Sorry it's an ugly phone post ;-;

Rhythm wasn't expecting the sudden striking pain that raced over he body, she still had a couple of weeks until she expected this moment to happen. Surely it was only a false alarm. Ignoring the sensation rhythm would continue about her day. She was still tiny, barely showing the pregnancy that was closing in on it's final weeks. Cascade seemed to be right again, nature had its way with things. Chocolate brown paws carried her back through the knolls, she took frequent walks and always felt better at the end of the day because of them. "Odd that there's so much pain.." the thought was brief as she waddled up to the boulder of a den.

The girl would sigh heavily as she flopped down next to said rock, still limber enough to scramble up to its flat surface as the sun settled heavily over the horizon. She'd smile softly as her form melted into the warm surface. Just in time for another contraction like pain to take her. What was this?

Vana moved sulkily with the utmost of dignity from her den in the general direction of her mentor's. It wasn't hard to find - it had used to be Vana's father's den and she'd spent time there as a very young pup, before she had taken over. Even if she hadn't had reason enough to be avoiding her mentor, Vana had been given all the more reason to when her father had mentioned that Rhythm was pregnant. She didn't doubt that her father was wise, that he had good intentions... but why her? Vana knew the woman was trouble, she just knew it. How did her daddy know that Rhythm wasn't going to just run back to Abaven with his kids once she had them? What was it he knew that Vana didn't, what was it that had made him so smart? How did he just know these things while she herself struggled just to feel that connection to others she craved? But in the end she couldn't very well continue avoiding her mentor if she was going to learn anything about healing - and what was she going to learn anyway, how to convince boys to make her pregnant? Ugh no thanks - so thinking very uncharitable, rude, and otherwise just plain ornery things she stalked to the Destruction woman's den. "Rhythm?" she called out sourly from the entrance. Something smelled a bit strange - some flavor she couldn't quite place. She scowled to herself, brow knitting as she sniffed. Something had changed just the tiniest bit about Rhythm's scent since the healers' meeting... ""

While she could mostly ignore the bouts of pain they would begin to concern her as their appearances became more regular. She wasn't quite to the point of cringing in the duration, had she been paying more attention though the rosin of intensity would have been more obvious. As she again relaxed onto the large boulder another distraction would make itself known. The last voice shed been prepared to hear was the young Imperialis girl. While rhythm was positive the yearling still hated her there was the problem of her father assigning rhythm to be her mentor.

The tall girl went to the entrance first, rhythm's ears would perk from her flat form as she stirred at the top of her boulder. She'd slide her features back and over the edge to look at her apprentice. They hadn't really gotten to any serious lessons yet, if she wanted a lesson now her timing couldn't have been worse. "Hello, ms. Imperialis." she hadn't gotten out of the habit of addressing Valen's children as such. She'd gotten to know Phim enough durin their patrol that she felt more comfortable calling him by a nick name. However with Vana hating her and Angel usually being busy with his dad they would retain the respectful titles. "I'm not sure if we can have a lesson today. I'm having false contractions and.." she had to really stop talking as the next one took her, painful enough that she has to grit her teeth and squeeze her eyes shut. She refrained from being vocal but the pain was obvious. "It's a little distracting." shed finish, obviously barely able to keep her breath. This was gettin intense for being so early in her pregnancy.

Rhythm's voice came from atop the boulder, and Vana backed up to regard her. Rhythm's explanation for why they would have no lesson - she'd come all this way for nothing? didn't that just figure - laid Vana's ears back in irritation at the reminder that Rhythm was carrying Vana's father's pups, but her brow furrowed - not in anger, but concentration - as she stared at the muscles that rippled across Rhythm's belly. "Those seem pretty real to me," she retorted. If those were fake contractions you could definitely count her out of the baby making pool. Those looked like they hurt - either that or Rhythm was just being a big baby. Without bothering to ask permission the leggy yearling vaulted easily atop the boulder and sought to poke at the woman's abdomen. Things were moving in there, and her face wrinkled with a mix of disgust and fascination. "How do you know they're just fake contractions and not the real thing?" ""

Vana's attention was easy enough to gain as the much taller she wolf found Rhythm's gaze. She'd give her explanation, but the answer was contested in a way she hasn't really expected. They felt pretty real too, but had Vana even seen a real contraction before? With no warning she would be joined up on her boulder, And her paw was at Rhythm's spasmy belly. She'd question rhythms line of thinking. "It's still too early for them to be real." surely they were not ready to leave her womb yet. They couldn't be big enough yet to survive out here.

Her eyes would find her belly just as fascinating as the younger she wolf did. That did not look like faking to her. Worry would settle into her gut, they couldn't come now.

Esti came on her own accord. She always came on her own accord, but she always delivered. She trotted slowly, another hare hanging from her maw. This one wasn't super beefy, and Esti figured she would have to hunt again if no one else had brought Rhythm food. Nearing the den, she cold hear murmurer voices. "-do you know they're just fake contractions and not the real thing?" "It's still too early for them to be real." That was Evangeline's voice. Time for a lesson, perhaps, but what was this talk about contractions? Esti sped up a little to check it out, tossing the food unceremoniously towards the side of Rhy's den. Though she was no healer, she could smell the difference in Rhythm's scent. An odd sort of emotion crept up in her. What, her, worried? No, of course not! Esti easily cleared the distance from the den to the boulder and peered over at Rhythm's stomach, "Ew, no, Rhy, those look like mine did before I went psycho-bitch and had Ashmedai." She glanced from Vana to Rhy, "You sure it's too early, I mean, how many times did you-" her voice lowered, "you know, come into contact with Valentine before realizing you were pregnant?" If Evangeline wasn't there, Esti might have come out and just asked her how many times they had fucked, but, with the delicate situation of Vana being literally right there, Esti censored herself... a little, "Is it possible you mixed up the date?" ""

Maybe she'd been unwilling to see the differences in her body, but they shouldn't have been ready to emerge yet. She was still so small, they couldn't have been very big yet. Let alone enough that they might live through the experience. Denial wasn't going to help anyone, and even as she thought about Evangeline being wrong she knew the young woman was right. Today was the day for better or worse. She'd grown quiet, but that didn't last long as the familiar 'thump' of rabbit hitting the ground made Rhythm turn her head to see Esti standing at her door now, adding a second opinion that she was indeed going into labor. Her heart would beat faster in her chest at the words, not feeling any kind of reassurance with the added company or her words. Rhythm would clear her throat nervously, "No, they're.. too early." She'd feel her eyes begin to tear up at the thought. They couldn't come now, they would never survive. Everything suddenly felt so overwhelming. Rhythm wanted to curl in her den and ignore the goings on of her body. She wanted her mommy, and didn't want to think about what she might be facing in the coming future. The only relief she would find was in the fully distracting pain of her contractions as another took hold of her strongly. ""

Rhythm explained that it was still too early for them to be real contractions, and Vana wrinkled her nose. But before she could say anything, another voice intruded, and she nearly jumped out of her skin. She really did jump, backwards to the edge of the boulder away from Rhythm, then sat stiffly, staring off into the distance with great dignity as though she had not been poking at Rhythm's abdomen just moments before. Esti. She didn't carry any particular animosity toward the older female - she didn't even really know her except that she was Ashmedai's mom so presumably one of her father's girlfriends. But her words caused her to twist her head back toward the black and white female to shoot a disgusted stare her way. Really? Euphemisms? "I do know what sex is, you know," she growled snippily. Even though the idea of her father doing what Cascade had described with Rhythm made her want to vomit. Ew. Just... no. Not the picture she wanted in her head. No, they're too early. Her gaze slipped disdainfully back to Rhythm as she spoke, but her face slid into blankness as tears sprang into the older woman's eyes. No, no, no. Vana was the emotional one, she was the one who needed the comfort, she didn't comfort people. "Well, puppies don't always come at the exact right time right? And you can't possibly be that early," she reasoned with a frown. A frown that she turned on Esti. Shouldn't they... call for her dad? Or something? He'd know what to do. ""

Ok, so maybe Birna was that nice after all. Integra blinked as she opened her eyes, her body stiff and sore from Birna marching her around the whole dam territory. She gazed at the setting sun, thankful for the disappearing light that would signal the end of her patrol and the warm den that would be waiting for her when she returned. Yawming Integra paused as she noticed the small gathering of women. Rhythm was laying upon a boulder while Vana and Esti gathered near by. Curious she strode over to the others. "Hello, why is everyone standing-" The smell hit her nose and she stared at Rhy, head tilting to the side. She smelt a bit off. "Are you alright, Rhythm?" Her eyes trailed to the woman's swollen belly before she glanced to Evangeline, certain the other girl would have an answer yet she was already beginning to wonder if the older woman was about to give birth. Truth be told Integra knew little of birthing, her training having been in battle medicine. ""

Valentine's daughter retorted that she knew what sex was and Esti wasn't fully surprised, but she wasn't ready to go all, "Well, damn, let me say it again then!" Instead she hummed and nodded her head, "Good. Don't do it, or this happens." A smirk would play on her lips for a short moment before she concentrated back at Rhythm. The swollen woman said they were too early. Esti debated pressing the issue. Yes, she was a healer, but did she know much about birth? Vana chimed in again, offering several possibilities. Esti nodded again, being a lot more serious than usual. The young female looked to her. Was she expecting Esti to lead them into some sort of plan? Esti didn't know anything about birthing! Then, Integra appeared. Esti wasn't at all familiar with the girl, but decided now wasn't the time to ask names and swap scents, "It looks like Rhythm's going into labor... Early." Esti moved closer to Rhythm, but turned to look at the two girls, "Okay, shit, um, Evangeline, go get your herbs- I don't really know what. Pain? Maybe bleeding? Any suggestions, Rhythm? You-" Esti motioned towards the other female, her voice hesitating as she thought of what needed to be done. Her tone came in sharp and commanding, though her heart hammered in her chest. Was this real? Was Rhythm giving birth to pups? Was it really too early? "Help me move Rhythm to the den without disturbing her too much. Rhythm, can you stand at all? If you're too close to labor, we can't move you until after the pups are born." Esti looked to Rhythm now, drawing closer and looking the woman in the eyes, "Yes, when they are born. Alive. Healthy. I told you I'd take care of them right? And you? Do you remember? Take a breath, and don't go ultra bitch like I did, okay? Deep breaths, try to see if you can stand." She shot a look back to the younger girls, "Integra, over here, Evangeline, go. Hurry!" Esti sent a short, urgent call to Valentine and any - maybe older- healers before she crouched and pressed her side near Rhythm, "Steady... Lean on me..." she cooed, her voice becoming soft, as if she was talking to Ashmedai when he was younger. They needed to get her to the den before anyone else showed up. ""

There was more than enough doubt in the other women, but Rhythm knew they were too early. If they had been conceived before the summer they would have been born by now, and even if they came into existence that very first day of summer they were still too early. Her eyes glanced to Vana for a moment as she offered her two sense, but neither of them seemed to grasp how much trouble her tiny babies were in. "Look at how small I am though." A voice would distract her from any further thoughts, another voice would be heard adding to their group. This time it was Integra. She'd open her mouth to answer but Esti was already there, saying exactly what she didn't want to admit. Then everything started moving faster. Suddenly Esti was giving orders to the young healers present, she'd hear her name but no words came out of her still opened mouth. Another contraction found her and from gritted teeth she'd give an answer. "Pain. For pain." Whatever herbs they had really, at the moment she ofund herself unable to give much attention to anything but her body. "Can you stand?" As the contraction subsided she nodded. She wasn't completely immobile yet, they were still rather far apart. She couldn't deny the distance between was swiftly shortening. It seemed like Esti could read her mind, she added assuring words. They were going to be okay, she'd just get to meet them sooner. She willed Esti to be correct. "Deep breaths" She'd nod to the questions and would find her feet as the black and white woman commanded. She could still get around somewhat, she found her feet no more difficulty than she did any other day. As Esti escorted her down the boulder it occurred to her about the small space that was the den, it was quite a squeeze for the larger wolves of the pack. Part of her wanted to squeeze back in there and do everything alone, for good or for bad, but the other part of her wanted someone there to share in the experience. For support and comfort if need be. ""

Integra felt her stomach drop at the mention of labor. Well, shit. She had no idea really what to do in this situation so she just followed Esti's instructions even though the other woman had never shown any inclination to healing but she'd had pups before so she had to know something right? Integra quickly moved toward the older women, positioning herself on the other side of Rhythm to give the earthen femme some added support. After they maneuvered her into the den, Integra moved to try and lick at the other woman's forhead to help comfort her and to keep an eye on her body temperature just in case. Truth be told though she was at a loss what to do. She had herbs for pain but she couldn't be sure which ones might have an adverse reaction on the pups. "Esti, do you remember the names of any of the herbs you took while you were in labor? What did everyone do? I'm a battle-medic I don't know anything about birthing pups." ""

Integra appeared then, looking very curious and... Integra-y, and Evangeline was relieved not to be the only yearling there. It was hard enough to just be a yearling, but it was even worse with older adults around, because they all had a tendency to treat yearlings like pups. But things quickly went downhill - more than they'd already had - with Esti throwing orders out left and right that made no sense. "What herbs?" she demanded shrilly. "I'm an apprentice, not a midwife!" But everyone was already moving on, Integra going to help move Rhythm - why couldn't she just get up and walk? she'd gotten herself on top of the stupid boulder just fine - and Esti demanding she go. Giving a frustrated and irritated screech she dove to the ground. "I'm going to go get Daddy," she announced huffily to no one in particular, and turning away she moved to sprint off toward the range where her daddy lived. Besides, Rhythm had showed her this herb that she said grew behind the barn there that was supposed to be for pain, and since it was the only pain killer she'd been taught other than the strange southern herb kratom that her mother had used when Valentine was injured, an herb that she herself had no access to, Rhythm would have to settle for it. What had she called it? Cannabis. She ripped up an entire plant's worth of the stuff and turned to race back toward the knolls. "Daddyyy," she called through the plant between her teeth as she raced up to his tractor he liked so much. "Daddyyyyy. She's having the..." ugh... "babies." ""

"She's having the babies..." Sitting up suddenly Valentine banged his head against the underside of the tractor. What? Already? Wasn't it too soon? The King was sliding out from under his beloved relic and blinking in the too bright daylight before the pain in the side of his head could even begin to register. "Where is she?" he asked, completely glossing over what kind of plant his daughter was holding -time skip because...because- Arriving at Rhythm's den, Valentine made a beeline for the woman in question and moved to gently nuzzle her cheek. "How are you doing?" He wasn't getting ready to give birth to their children and he had butterflies, so he couldn't even begin to imagine what Rhythm was feeling. Was she ready? ""

A whole lot happened all at once. She was brought to the ground, though if she hadn't been on the end of a contraction she probably would have been able to get there on her own. Her water hadn't even.. As her rear paws touched the earth her water would break and the fear would rise. They really were coming now, today was the day she'd meet them. Rhythm wanted her babies so badly, the possibility that they might not even make it through their birth made her want to cry. Her lungs filled deeply with air as she tried to calm herself, the panic that lingered in the air would do no good to them. Fighting back tears Rhythm steadied her breathing as Esti shouted orders, Integra asked her questions, and Vana going to get Valentine. She'd take another deep breath, trying desperately to calm herself and the other two wolves with her. "The birth wont be so bad. I should be able to do all of that myself." She winced at another contraction, the pain medicine would be perfect though. As it subsided she finished, "With how early they are I don't know if they'll be developed enough to breathe on their own. We'll have to work hard to wake them up." Another deep breath. And another before a contraction took her, they were getting much closer. As it faded her bright gaze would open to Valentine's features as he raced up to his once-den. She'd lean into his touch, more than grateful for his presence. Closing her eyes blissfully (and trying to forget for just a moment what was going on) she'd take a moment to answer him. "I'm in labor, my life kind of sucks right now. But well, other than being so early i seem completely average." She'd pull away as yet another contraction hit her, this one much more powerful than any of them before. A soft whine would leave her lips as she tightly closed her eyes and endured through it. It was definitely time to get into the den, she doubted that all of them would be able to fit. ""

Shaye howled at the border as she had been bid before crossing over to find Rhythm. Time always seemed to escape her and she hadn't been over to Imperium as frequently as she normally did. With Rhythm's pregnancy their healing lessons had somewhat been on pause, through the girl wanted more experience with birthing before Rhythm;s pups came, with Motif and Vail, Rhythm had been there to do all the work, with Shaye mostly just watching. She had only sought out Rhythm with the intention of learning, instead to her utter amazement she would find a crowd of wolves outside Rhythm's den. Seeing all the wolves hustling about the den she whimpered softly, was something wrong? “Rhythm.. Rhythm?” she called out softly, it was a struggle to keep her voice calm but she knew a healer must always be calm, if a healer panicked, so did the patients! She squeezed her way into the den and made her way to Auntie's side, and instantly realized what was going on. It was definitely too early for the pups, but there was no doubt that they where coming, and they where coming now. Shaye had some Ginseng Root with here, she collected it whenever she found it because of its rarity. She quickly sorted out a portion for her Aunt, it would help keep her calm, lowering her stress and potential shock from the early pregnancy. “Does anyone have Motherwart? and Trillium, its the only pain relief I trust for pregnancy” she asked into the mass of wolves. She would have liked to have had Yarrow too but that was only if things went bad and the bleeding didn't stop. Shaye shivered a little, she didn't know if she was ready for this, but no force in heaven or hell could pull her from her Auntie's side. Her Auntie.. was her entire world. "Talk" "You" Think

All right, easy does it. Rhythm was safely in the den. Vana was off to get Valentine and herbs or whatever. Esti turned to Rhythm, "Good, uh, deep breaths." That's what they always said, right? Deep breathing? She waited with baited breath for someone else to arrive. Integra asked if she remembered what she took and Esti just shrugged, "Nope." she answered without taking her eyes off of the expecting mother. Rhythm told them that she could handle the birthing and would probably just have to work hard to make them breathe. Esti didn't know anything about babies, early, late, or on time. Finally Valentine showed up and made his way directly for Rhythm. Yeah, they totally had this. Esti nudged Rhythm one last time reassuringly before she pulled back to let Valentine have the room. She had no business being here now that Rhythm was relocated and Valentine was here. Turning away slightly, Esti pointed her attention towards Rhythm, "When they come, if you need help, call me. I'm going on patrol, so you guys rest easy." Esti carefully chose her words and inflections as she spoke, throwing the last part in with a glance and Valentine. She didn't want him to feel too antsy, and knowing that she was on patrol might give the new parents some sort of ease at mind. She began to trot off, but called back, "Congratulations!" then began to run. It was only when she passed another girl smelling of Abaven, did she stop, turning back from the trees to see if she would be needed. ""

-exit Esti unless called-

Integra sighed but resisted making a comment. Esti didn't remember an of the herbs she'd been given so they were once again working blind and it was swiftly getting crowded. Dammit she should've looked at some maternal medicine at some point! Evangeline ran to get the alpha and Integra nodded, sounded like a good idea to her, maybe he could create some order out of this chaos and if he was there when the other litters were born maybe he knew what herbs were used. Integra felt her gut tighten at the mention that the pups might be premature. Oh fantastic! Because this wasn't hard enough already! Integra wracked her brain, ok she could remember talking about a few plants with Kass and some with an older loner, one of the gang that had captured her but…. oh hell she didn't remember enough of anything! Suddenly a little black and white wolf raced in. Integra's hackles raised and she was about ready to maul the foreign stranger but it seemed she knew Rhythm and it really wasn't her place to say anything. If Valentine didn't want her here she was sure he'd take care of it. The girl was apparently a healer as well and went right to sorting her herbs. Integra was about to feel a mix of indignation, admiration and jealousy when the girls words suddenly clicked. "That's it! Motherwort is another name for Lion's Tail! I have some, just one second" Integra quickly slipped out of her den and loped off to her herb stores. ""

OOC: Tea gave me permission to skip/mention Vana

Valentine had to accept very quickly that while it wasn't time, it was time. If everyone there was sure of it then he wasn't going to waste time questioning it. It did bring to mind the question of whether or not they puppies were truly ready for the world, but the Rex pushed those thoughts - and several similar ones - from his mind. As far as he knew there wasn't any way to stop labor, so if it was happening there was nothing they could do about it. "...my life kind of sucks right now." For some reason he zeroed in on those words. Everyone else was forgotten. Vaguely he was aware of the arrival of Shaye, Vana's protest of it, and Esti and Integra slipping away, but in that moment he only had eyes for Rhythm. Reaching down Valentine touched Rhythm's face gently. He was on the verge of saying something, of trying his hand at being comforting, when she cringed away from what he assumed was another contraction. Alright, it was time to bed down. All business now Valentine, without taking his gaze off of Rhythm, commanded in a voice tinged with obvious excitement, "Everyone stays outside. We appreciate the care and concern, and if help is needed I'll come for it, but, " he grinned down at Rhythm, "she's got this." Valentine motioned for her to take the lead since both of them couldn't fit through the entrance at once, intending to follow her down into the hollow and settle in beside her once she was comfortable. ""

ooc: Talked with Kat and wanted to get the herbs dropped off so it can get underway, sorry if I post over anyone

Integra rooted around her stores searching for Lion's Tail, or Motherwort, as other wolves here seemed to call it and if it indeed helped out mothers in particular than she supposed the later name was more accurate for its healing properties.  Seizing a bundle of the starry foilage, certain she had the correct plant for its pungent odor was hard to misplace.  Grabbing a fair amount she raced back toward Rhythm, certain the older woman would be able to dose herself if need be as Integra did not know the proper dosing yet for this plant other than it helped to calm and could be used for fevers. Integra quickly returned to see most everyone was out of the den though as Valen had disappeared she assumed he must be in there with her now.  Swallowing her nervousness she peered into the den and swiftly deposited the motherwort. "Here's the motherwort Rhythm.  I don't know the dosing but I bet you do.  If there's anything else you need me to grab just holler." Integra swiftly withdrew her head moving several yards away before flopping on the grass, waiting just in case she was needed but truth be told she was just to inexperienced to do much more than assist as she was directed. ""