|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 7:44 am
 Stormwild looked thankful for Balrog's reassurance, even though she had asked the expert in the matter. But Chandra didn't seem overly fretted about her age, either. She prayed to the Spirits - if these little babies came into the world healthy she would be content. She would raise them well and then reverently shut the book on motherhood: focusing on the future and helping her herd and her children in their parenting efforts. She would be twice the mother to these children in honor of Thunderbird's siblings who never got the chance to live. Her thoughts grew a bit hazy as she reminisced, her ears swiveling as she heard Chandra mention pushing.
The Angenicorn must have been practiced indeed, for mere moments later the overwhelming need flooded over her and she knew they were coming immanently soon. "No..." she mumbled at her offer for her magic. She took a deep breath and looked up into the sky for comfort as the first foal finally began to come into the world.
*
*
*
*
*
*
* The deadly creature lurking in the shadows bristled with excitement. The approaching thunderstorm offered more cover and chaos for their attack; it didn't even occur to the bloody mare that the storm could have been seen as a boon to this particular herd that worshiped them so. "The odds continue to roll to our favor," she whispered to her dark minion, her tails twitching ever so slightly in the shadows...
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 8:17 am
Balrog's hooves couldn't stay still as he continued to pace, wearing a tread through the lush grasses that grew in the foaling grounds. His ears felt like they were nailed to the back of his head, his tail rustling behind him. His eyes alternated between the skies and the occasional glimpse he'd see of Thunderbird, flying in and out of the heavy stormclouds, patrolling as he was ordered - and Stormwild, caught in the throes of labor.
Worry tumbled through his mind, but he didn't dare give it voice.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Cerberus's tail twitched as he watched where Kumiho directed, his eyes pinpricks of red in shadow. And between the dark storm brewing and the great stallions' distraction in Stormwild. And on his shoulders, his wings in his ears did growl, eager... waiting.
"quiet," He whispered, seemingly to nothing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 9:31 am
As she watched, part of Chandra had been expecting that an experienced mare would have a fast delivery, and sure enough it didn't take long for the first foal to be born, everything seemed to be going smoothly so far but Chandra expected if things were going to get complicated it wouldn't be with the first. Helping the child with the last of the exit she used her horn to cut the cord before doing a quick check and placing the delicate thing in it's basket to stay warm. Putting the lid in place. "The first," She chirped happily, though she wasn't sure if the parents wanted to know the gender yet or not. "Would you like to know the gender?" She asked, deciding that it might provide the pair with a distraction. Especially the pacing stallion... part of her almost wanted to ask him to either sit down or leave since he was making her feel nervous and if it was doing that to her she had no idea what effect it was having on the Stormwild herself; even as Chandra was sure the older mare wouldn't have wanted her mate to leave.
Placing her ear on the mares belly she hoped to hear the remaining three heartbeats. One. Two..... still no sign of the forth. Perhaps they had mistaken in their estimate of four? She knew of mares getting three baskets just incase only to have two children.... she frowned a little before catching the action and placing her smile back her face. Time would tell she supposed. Looking to the mare she found herself concerned a little. Looking to Balrog she asked softly, in a matter she hoped wouldn't raise alarm. "Do you have anything you could use to wipe her brow, please? I would be much obliged if you could take care of that for me." He might be older than her, and far wiser but she suspected he would be grateful for a task to do. Sonnet, her own mate, had been. 
His legs started to ache and he knew they would have a long flight home, for that reason he lowered himself to the ground and tried to get some rest... even as his eyes continued to scan the area leisurely. Every now and then he looked up to see Thunderbird, almost mesmerised as the Angeni flew around.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 11:22 am
Stormwild couldn't wait to her new baby. Despite the pain she pulled her head up to see, craning to see a glimpse of the small, helpless foal being tucked away in its expertly crafted basket. "Yes, what is it...can you tell already?" Storm new that often babies were whisked away into baskets before a thorough examination could be done... but sometimes you got lucky. Chandra was an expert after all.
She looked expectantly up to Balrog - trying to read his expression, before the next wave of contractions and pushing broke her from her small moments of clarity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 11:59 am
Balrog felt like he was going crosseyed as he stared at the proceedings, feeling more than a little uneasy. Not just the taxing physical demands on Stormwild's body and the ... graphic nature of it all, but even as the first foal emerged, his anxiety didn't lessen at all. They still had a long way to go.
It took a moment for Chandra's words to pierce the fog in Balrog's mind. He shook his head, blinking to clear it and draw himself back to focus on what she had just said. "Something to wipe her brow." He repeated, at first uncomprehending. "Something to wipe her brow, of course!" HE shook his head, irritated at himself. He spread his wings, but then hesitated for a moment, looking back to Storm and the two others that he had just met. But... their intions seemed genuine, and Chandra had been nothing but helpful thus far.
He looked again to the silent stallion, his expression saying everything. If something happens to her, I will take it out of your hide.
He knew of a few blankets that sometimes got passed around the herdgrounds - useful when there were foals during the cold winters - especially up this high.
Wings splayed, he leaned down once more to nuzzle Storm encouragingly. "YOu are doing wonderfully," He soothed. "I Will fetch the blanket. And you can share with me about our foals when I return - you won't even know I was gone."
And then with a beat of his wings, he was in the air, to focus on the task - something he COULD do.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 1:32 pm
Chandra looked up at the storm, wondering if the heavens were about to open up any moment. With a shake of her head she smiled down at her patient. "I am not always right, I should warn you of that... but... I do believe foal number one is a little boy." She chuckled softly, before noticing Stormwilds body tense, she was about to push again. Stroking her body softly with the tip of her wing Chandra cooed softly. "You're doing well. Keep it up... that's the way." Stormwild really was doing so well considering how long and tiring this process was at best. "He is very protective of you. It's nice to see." She commented softly.
The second foal was born shortly after. Again she did the same quick checks. Again everything seemed fine. "Another boy." She chirped happily. Hopefully things continued this smoothly.
Now with the responsibility upon his shoulders he took to moving around the pair, pausing every now and then to look at the mares and the surroundings. He still had the feeling that something was wrong, but it was likely all in his head... new place and all that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 2:26 pm
"Yes, very protective," she said with a breathy laugh between belabored breaths. "Another boy..." she sighed happily as the second foal was finally delivered and nestled safety in its warm basket. She knew Balrog would be pleased with sons. Two were born; two seemed safe...that was a blessing certainly. She looked up to the sky and wondered if the end was finally coming; she was expecting two more and she never had wanted anything in her life now more than to have all four of her children come safely.
"Do they look okay? Healthy?" she asked the Chandra. Newborn Soquili foals were always exceptionally frail; that's why they remained in their baskets after birth, but she was eager to know that there were no overt signs of trouble.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 5:57 pm
One fat raindrop fell heavily onto Stormwild's nose, and another on Chandra's shoulder before the intermittant plodding segued almost without warning into a curtain of rain.
Balrog had just found the blanket and was taking off into the skies, making quick wingflaps to make sure his large wings didn't get too heavy.
He caught Thunderbird's eye, who didn't seem bothered in the slightest by the rain. In fact, he hardly seemed to notice. It was no surprise. Much like his namesake, he seemed at home in inclimate weather - and indeed, since his arrival, storms had been much more frequent.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Cerberus shifted in his crouch, looking in askance to Kumiho. The stallion was absent, and the rain had begun to come. And while it might mask their arrival, he couldn't help but look disgruntled. He didn't care much for the rain. That was one thing he never had to worry about with his old post. And combined with this stealth job... he couldn't even shake it off. His ears lay flat and his lip curled, and the growlin echoed in his ears as the 'heads' on his shoulders seemed equally preturbed. "Quiet," he growled again to what seemed to Kumiho to be nothing at all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 4:43 am
Shaking off such thoughts she focused on the task at hand, helped in her return to reality by Stormwilds question. Looking at the mare she said honestly; "They seem fine my dear. So far at least." No one completely understood the magic of the baskets, in some cases they seemed to help heal an accident or deformity that may have occurred before birth... in other cases they produced and incubated aliments such as blindness and deafness. It was hard to truly say what would happen until the foals emerged from their baskets. For now though, they were safe and healthy enough. That was all that mattered.
Placing an ear on Stormwilds belly she listened for the heartbeats again. One was strong, almost drowning out a second much weaker heartbeat. Her eyes flashed wide for a moment and she was glad no one was around to see her reaction for she was sure it would worry the others. They were running out of time. She needed to finish this quickly.... but how? Two foals remained, and knowing that the fates often liked to play tricks she couldn't risk the weakened foal being the second to be born.... but what could she do? She had heard of a procedure where the mare was cut open to release the foals, and a pure unicorn would close the wound afterwards... but Chandra was not a pure and nor did she know where one could be found, let alone at very short notice. That wasn't an option. She left only one other... more herbs. She hesitated at this though, more herbs so soon could make Stormwild a little sickly, and vomiting wasn't the best of things to have to go through after everything else, it could also make the last two foals very sleepy and not very active for a day or two.... which could cause the parents worry. Still, she saw no other choice.
Steel determination shone through her eyes, even as heavy raindrops slapped down upon her pelt. "I don't want you to worry Stormwild, but I need you to do something. I need you to take two more leaves for me...." How much did she tell? She needed Stormwild to know enough that she would do it but not enough to scare her beyond belief, to panic now and increase her own heart rate would only have a negative effect on the unborn foals. Decided she needed to trust in the mares strength she said softly, and as calmly as she could muster; "One of your foals in a little distress, the herbs will cause your labour to quicken and the next two births to happen very close together... it will mean no rest for you until they both born." She was confident this would work, but how did she explain the possible side effects? "Taking the extra herbs might make you feel sickly though, and you might vomit.... it also possible that your foals will be a little quiet for a day or two while it works out of their system.... but I promise I will confirm they are both alive and well before placing them in the basket, and if you ask it of me I will check up on them before the pop?" She wouldn't, no couldn't, simply abandon brave Stormwild and her precious babies. "Do you understand what I am saying?" She asked softly, more than aware that Stormwild was getting tired. Chandra hoped that Balrog would return soon, they could all use his strength.
He frowned, returning his focus to the task at hoof, even as his mind continued to wonder what they had walked into. Was this the kind of thing Chandra had once gone out to do alone? No wonder Sonnet wanted her with someone else, it was clear his little mate became consumed in her work and forgot the world around her. Crown had to admit it though, she was very good at her 'calling'.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 6:51 am
Stormwild lifted her head to look at Chanda, to read her expression. She looked worried - not panicked, but it was obvious to Stormwild that she didn't think the last two foals were going to come as easily or problem-free as the first two. She began to speak and Storm forced herself to focus and listen. Her brows knit.... she was completely unconcerned about the possible side effects for herself, but the foals...
...childbirth seemed to her like it should be a natural thing. After all, creatures that had come and gone for generations before her all managed to survive. Did they have aide? Is that the Spirits way of separating those who will flourish from those who with wither? Would it seem arrogant to them to shrug off their judgement; to try and circumvent the fate of precious children?
Yet...
...part of what made their herd so strong was the strength of bonds. Is that not what a herd is for? To support each other and make them better than the sum of their parts? The spirits seemed to bless them on this - they saved her child; they named him Thunderbird in their honor...
Stormwild felt the heavy, cool, nourishing rain beginning to fall. Surely this was the Spirits; blessing. They brought Chanda and Crown here on Their winds; guided Thunderbird to them. "I understand," she said, hesitant at first but then with a nod of determination. "Yes, please give them to me."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 7:27 am
With a now soaked blanket clenched between his teeth, Balrog returned to the meadow, landing just far enough away so as to not disturb the delicate preceedings. He gave two strong flaps of his wings to shake off some of the rain before folding them at his sides and hedging closer to Chandra and Stormwild.
Still clutching the blanket, he couldn't really speak around it, but his ears canted forward as he saw two baskets with the lids firmly secured. That was a good sign. Two foals already safe and nestled in the magical baskets. He looked to Stormwild and an ear swiveled back in concern. She looked tired, still swollen with foal, and in the rough throes of birth.
With an asking look, he turned back to Chandra and gave the blanket a small shake.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 2:48 pm
"Ok." She nosed two more of the leaves towards Stormwild, just as Balrog came back with the blanket. Raising to her four hooves she walked towards him, making sure to keep close enough to Stormwild that she could rush to her aid in a blink of an eye if needed. With the additional herbs it wouldn't be long until something happened. "I need you to keep her calm, talk to her... forget I am here if you like, I... need to focus on the unborn foals." She smiled softly, not wanting to reveal the true extent of her fear, simply to express she was a little concerned, or that she needed to focus elsewhere.
With that she sat back down, "You're doing so well Stormwild, look, Balrog is back." Placing her ear on her belly once more she felt the tightening again. Another contraction was about to grip the mare. Chandra prayed to the Moon God Alignak to watch over these foals, to keep them and their mother safe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 5:42 am
Swallowing the last of her hesitation, Stormwild steeled her nerves and began to chew on the leaves. Her nose crinkled in distaste but she muscled them down as instructed. She was relieved to see Balrog back - his strong presence was certainly a comfort to her. But there was no time for serenity. Chanda had put her ear back to the belly of the mother and she felt the impending contraction. Her teeth bared down hard on the leaves she was chewing as it swept over her, hoping it would bring the third of the foals with it...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 6:38 am
Relief was putting it gently when Storm was still doing relatively well when he got back. He had chided himself mentally for abandoning her - alone - with two strangers in such an hour of vulnerability. Granted, Thunderbird was on patrol, and other herdmembers weren't far, but still. He shouldn't have left her alone with them.
But the quiet stallion was still keeping watch - the same he would have done had Balrog needed to escort Storm or one of his daughters somewhere. And the midwife was diligently working, her face a mix of reassuring calm and utter concentration.
Eager to help, to do something, even if it were to just comfort his mate, the massive stallion sunk to his knees beside her, and lay the blanket over her neck and forehead, nosing it around a bit to try to mop her brow from both the rain as well as her frothy sweat.
"You are doing beautifully," He rumbled in encouragement to his mate, eyes darting every few moments over to Chandra, trying to read the mare's expression. But Thunderbird had done remarkably well in finding aide, and her true feelings were difficult to read to one who did not know her.
"Tell me," He said, encouraging her to talk and distract her, "What of our two foals so far? How are they faring? Could the mare determine their gender?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 8:23 am
Only a breath or two passed before the third foal was delivered safely into the world, only a little aid needed to release it's final leg from the grasp of it's mother. Quickly she checked the little one over, everything seemed fine, and as she had predicted it seemed the stronger of the two foals had been born first. She frowned then, her brow furrowing as she found herself worrying for the last foal. Listening to the conversation Balrog was trying to have with Stormwild she kept silent, not yet revealing that she predicted a third boy.
Eyes wondered the the still swollen belly, a memory of Alice and her traumatic birth experience came rushing back to her. She had birthed two perfectly healthy boys only to have a little girl who was riddled with sickness for most of her youth.... Chandra was thankful little Sophia had grown out of it.... but was this a case of history repeating itself? Was this struggling little foal about to be another girl left in distress? Closing her eyes she paused. She couldn't think like this. Needed to keep calm and relaxed since her mood could very well effect everything. When she opened her eyes the frown was gone, all that remained was a stoic determination.... as she had predicted Stormwild didn't get much of a break between the third and the forth, the fourths legs already appearing. "Ok my dear," She said softly, "Three down and one to go... you're doing so well, I know you're tired but give me one last big push!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
