...and my mother? Is anyone else out there?" She felt as if she were babbling, but she couldn't see much beyond the lip of the den. "Kaemon? Krystal....Krystal I'm in here."

It wasn't that she felt panic, it was more that she desired to know what was going on out there. She didn't know who had come when she called. She knew that Draeg would be out there, and that hopefully he had gotten Kaemon to be there. Kaemon...this was it, this was where things would come together or fall apart. Yes he had shown no intention of leaving, but now he would see that things were happening and that the pups were actually here. She looked back to them lying beside her. The strength that she used while birthing was now beginning to pull at what low energy level she had. Resting her head back on the ground she closed her emerald eyes and let out a sigh. Her thoughts seemed to slip away and she felt her bod begin to relax.

OOC: Sorry this sucks, and that it is soo late///

[Kaemon]

The sound of crying reached the hybrid’s small audits, making him- if even possible- more nervous. His eyes bloodshot his tongue lolled out of his mouth in a heavy pant, every limb shaking. He did this, he created life, and it was his responsibility to see it out. He and Ayasha together would raise each pup, they would teach them, love them, care for them. He was a father, and he’d be damned if he was to turn around and run from them. No, he wouldn’t do that to his children, they deserved so much better. Even as his uncle was talking to him, the sickened ivory and silver male, Kaemon could barely hear what he was saying. The only thing he could really hear was the rain falling around him, and his pups.

Slowly Kaemon sat down, nudging the neglected warm rabbit carcass in front of him, getting up the nerve to greet his mate and children. Still, his paws were heavy, and slowly other member of the pack were becoming to arrive. Among those were of course Draeg and Uskiya, followed by Firefly and Krystal. Kaemon would have given them a propper greeting, but he felt if he would have opened his maw he would have vomited.
It was odd, at the sound of a small sneeze and his grandfather’s gentle nudge, Kaemon seemed to finally break free of his nervous bonds, as he picked up his “gift” in his maw and slowly walk toward the edge of the den. As he neared, he could start to make out the ebon figure of Ayasha, along with four tiny furry squirming bodies nestled up at his mate’s napes. One, a brown colour, another who looked almost like his own mother, but one with ebon markings and the other with a reddish fawn tint- all four precious in their own way. "So tiny," he whispered dropping his kill in front of the tired Ayasha. All at once, his once fearful body swelled with both pride and relief, as he started licking the top of Ayasha's muzzle reassuringly. “Four, four healthy cubs,” Kaemon breathed with a sigh of relief, still panting. “How are you, love? You must be tired, I’m sorry for any stress I put on you,” the mann spoke. He didn’t know it, but with each passing moment was a step towards a long awaited manhood- or as close to it as possible for Kaemon.

"So, Mom, any names? What are they? Gender, I mean?" he said, his lips curved to that stupid happy grin he carried as a trademark.

((holy crap look who posted! so very sorry it took so long to get my a** into gear))

[Ayasha]

///Since this thread has become dead, due to real life complications and the sheer number of people involved in here. I've decided to start a new thread where the pups are older, this will be when they can hear, see, walk around(rather clumsily though) anyone is welcome to join in if they would like As of now though this thread is closed.