Walk | Talk | Think

She had made the long trek from where the ex-Glaciem, ex-Tortugan wolves had been staying in the northern land of the Soul Sand Cove, forging an unfamiliar path toward a place she had only ever heard about. It had been quite some time before, back when she had still been called a Glaciem, when she had heard and learned of it from her most recent healing instructor, Soleil. The sweet-tempered Valhallan healer had been so incredibly helpful to them when they needed it most, offering her services and traveling all the way to the north in order to train the next generation of healers to take over after the untimely death of their Lead Healer, Asheni. Mercianne had learned quite a bit with her help, enough to earn her the prestige and honor of being singled out by her rogue group's leader - their Chief - Gargoyle to attend his wife when she birthed their second litter of children. Honored and awed, she had accepted on the spot, but realized soon after that in order to do her best she would need something of a refresher course as well as helpful pointers regarding the intricacies associated with pregnancies.

Which was what brought her here. The warm weather of spring was considerably more prominent, the wolf's thinned, creamy white coat still feeling somewhat over fluffed for the moderate climate. And, naturally, this discomfort was starting to be mimicked from within. Somewhere inside of her gently rounding stomach, her pups fluttered, shifted, such a gentle sensation that even she doubted its presence at times but she had been growing increasingly attuned to it, expectant of their every move. Her lips drew upward in a contented, blissful smile as she paused mid-step, savoring the sensation before she continued across the lands. Her trip to Valhalla to learn of pregnancy and healing specific to birth was twice important: she was expecting herself.

The border materialized ahead through the wide plain, and mindful of it Merci stopped before crossing. Her pack had once been on very good standing with the Valhalla, but with the collapse of their pack as a literal "pack" she did not know how readily welcomed she would be with no home to her name. But she had a mission, a rightful cause to stand behind, and despite her worry she felt relatively comfortable here.

Or perhaps that was just an odd side effect of hormones.

Drawing in a smooth breath, the timid wolf called forth in a quiet howl, seeking any healers who might be about and willing to answer her questions. Part of her hoped that Soleil might be the one to do so since they were already introduced and speaking to her would have been more comfortable, but at this point, and still unsure exactly when poor Ocena would have her litter, she couldn't afford to be picky. Seating herself carefully amid the grasses, posture meek but polite, the little healer awaited the arrival of someone who might be capable of assisting her.

OOC: Bri, I don't remember you specifying when you'd be ready for this thread, so I figured I'd just get this up and posted before I forgot. xD

White paws of the dark gray female trotted along the territory of Valhalla with a purpose. Nose to the ground as she hunted. But this was no normal hunt, being a den mother and healer she needed to know where everything grew and what the land had to offer. Already she had found a few things like celandine, chamomile and chervil. Tail wagged softly behind her in contentment. Thing were looking up now, specially with Demonio here. A howl echoed out across the land, making her pause to lift her head. It sounded like someone was inquiring the healers. She thought back to what Cormalin had told you when she first came here. With a snort she shook out her fur and turned her direction towards the owner of the howl. If something happened like that again, Imena was going to gie them a bite full of it. no one as going to get hurt in her pack if she had any say in it. And in the case such happened, she would be there to help them.

Head tilted back to let out a short call of her own, answering that of the other. She hoped that if someone heard her, they would come too to make sure nothing bad happened. She hoped it would be Demonio but she wasn?t too picky. Sky blue eyes scanned the area carefully as she drew closer. She was glad to have another thing to do now. The her hunting left her mind to free to think and wonder over the past. It always lurking behind her, every turn and step, it was there. There was just no way of ridding of it. If left too long alone she uld fall into her dark depression, barely able to jump out of that mood. And if that did happen, she often searched out a place to hide and be left alone. But these things never happened around Demonio, sure she was still sad and hurt, but it was easier to bare with him around. She took comfort from the large white male. Pausing mid step she froze, was it possible she sa him for than a companion? No..no that was nonsense. With a shake of her head she continued onwards.

A white figure sat at the borders. Stopping Imena took in everything she could of the other before moving in. By the soft scent that blew her way, it was a female. Posture spoke of no threat either. Relaxed and satisfied that the other didn?t seem to be a threat she approached. She walked slowly, tail and head held in a neutral level but eyes fixed onto the other. "Greetings. I am Imena, Den mother and healer of Valhalla. You seek audience with the healers of this pack correct?" She asked kindly. Stopping just a foot away from the other female. She wondered if the other healers would come, she'd then finally get to meet them all.

Walk | Talk | Think

Mercianne's wait was short but her thoughts filled the quiet time with a buzz of many things. Life as she knew it was on its way to changing. Her pack - or what was left of it - were nothing but wanderers now, without a stable location to call their own. They were to travel with the seasons, picking new temporary shelters as they went. The leaders of her group were expecting their own litter of pups through all of this, and because she carried the most expertise of their bunch regarding healing and herbs it was to be her duty to assist Ocena in her delivery. And on top of that, she and her mate - it still excited her to be able to call Awaken hers - were expecting themselves, the little bundles of life happily content inside of her while they grew. It was strange, how quickly the changes had come about, but none of them were overly daunting. They were all of them exciting and she looked forward to seeing what would come of it all.

She was still happily lost in thought when the other's call rang out, preceding her approach. The little white wolf's ears perked at first, detecting the noise, and she straightened as well as she could where she sat. The growing swell of her stomach was only beginning to make that somewhat awkward, but she was not the least bit inclined to worry or complain. She had wanted these joyous little lives the moment she had recognized them as being present; she wasn't about to curse their presence now.

The wolf who approached her was not a familiar one, she noted, brown eyes taking in the dark grey fur and white undersides that marked the answering Valhallan as a stranger. Definitely not Soleil. Perhaps another of their healers? She comforted herself with this thought, calmly rising to her paws and maintaining her respectful stance as she drew nearer, listening when finally she stopped and addressed her. "I do," she answered in her customarily timid voice, quiet but still welcoming around a little smile. "My name is Mercianne. I'm here to ask for help from your healers about births. I've been asked by my..." She paused, ears turning slightly as she found herself unable to pick an appropriate term to describe their group - pack, rogue group, wanderers? In the end, she decided in a different route. "Gargoyle has asked me to help his mate with her birthing. I've learned from one of your healers before - Soleil - and I was hoping to learn a little more. To help Ocena. And for myself." It was the first admission she had made outside of her familiar group of the pups she carried, whether or not they were overly visible in how they sat upon her frame. Regardless, Mercianne hoped the good standing of what was once her pack and the Valhalla might earn her their assistance. She didn't want to let Gargoyle or Ocena down.

9

Erani

A call at the borders had Erani?s head lifting. Healer to healers. Rising, she took off at a quick lope, ears pressed toward the call, and within a small moment, she had reached the border, and the caller. To her surprise, the small dark female was there, and announcing herself as the Den mother of Valhalla. A soft gruff was given to the dark one. ?I see you came to Valhalla. Cormalin told me he?d accepted a young healer who said she?d met me, and that she would be coming to me for training in advanced healing. But I haven?t yet had a visit from you. I hope that will change in the future.? She studied the younger female with steady blue eyes for a moment, before turning to the female who had called. She?d caught some of what the lass had said. ?Welcome to Valhalla, Mercianne. I am Erani, the Lead Healer, or Theta of Valhalla.? Her greeting was warm, introduction given with a light nod. ?What would you like to learn?? She could smell that Mercianne was pregnant, and from her actions, Erani guessed that this was her first litter. She smiled gently. Like nearly all wolves, she loved pups, and the thought of more on the way, even if they weren?t going to be born to her pack, made her tail wag. ?And congratulations to you and Ocena, by the way.? She recalled Asheni talking at length about Glaciem while she?d been staying in Valhalla to assist with Erani?s own birthing. From the descriptions she had given of Gargoyle, and those of the female in question here, Ocena, she guessed what the main concerns would be here. Soleil?s birthing had been difficult this time. The little white healer had passed out after the second pup was birthed, not even able to clean the second pup. They were healthy, and soon enough, once Soleil?s den was dried out, or she had found a newer, safer den, they would be moved from Erani?s den to whichever location was chosen. Surreal had been enamored by the new life, and had taken to bringing Soleil rabbits so she could catch a peek of the pups. Erani gave a mental chuckle, before focusing her full attention on Merci.

Ears perked up to take in each word the other female said. She moved closer to sit down, tail wagging softly behind her. Was this perhaps her chance? A chance granted by the moon goddess herself to let Imena prove herself? Surely it was to good to be true. " It does not matter where you come from nor who you are. No one should be held from knowledge of healing, for everyone has the right to know." She replied calmly. "I'm sorry to say i dont know Soleil, i just joined here not to long ago." She added. She was about to say more when another voice made her head turn. As Erani spoke to her, her ears laid back and she took a few steps away from the new commer. Was she just being rebuked? And infront of a stranger, how embarrassing. Well, there went her chance.

Imena scooted off to the side, eyes cast down at her paws. Maybe she should have gone to Erani, but she just didnt know what to say or do. Plus she wanted to know her new home first. Suddenly everything felt so overwhelming. Could pack life be too much for her? No, it couldnt, she needed a pack. She just had to get used to things. But still that flicker of hope, to show life, to the stranger, to her pack, that she could be of use, well it felt like it was gone. Surely the leader healer would be the one to talk to the new female only. after all Erani knew more right? Even still, birthing was something Imena knew every well, she had stood by three litters in her time, each with no troubles. Sure her old mentor had not said much, but one didnt have a nose and eyes for nothing. Her mind was like a vissle, waiting for more knowledge to be stored in there.

It was times like this Imena wished to either run off to be alone or Demonio be here. She was slipping under her black cloud once more. Deep down she knew the reason for not seeing Erani. Something told her Erani would instantly know something was wrong with her, sense the sorrow and grief. and Imena was not ready to talk about it, not to anyone. She didnt want to be questioned about it. She still laid there at night with those horrible memories playing over and over in her mind. Blue eyes glanced up at Mercianne and Erani once before drifting back to her paws.

Walk | Talk | Think

A gentle, grateful smile graced the little white wolf's lips as this strange healer intoned her thoughts, feeling of a similar mind to her. Yes, healing was a gift that was to be shared with any and all who would listen. It was something to help, something that would never hurt to know, and something that might make all the difference in the end. Not to mention, it was a good way for those who didn't have the stomach or strength for battle to still make a difference in the lives around them. For this reason Mercianne was most happy doing her job. She was a meager hunter and even poorer warrior; healing and tending to those in need of care came so much more naturally and suited her patiently quiet but determined nature better than any other task.

It surprised her only a little that the other, one she presumed to be among the healers of the Valhalla, to know nothing of Soleil, though her explanation of being fairly new perhaps excused that. Mercianne had only happened upon the healer of the old Glaciem by chance at their time of meeting, still able to recall that day with clarity. It was one of the best memories she had of the wonderfully exuberant Asheni. "Maybe she still lives here then," Merci murmured with a quiet thoughtfulness, more to simply say something rather than for a specific purpose.

A little noise was given to announce the arrival of another wolf, an older female who first addressed the other Valhallan healer with a touch of authority that could not be missed. Mercianne watched the exchange with awkward curiosity, remembering herself how stressful and exciting it had been being in training. She almost missed it in comparison to the heavy weight of being the sole individual with the most healing knowledge available to her friends and comrades. But so long as she knew her gifts and could follow them through to the letter she intended to do what she could for her friends. Smiling gently once more, an incline of her head was given in respect to this female who named herself as Erani, the Lead Healer of the Valhalla. Wonderful! Though she had had every intention of speaking with Soleil it seemed just as lucky for her to get a chance to converse with another Lead Healer.

"Thank you," she answered with a growing smile, a touch of motherly pride etching itself there upon her face. The whole expectancy had her abuzz with nervous jitters but she couldn't wish things any other way. "I would love to know anything and everything you could tell me. From what to expect toward the end, how to tell when it's nearing time, what I can do and give to help... What might go wrong, and any way I can fix it." The last words drained a little of the sparkle from her expression as she muttered them, the severity of their weight and the responsibility of her position settling upon her shoulders heavily. It was not all happy thoughts that brought her here, the joyous miracle that both she and Ocena would experience. She needed to be ready for the worst, and accepting that of a friend, and possibly even herself, was difficult to do.

9

Erani

Imena?s reaction was not lost to the Theta, as she took a few steps back dark ears pulled back, eyes falling to her paws. Erani?s eyes warmed slightly at the younger female, before she turned to Mercianne, who was speaking. ?Soleil does indeed still dwell in Valhalla. She gave birth just two days past. Two healthy females, both very large for her. While she was exhausted enough to pass out even with the plants I gave her, both she and her brood are well and strong, and she?s one very happy mother.? She spoke in deeply pleased tones, tail swaying softly with the pleasure of the new lives. As Merci listed what she wanted to know, Erani smiled, settling onto her haunches, tail flicking to curl about her haunches. ?I?ll start with your first topic. For the last few weeks, you, and Ocena should be taking a plant called Motherwort, a plant that?s very helpful for mothers, and especially good for new mothers. It helps relieve tension and trauma during pregnancy, and during whelping, and helps with anxiety besides. It can help prevent miscarriages and alliviate the false pains that can be mistaken for labor pains.. Take it three times daily throughout the last few weeks of pregnancy.? Her tail tapped over her toes in thought for a moment, before she hummed softly and continued, having taken that time to let Merci, and Imena absorb the information. ?A good herb to use to focus and clear the mind during birthing is peppermint. Lavender is another good one, for the calming effect it has. Also, Mother?s heart, or Shepherd?s Purse, soaked in water and suckled on to drink the liquid is excellent to heal any hemorrhaging, after birthing. It?s also excellent for stopping bad bleeding in wounds. Another plant, Blue Cohosh should never be given to a female during pregnancy, but during birthing, it can be used to strengthen the contractions if she?s weakening. Do you have any healers other than yourself in your group that you can tell this to so she or he can tend to you while you are whelping? Also, Cohosh helps reduce tension , and eases false pains as well as after birthing pains. The roots, dried and ground to a dust, taken two weeks prior to the due date should help to give a quick birthing. It is an anti-spasmodic, and in effect, given at the right time, it assists in preventing miscarriage. Like Motherwort, take it three times daily two weeks prior to birthing. Never, ever before then.? Those last four words were voiced in stone, deep blue eyes gazing at the young female until she felt Merci had memorized the information. Then she added, ?Blue Cohosh also has a property that expels intestinal worms, and eases heavy bleeding. It is pungent, bitter, and warming herb. I have some set aside if you?d like it, I can find more.? The offer was friendly, generously given. "Now, over to knowing when it?s time. Sometimes, only the mother will know for sure, but if you pay close attention, you may be able to deduce when the birthing will happen, and how hard it might be, especially if you know the father and mother well. Now, I?ve heard that Ocena and Gargoyle differ greatly in size, much like Collision and Soleil do. You?ll do well to expect very large pups from them. What of yourself and your pups? sire? Large pups can be difficult to push free, and can weaken a small mother, especially if the very first pup is large, but having a large pup first can ease the way for the rest of the litter. Pups can sometimes get the life cords wrapped around their necks. It?s a rare occurrence, but it can happen. ?If a pup comes out with the cord around it?s throat, you must nip it if it?s too tight. The herbs that stop heavy bleeding should help to stop the bleeding from the cords. If the cord is loose, you can maneuver the pup so the cord no longer encircles the neck. The best you can do during any problems is remain calm and focused, whether it?s yourself or someone else. Encourage them, encourage yourself. A weak pup will need vigorous licking to stimulate it, and the mother or you, may be too busy birthing more pups to attend to that themselves. Licking and rubbing the stomach of a mother who is in labor can help to calm, and help to move the pups into position. Now, sometimes, a pup will come out tail first, usually, these presentations will go as smoothly as a normal one would, bit in instances. A hock on the pup could wedge itself in the canal. You can help to right this by gently pushing the pup back in just after a contraction, but never during one. ?Good herbs for after birthing are cramp bark, which you can guess what it does. IT can be used to ease pains and cramps all through the body, as well as the womb while it?s returning to it?s regular size and shape.? she grinned at these last words, a soft chuckle rumbling through her throat. She had used that bark after the birth of her children. ?What else would you like to know? I still have a plethora of herbs to list.? The soft chuckle thrummed again.

Walk | Talk | Think

Goodness! Mercianne had known that there would be a lot of information for her to take in and leave with during her visit here to speak with the Valhallan healers, but even this seemed like more than she had expected. Erani addressed her as a kind mentor, feeding her tidbit after tidbit of knowledge, pausing after each newly mentioned herb and plant to list off its uses and the peculiar instructions for it. Motherwort. Peppermint. Lavender. Mother's heart. Blue Cohosh. It was an extensive list, but she was grateful for every word of it. It only made her realize as Erani gave her the details necessary for each plant that there was much she had forgotten, must still that she hadn't learned, and much that she would have been beneficial to know come the time she and Ocena were to have their children.

She nodded her head at intervals to express her attention and comprehension, dark brown eyes riveted upon the white wolf and listening to every word. It was only when questions were asked that she broke her silence, answering as much as was needed so as to not lose her focus. "I believe we still have another healer or two," she answered, though she wasn't at all positive on their numbers. Being a rogue band, it was far too easy for the group to remain completely together, and there was really no telling just yet how many of them remained with the group rather than drift off in search of more permanent homes. It was more or less common knowledge that Orica had taken the route of healer very seriously and did much regarding the work for still being so young, but aside from her Mercianne would need to do some asking around to find any others.

The conversation altered as the list of helpful plants were set aside for the important details of what to do and how to tell when the time had come. The timid healer listened most interestedly to this, her first pregnancy leaving her with many questions and, admittedly, some worries. Surprising her, Erani even touched on the particular matter that troubled her leaders, the size difference between Gargoyle and Ocena. How she knew was a mystery to Mercianne, but she was glad the other knew enough to mention it. And to even ask her about the difference between herself and her mate. Having been more concerned with Ocena's pregnancy and merely curious of her own, she hadn't given much thought to how much larger Awaken was than herself. He was considerably taller, considerably more strongly built, and for a moment a touch of worry entered her. Might she need to worry of the same thing as Ocena? "He is," she answered almost as an afterthought, words quiet enough to go unheard if the other was not listening and be lost beneath the statements that followed.

Trying to press back her new found worry, Merci made herself focus and listen as Erani pressed on, as informative as ever with more knowledge on the actual birthing process. There was so much she hadn't considered, so much she was grateful to know of, that by the time she had finished her explanations and gave Mercianne the floor to ask her own questions that her thoughts were too jumbled to consider what else she might need to know. "I...I'm not sure," she answered with a sheepish smile and a gentle laugh. Was there anything that had not been covered that she had been consciously aware of before arriving? "I'm still trying to make sure I don't forget anything you've told me. But thank you. I know it will help." She smiled gratefully, still sifting through what she had been told and searching for any holes that needed filling.

With a heavy heart she settled on her belly to listen to the two talk. It would seem she had no place here. She felt like Erani had just stripped away who she was. Just like that she was no long Imena the den mother. She was simply a wolf if that and nothing more. Though she wallowed in her own despair she still listen to Erani. Indeed the white wolf knew more than her. She named so many plants she had never heard of. It was possible that it was due to their location compared to her last home. Blue eyes squinted in concentration in trying to remember everything thing. It was not only their new stranger who was learning more, but her too. Now if only she had the plant before her so she could remembers it's smell, appearance. Mentally she took notes and compared with what she knew already. Blue gaze lifted up to the two. Gulping down the feeling of being cast off, she stood to stand by Erani. Head lowered, ears back, "May I add something?" She asked the Theta respectfully. She sat down and turned to Mercianne. "I have not heard the herbs Erani named before but i do know some others incase you can not find those. Borage leaves are good to help produce more milk for mothers. And can be also used to bring down fever. All you need to do is chew up the leaves. While Parsley does the opposite by slowing and even stopping the production of a mother?s milk. Start off with small amounts to be eaten if it is only to be used if the mother is producing too much. You don?t want to stop the milk if the pups need it. It can come in handy when weaning too. Ragwort leaves can be aided to help a mother be strong during labor. I'm not sure is there has ever been a case of Greencough or Whitecough but it is one of the worst things to fall into a pack. It affects the elders and pups first since they have weaker immune systems. Catmint it used to treat it. It is best to keep the sick isolated from the healthy since it spreads like wild fire in a drought. Tansy can be used to prevent one from getting Greencough." She glanced at Erani for approval. She hoped that by saying something Erani would get a glimpse in seeing what she did know. Speech Thought Others