Painful cramps had been wracking her body, something unusual for the woman. All night she'd been tossing and turning, unable to sleep well because of it. She had left her den that morning for a drink of water, every few steps growing harder as the cramps began to grow closer together. When she finally did reach the water, Avalon lied down on the bank as she leaned forth to drink. For now, the cramps ceased only slightly...and suddenly, one would thrust her into a world of pain. Unable to contain it, a sudden cry would leave her. Audible to anyone around, whimpering with pain, she lied on her side as the cramping grew worse.

At this point, she knew what it would mean. Her pups were coming, choosing today to make their break for the world. With sudden panic, she howled for her mate. Howled for someone to help her back to her den. She was afraid she wouldn't make it on her own, not like this. And she only hoped that they would hurry.

Bastille - Pompeii

BIC::Newol had already been slowly picking up Avalon's trail when the howl reached his ears. He worried about her very much and loved her very much, but his time was just stretched too thin these days. The world was hard, and it hadn't gotten any easier, Newol had just gotten better at weathering it with age. He knew the time was close at paw though when everything would change for him. This was only confirmed when his mate's song reached his ears. Without second thought, he shot off like a rocket as fast as he could. It was finally time after all. He knew that nothing would be the same after today. He was soon to be a parent. After today, it was time to be a father. And that was a whole new cup of tea.

Newol's time with his parents had been too brief. He's father had been a good man, his birth mother a good woman. And his adopted mother had been everything he could have hoped for. But the world had been to cruel to leave well enough alone and just let him and his family alone. Think of different everything would have been. He would have brought Avalon home with him to meet his family, Erani would have married them in all the grand ceremony and splendor, and this litter would have happened two years ago. But such dreams where a lost cause. Because Valhalla had been laid to rest. And so had his Mother. These where the card he was dealt, and with his dieing breath he would play them in a way that would at the very least be remembered if not well enough to make the winning play.

NO MORE! The words echoed through his mind loud and clear. He had hated the world once. He had hated everyone and everything. Not an ounce of love to be found in him. That was how cruel the world could be. It had taken away from him his most redeeming factor. Newol was no great warrior. He was no wise leader, even if he did have quiet a few lessons to give. Newol was a laborer and most importantly.

He was a Soul.

He had all the soul to make up for all the wolves who lacked. He could love far and wide and unquestioningly. He could be nice to someone for no damned reason at all. And so he was certain that he could be a decent parent and a decent mate once he adjusted to how permanent the roots where. This was it. Home was planted in the ground. He was tied to Alacritis from now until the end of his life. The ones he'd had before had been weak and frail with all the battering they had been given. Losing Valhalla, losing his mother, losing Avalon at one point. There had been no point to stay other than the shear beauty that the place had held. Now. Now he was a permanent fixture here and that was the biggest one fingered salute he had to offer to everyone. The notion brought a smile to his face. Rebellion and joyous anger didn't run through his vanes as freely as it had before. But that spark was still there. The will to still shout from the mountain top for all to here. Fekk You All, I'm Staying. He was but a leaf on the wind. Caught in the spiraling storm. And ultra light lacking the tonnage to class up against the pro mods.

And the underdog of the century wouldn't have it any other way as he dug for another gear, quickening his pace still to a speed that even startled him. He found himself praying as he ran to be at his mate's side. Watch over me now, Erani. I can't thank you enough for what bit of your life you gave to me. I'll make sure it doesn't go to waste. I'll make sure it lives on and thrives. I want you to be proud of what you did. I want to be proud you made me your son. I love you, so so much. Mother. It was simple, but his joy was simple. The best joys in this world where simple. And you know what, you can't dance a Pro Mod like you can an ultra light. You can be loud and powerful and beastly. But you can't dance. And it takes a true master of control to dance.

Bursting forth, he would come to a sliding stop beside his mate, pressing his side against hers for support and placing his snout under her chin. It was a sign of affection quiet special to the two of them. Leading back to the beautiful cave they had met in and the night their children had been made. With soft, soothing words he spoke to her. "I'm here, my love. What do you need me to do." It was time. Time to make the next big step in his already long journey.

He was but a leaf on the wind. But watch him soar.

She waited somewhat impatiently for help, and oh how it would come swiftly. Her body sent her into another sieze as cramps flooded her, the woman wincing as she licked at Newol's face. His muzzle placed beneath her chin soothing, and with his help she would stand. "I-I think it's almost time. I must get back to our den." Her words came nearly breathless, but with his help and support they would make their way back to the safety and comfort of their den.

It was a near slow movement, but at least they were moving at a decent pace. The cramps slowed a bit, giving her a few minutes of relief in between each one, allowing her to catch her breath. She would need a healer when they reached the den, and with Arian's disability, it would make it hard for the woman to walk. But who else could help? She searched her mind for a moment, and then it dawned on her. Holly! Holly was always with her nose in a bundle of herbs, she could help!

Upon reaching the den, she hurried to lie down, beckoning her mate to join her. She could use his support now more then ever, especially during this frightening time. "H-Holly, I need..Holly." She murmured to him, gasping as another wave hit her.