Soleil strained, claws gripping the ground giving them much more definition than was usual. Her petite body was bloated, all the weight of her pregnancy had receded toward her pelvis. Her tongue lulled out, mouth gapping wide to take in as much oxygen as she could get. Her pads were boiling, letting out the heat as best they could. It was hot in the den, but maybe that was just her. Contractions racked her body and Soleil's mind fled away to other things. First worry set in. All those what-ifs and other various thoughts of potential disaster. She would be stronger this time, for the sake her children. Maybe then they wouldn't feel the need to leave Valhalla so soon. Her illness had robbed her of precious time with her first litter and she felt blessed that they still loved her so much. Damn it was hot! Rich blue eyes moved wildly around the room and she lifted her head to look over her abdomen. The contractions were still relatively far apart but she didn't remember them being this bad last time. Birthing the first time had been surprisingly easy for her, no complications. Her legs flailed, claws finding a grip in the soil again as she was strangled by the sudden fear of having a puppy get wedged. Her mind's eyes drew up an image of Collision. He was so much larger than her and she realized the risks, especially as a healer. Outside it was a steady drizzle, the sky overcast with little to no hint of the sun. It made Erani's den dark, much like hers would be right now. Nothing could kill the fact that it wasn't her den, that once again she was giving birth some place she wasn't entirely comfortable with. She had no place to complain though, her own den still being underwater. She stopped thinking about other things, suddenly wondering where the hell everyone was at. She could have swore that Erani was just there. Had Collision been informed that she had gone into labor? Her body locked up with another contraction.

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Ever since he'd figured out that his mom was pregnant, the young Adravendi had taken it upon himself to watch over her, or at least try and keep a close eye on her. He was still kind of iffy about the fact that his mom was expecting more children, because every time he thought about it, he always got the mental picture of his parents getting it on and that was just beyond disturbing. So he tried not to think about it too much, preferring to focus his energy on making sure that his mom was doing fine and that she had everything that she needed or wanted. That morning was no different. After having awoken and fetched himself some breakfast, the young man had set out to catch something for his mom. He wasn't too sure what pregnant women needed or wanted, but he figured food was as good as any place to start. Not wanting to overwhelm her or possibly make her sick, he'd gone to fetch some rabbits, two to be exactly. One for now and maybe one for later if she was still hungry. Ivory dipped paws carried the yearling back towards his mother's temporary den, the one that the white woman Erani had allowed his mom to take over for the time being. Last he'd seen of her, she'd seen sound asleep and he figured he would probably find her in the same state. He wasn't prepared for what he came upon.


Instead of being sound asleep like he'd last seen her, she was wide awake, her blue eyes wild as her abdomen rippled. What the hell was going on?! She flailed on the ground, her legs scrabbling at the dirt beneath her, pain riddling her frame. Gael dropped his two morsels, cerulean eyes blowing impossibly wide as he stared at his mom. Mom! came his high-pitched bark. Oh crap, she was giving birth! The sudden realization hit the young man like a freight train, causing panic to trickle into his veins. What was he supposed to do?! He had no idea what happened during a birthing, other than pups came out. How was he supposed to help his mom?! Turning back swiftly on his heels, Gael retreated back out of the den, muzzle upturned towards the drizzling sky, summoning forth help. He hoped his father or at least the white woman Erani would be around. They had to know something right? He cut the call short, turning back to glance into the den, wishing there was someway he could help his mother.


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	Collision knew that it was not particularly intriguing for a woman to be surrounded by an excess of others when she was giving birth, actually, most canine preferred complete and utter solitary confinement. He himself knew far better than to be present, or anywhere near the den, and thus he was settled amongst the trees, nestled against the trunk watching the den where he knew she was. tail thumped idly on the ground and he observed with keen interest the things he saw. It all looked calm, the day easy and partially warm, still, as soon as he saw the moving frame of Gael, trailing towards the den, Collision would clamber towards his feet and remaining where he was standing would issue a call for the boy. Demanding he steer himself from such a dangerous place and wait it out. It was the best thing to do and Collision had little time to worry about explaining to Gael why he had faced such immediate backlash for intruding. Soleil, was not the kind to attack, regardless, a mother?s instinct was as strong as a scorned wife. Both of which he had seen. Silence encumbered him, settling nicely around him and decorating him in its warm embrace. He had no need to wonder what was happening so distant, for soon he would come and he would see the newest additions to the Adravendi family. He had beautiful, strong children, granted, only two were accounted for, but regardless, strong and beautiful nonetheless. With his thoughts drifting back to his subconscious there truly was nothing for the male to do.

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Erani

Erani?s front teeth nipped through a stem on the herbs that she was gathering. She?d left Soleil snoozing in an Alcove in her den after noticing that her stock on mint was low. She cool, refreshing scent of the mint washed through her, a mind sharpening sensation like a breath of cool air. A sharp bark caught her attention. Gael. He?d been visiting Soleil. Ah, it must be time, then. Paws turned and dug in, jaws lightly clenched on the mint, and she loped swiftly to her den, pausing as she came to Gael and Collision. Erani greeted them both with a soft whuff, offering an encouraging smile to Collision, then spoke gently. ?Please, come down the ravine. No use sitting out in the rain. The main chamber of the den has plenty of room, and you won?t be in the way.? It was a gentle offer. Turning, she loped down the sheltered Ravine path, through the wide play area, and up the natural stone stairs into the den. She dropped the mint on the pile for sorting and padded to the opening of the alcove, taking in the scene with a careful sweep of her eyes. Soleil strained, regular, powerful contractions, but Erani sensed her unease. A light nod, and she turned back to her herb stock, picking out the plants she needed deftly. Motherwort. Mint, Lavender. Padding back, she slipped into the alcove and dropped the herbs in front of Soleil. She knew the healer would know what to do with them, so no instructions were given. She ran her muzzle lightly over Soleil?s belly. Coming to the rump, she took a gentle smell, gauging the time between now and appearance of the first pup. Her tail flicked slightly. The Lavender would ease anxiety, the mint would keep her focused. The Motherwort would ease the birthing, and hopefully prevent hemorrhage. There was a possibility of a pup coming into the canal wrong. Erani raised a paw and set it lightly on Soleil?s belly, pressing lightly to feel the movement, and get a feel of positioning. ?How does it feel in there? Anything off?? The questions were voiced in calm tone, as her deep blue eyes observed the contractions, watching the ripple of muscles as they worked to expel the little denizens from the womb.

He'd been to focused on getting the food to his mother that he had missed his father's gray figure resting in the shadow of the trees, just a little beyond the woman Erani's den. Collision's bark caught the young man's attention, cerulean gaze snapping to his father's gold one, reading the command in the call immediately; come here. Sparing a glance to his mother inside the den, Gael trotted to his father's side, an anxious look taking hold of the young Adravendi's fa?ade. Father is mom going to be okay? His anxious gaze danced towards Erani who had approached the pair, offering them up a spot inside of the expansive den. Ceruleans flickered back towards his father, willing to go wherever his father was going. He just needed to know that his mom was going to be okay. And he was pretty curious about the new siblings that he was going to have.


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	Soleil panted heavily, the sound of heavy paw steps making her heart flutter. Was that Collision? Her nose was overpowered by the scent of rain and damp earth to be able to know that her mate sat just beyond the confines of the den. Her eyes came to focus on the being in the den. It was Gael. He dropped the lifeless bodies of two rabbits on the floor in total panic mode. He had never experienced a wolf giving birth and Soleil intended to keep it that way. A growl bubbled in her throat but was came out as a groan. Once again her body taken by a contraction. They were getting closer together. The petite wolf's eyes had clamped shut to brace against the pain, when they opened again Gael was not there. Much to her relief the cavern was filled with the scent of fresh herbs and she knew instantly that Erani had returned. The other female moved calmly, she was practiced with assisting birth where Soleil was not. Three herbs were placed before her nose, the most potent of them being the mint. She grabbed it instantly, chewing a leaf slowly so that the mint could seep into her mouth. Already she felt more aware. She followed that with the lavender. She knew mint and lavender. The next one was largely unfamiliar to her. She hadn't taken any herbs her first time giving birth and she didn't know much about the herbs best used for assisting a birth. She lapped it up regardless, trusting Erani to know what would help her. ?How does it feel in there? Anything off?? Erani was pressing on her stomach now. Soleil's eyes found Erani, "I can feel them but it is nothing like last time." Soleil whined. She knew this was only the start of her labor, it could take hours upon hours. She had been contracting even before she came to Erani's den but they had started out rather mild only growing stronger every now and then. Soleil had already vomited up the contents of her stomach before getting to where she was now. Two hours later it seemed she was finally getting closer. Her water broke and before she knew it her contractions were one on top of the other. She began to push as soon as her body told her it was time to. She could feel the puppy enter the canal, ready to make the journey into the world. Soleil strained, her panic returning. Her poor little body was already worn out and now her biggest fear was realized, the puppies were larger than she had hoped. She pushed, throwing all her effort into getting the whelp out of her body. It took her every bit of thirty minutes and just as she was about to give up, the puppy arrived. Soleil pushed up, her exhaustion shown in how she struggled to sit up and the heavy set of he eyes. Her eyes landed on the child, her child, so much larger than any in her last litter. White fur and brown marking. This one had clearly taken after her. She cleaned the helpless babe off. "It's a girl!" She cooed, her words only loud enough for Erani. The puppy took in a breath of air and with her exhaled cried out. Soleil's white tail slapped the ground wildly. Nudging the pup toward her abdomen she laid back down, resting a bit. She wasn't done, she could feel that she wasn't, but she was just so tired. Her eyes fluttered, ears flicking as she thought she heard the newborn beside her scream. It made Soleil jump, turning to look at her. "I'm sorry!" She licked the puppy. Erani probably thought she was crazy. The puppy hadn't cried at all. It seemed that Soleil was losing it. She was burning up and exhausted. The other puppy wouldn't wait though and Soleil yelped as the pain came back full force. She needed to push again. This time the puppy didn't take as long, maybe ten minutes or so. When the puppy was out Soleil didn't get up to clean her off though. The pain tided over, washing away so quickly that she felt dizzy. Her jaw was slack, heavy eyes staring toward the wall in front of her. Her vision blurred. She drew her mouth shut, licking her lips before her jaw dropped open again. Eyes clenched tightly, opening in a rushed attempt to clear her sight. Blue gaze rolled up toward the lids that half covered them. Soleil was so tired. Just so tired. Her mind made a last ditch effort, trying to rally her to get up and get her second born safely out of its sack so that it could start breathing. It was no use. Lids dropped over her eyes and her body went still. Soleil had passed out.

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Solaine Adravendi's life was only beginning, but from the moment she felt she had control over it, the girl put a wrench in things. She didn't want to leave her mother's womb just yet. It was warm, dark, and safe where she was, and she had no intentions of leaving. However, mother nature was not on her side. She was, finally, expelled from her mother's uterus and brought into the world that was Valhalla. There was a chill in the air, and some large being was tearing away the sac that had been her home. If the young girl could have pouted at that very moment, she would have. All she could muster, however, was a squeak of displeasure as she was ushered to her mother's breast and left to her own devices. Solaine didn't have much trouble finding a teat, and quickly and easily latched onto it with whatever strength she had after the birthing process. Warmth filled her insides, beckoning forth sleep and glorious dreams.Speech,

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Erani

Erani nodded at Soleil?s answer, tail swaying in an encouraging wag before she settled in a corner to wait. The contractions were regular, strong. She lowered her head to her paws, one eye opening now and then to check the progress. A soft hum of some old lullaby wound it?s way from her muzzle, a song her mother had sung to her and her siblings. It was a soft, sweet song, soothing. Her head lifted as the water broke and soaked into the moss around the straining female, deep blues taking in the scene, assessing. The contractions were so close together that one would think it was all one single huge push. She rose to her paws and approached, speaking softly, sensing the panic rising in Soleil. ?Very good, Soleil. There?s the nose now.? The first pup, a huge female, finally popped free. Erani smiled as Soleil greeted the firstborn daughter, her own tail swaying behind her. As Soleil rested a moment, Erani ran her eyes over the pup. Healthy, and large looking almost exactly like her mother. Erani gave a snuff of satisfaction. Then turned her eyes to Soleil, who had begun straining. She could see the exhaustion from the firstborn, and suddenly Soleil whipped around to look at the firstborn, apologizing and licking, before yelping as the contractions seized her. The second born came soon after. But Soleil was too exhausted to minister to this one. Erani vaguely imagined a thudding noise as those lids fell shut over Soleil?s eyes. Out like a star in the sky. Erani stepped forward, gently nipping the sac away and giving the second pup a quick, vigorous lick with her tongue. Enough to stimulate the pup, but not enough to impart her scent to the child. Then she gently lifted the pup to the sleeping Soleil?s belly. She checked to be sure both pups had latched on, before she made her way to the other end of the alcove and settled down, keeping an eye on the sleeping mother. When she was sure that Soleil was safe, she rose and left the alcove to find Gael and Collision. As she reached them, she smiled. ?Congratulations, you two. Two girls, both healthy. Soleil?s sleeping. The pups were very large, and she passed out.? She smiled, then turned and made her way to the herb pile to sort the fresh plants. One ear was trained on the alcove occupied by Soleil, alert for any signs of trouble.

Collision sat quietly tail tapping against the earth as he watched Gael out the side of his eyes. he had complete and utter faith that things could go as they had the previous time, as far as during the birth. He just silently prayed that this time the children wouldn't end up having to be barred from their mother for months on end because she came down with a rather sickening illness. Gael's words received a turn of collision's ears and he faced his son with ease, "She'll be fine, she was last time," he assured him and smiled, "Last time she had three, you, Soleon, and Azalea, it's interesting to know what awaits this time," Gael didn't know that he also had another brother, but he had been still born and Collision and Soleil had decided against ever speaking about it. It was a painful subject.

Would that happen this time?

It took quite a few passing moments but eventually Erani would emerge from the den and Collision would rise. He waited for the news and as he was told he had two new daughters a bright smile fell over his features. Good. Though, the fact Soleil passed out did not please him. He was beginning to take it out on himself, last time the children had all been far too large which had led to him believing her sickness was a terrifying and powerful lack of vitamins and various nutrients. It was their last litter. He wasn't going to force her through this again. Perhaps he could find someone to make it so? Or perhaps he and soleil would just avoid intercourse at all. It was probably the better decision.

Still, the two had no business going near the new mother and her children and so he would twist his maw to the side beckoning Gael to come, "Come," He said before turning on his pads, "We'll go find food for her and drop it off at the den, then we'll stay elsewhere for the night. Women get...hostile with their newborns," and Collision wasn't going to endure that backlash. Least not until morning. Still, his mind brewed with names and ideas and things that could potentially be good. What exactly did they look like? Curiosity was endless and powerful and he waited with an eager mind to be able to throw a name at them. An idea brewed in his chest, but not at the moment, it would be discussed later.

A new life was awoken, where the Valhalla family has gained two others. With a weak body a small whimper would bewitch the air as soon as she was released from the sac. The warm, cosy comfort taken away by force, it was only cold that would trap the young pup with displeasure. To weak to move or even open the eyes to see the wolves who would change her life forever, to grow up to be what they'd expect. An Adravendi, healthy and happy. With a gentle grab to the scruff another would help Guinevere find her way to a warm place where she could feed and sleep, the belly. With a slight press against her sibling the youngest would gentle ease of into a sleep with her share of the rich milk. A venerable creature she was to look at, yet at the same time huge for what was expected out of a small figure - soleil. Guinevere looked slightly different compared to her mother and sister, with two brown ears and a tint to the tail. Yet the newborns did not know it as of yet, only the observers could witness.

Her sister in law was having her second litter! She knew that the woman was pregnant, but Chrysanthe had not known at all when it had happened, so she couldn't gauge the time in which she should have her children. The date crept up on the alpha quicker than she expected, and she ended up one of the last of her family to show at the small ivory female's den. Erani was already there, as well as Collision and Gael. The alpha was glad to see much of her family in one place, and she was curious as to how many new members that the Adravendi family had gained with Soliel's new litter.

Her ears perked as she watched Erani stepped toward Collision, telling him that he now had two healthy baby girls. "Congratulations!" She said, careful about her volume since Soliel was said to be sleeping. She deserved as much undisturbed rest as possible. The woman couldn't help but grin at her oldest brother, gently nudging his shoulder before letting him speak. It seemed that he and Gael were going to hunt. "Take care boys." She would stay here with Erani - there was no point in her cluttering their little hunting party - although there wasn't much that she could do here.

If Erani needed anything, she would gladly go and get it. Admittedly she wasn't nearly as good a helping hand as Epiphron, who would at the very least know what she was doing. A part of her always wished her sister was here with her, she wondered how she was doing in Seracia.

Chrysanthe would deliver the news about their new nieces as soon as she found the time.

Azalea had not heard her brother's call. Out of range and with the crashing of sea water to the shore deafening her even if she were in range. Her fur was itchy, sanding bedding down near the skin to nap at her with each and ever movement. She wasn't entirely sure why she so deep into the pack territory that she hit the ocean on the other side, usually she stayed near the border that met land. Exploring she supposed, no reason she couldn't explore within Valhalla just as much as outside of it. She was alone. No surprise, really. More often than no she was alone. When she was a young child she had always been in the company of family, traveling around with her brothers. But things changed, her brothers left and her mother remained ill for some time longer. She became independent and fearless of the unknown. She had to be strong to get by on her own. An ill mother, a father busy leading a pack, and siblings that deserted her. She did what anyone would do. Evolved. Changed. Grew up. Grew up was a stretch of the truth though, she still had a lot of growing to do, even if her body was done growing. She headed back at a brisk pace, heading back through the heart of the territory for no real reason that she could see. Normally speaking she would have skirted the edge of the lands but today she told herself the fastest way to a destination is a straight line. As she neared the rocky den of Erani, she saw her father and brother. The two looking happy as can be. They moved should to shoulder, determined. Behind them there was Chysanthe, dipping into Erani's den. Azalea stopped, an ear flipping back. "What's going on?" She spoke before smelling, her nose going to work late. She could smell Soleil, Erani, Gael, Collision, all of them. There was more to it though, something new and strange. Azalea's heart skipped, "Is it mother? Has she given birth?" She had become very loud now, her tones excited. Tail tip wagged tentatively as she struggled to not become overjoyed before knowing it that was what had actually happened. Speech,

He stood outside the den beside his father, the gentle shower falling down on his grey pelt, beginning to wet him. If he stayed out here long enough, he would get soaked to the bone, just like that night with Meili after his grandfather's passing. But he didn't care too much. It was his mother who he was waiting for. If he had to stay out here all night to wait for her to give birth to his new siblings, then he would; it would be worth the wait.


The white woman Erani emerged from the den not long after his father had arrived, approaching the duo as she announced that they were two healthy girls and that his mother was sleeping. Sisters. What did they look like? What were their names? So many questions were running through his head but the yearling knew better. In this moment there was no time for curious questioning, his father's call to hunt shooing away his insistent questions. But before the young Adravendi could go off with his father, two more figures appeared. The first to arrive was his aunt Chrysanthe. He could see the beaming smile that curled her clay lips as she approached, mindful to keep her voice low as she congratulated them about his new siblings. His own small smile curled his kissers as he beamed back at his aunt, readying himself once again to head off to gather more food but again he was stopped by the appearance of his sister Aza as she asked if it was their mother and if she'd given birth. He padded up to her side, nuzzling her affectionately as he abandoned his father's side. Yes Aza, mom just gave birth. We have two new baby sisters. He whispered happily, his own plume wagging to the same rhythm as his sister's.


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Erani

Voices outside made Erani glance toward the mouth of the den. She greeted Chrysanthe with a warm smile as she pushed a pile of Rosemary into a slot in the wall. ?Hello, Chrysanthe. How are you today?? She bent to pick up a trio of Willow bark chunks and nudged them into another spot to join their fellows. Then she picked up a strip of cramp bark and carried it over to Chrysanthe. ?Could you take this to Soleil? She?ll know what to do with it when she wakes up to it sitting in front of her nose. ? Erani set it at Chrysanthe?s paws and returned to the herb sorting, settling back on her haunches. An ear pulled back as Azalea?s voice added to those outside. She smiled, listening to Gael?s reply. Today was a good day. Two healthy pups, Soleil had survived the birthing. Her tail thwapped softly at the stone floor in the pleasure and satisfaction at the successful birthing. How does it feel being an aunt to two more?? She grinned at Chrysanthe from the corner of her eye as she nudged a pile of Comfrey roots into place.