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 Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 2:10 pm
 After a very sleepless night of tummy aches Loveless rolled over to a grand realization. For many days now she had been feeling 'it'. 'It' was a familiar sensation that left her grouchy, hungry, and fat. If at all possible she would have jumped from the ground with so much energy and excitement that anyone close by could hear. But instead, it took her a manner of minutes to lift her saggy belly from the surface and all she could do in response was grunt. In truth, she hated the side effects of pregnancy. But then again she was SO DAMN HAPPY. She knew Antony would be just as happy and surprised. But for now she had to go find him!
The pregnancy itself was much different this time around. When she thought back to her first pregnancy she remembered being more frightened and shocked. A lot of that had to do with her own understanding of her and Antony's situation and relationship, since in the past they were young and ruthless in their games. But now they were mated and their relationship had transcended what Loveless thought as possible in life.
She was hoping to become pregnant again. She wanted more children not only for herself, but for her entire family. She knew that as parents she and Antony had created wonderful bonds with their children that many could envy. And now, more bonds would be created, and more memories would be established. It was seriously too good to be true. She and Antony were pros now at the whole parenting ordeal.
"Oh Aaaaaannntony?" she then yelled, while slugging herself towards a nearby pile of leaves. If Antony saw her much rounder belly then he would too easily know of the truth, just like the first time around. So instead, Loveless lowered herself to the pile and allowed for her stomach to dig peacefully into the soft mush. HA. There. All hidden and sneaky!
She then continued, "Sorry I slept in, for some reason I didn't sleep well throughout the night!" While she rolled around all amuck and confused, she did notice that her mate was comfortably in dreamland. Hopefully she too could get her sleep schedule back on track, but for now she had extra dreams to take care of in her belly!
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Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:17 am
Antony had never fallen very well into the stereotypical category category of partner. Sure, he had his moments, but for the most part he was a whimsical fellow, saying the wrong thing at the the right time (or the wrong time, as the case may be) and missing out on important clues and/or behaviors that would be in his best interest to notice. Behaviors like, say, the fact that his mate had been tossing during the night while he slept like a log.
Upon waking the next morning to see Loveless still asleep, he had actually been a bit surprised. Typically he was the one that slept in, not his early rising mate. Still, it was easy enough to make allowances. She might be fatigued from something or another, or be coming down with something. No, it was best that she slept as long as she needed.
That in mind, he had gotten up as quietly as possible, creeping off to go gather some breakfast for the two of them. It wasn't that often he had a chance to serve his mate breakfast in bed, so he might as well take advantage of the opportunity!
He was on his way back, a leafy berry-laden branch in tow, when he heard Loveless call out for him. So much for having breakfast there when she got up, but oh well. "'Uminh!" (Coming!) Stepping up his pace a bit, he was back in the clearing before many more minutes had passed, cheerfully toting the branch. Much to his delight, Loveless was still recumbent...even though she seemed to have moved from what spot to another. Huh. Oh well.
Trotting up to her, he deposited the branch with dramatic flourish, giving her a wide grin. "Breakfast in the leave for the sleepy lady? And no need to apologize, Lessy, it was nice to be up before you for a change." That said, he flopped himself down as well, nosing the branch at Loveless with a teasing, "Eat, it's good for you!"
Though how much, he had no idea...he'd never been exceptionally good at picking up on these things, after all!
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Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:44 am
When she saw him trot forward and towards her, she tried hard to keep her facial expressions normal and, well, not freakishly happy. She had to admit, it was damn hard to not scream on how she felt. But she supposed she could hold off off for a few more seconds... since her current hiding position was priceless. "Yes, funny how last night was different. I suppose we all have those nights." She smiled at him before accepting his branch with a tail flap. "Eating is mandatory, especially when you've got a heavy load to take care of..." She rolled her eyes a tad while she nibbled on the branch, and decided that this 'hiding' game was terribly impossible. Her insides wanted to bust from her inner silence, and she wanted to stand up and proclaim their victory as future parents once again. But dang, getting up would be hard, wouldn't it?
But alas, she decided to do SOMETHING. "I have news!" she then stated, rather bluntly, and she wobbled her legs as she proceeded to get up from the mound of leaves. From Antony's perspective it was probably hilarious to watch the fat mare attempt to stand up, but if he understood -why- she was fat, well, Loveless was hoping for that kind of reaction! "I've got neeeewssss!" she then stated again, with a more sing-a-like tone. If it wasn't obvious at this point what the news was, Loveless would allow for her fat body to fall on Antony, and thus, squish him. But she had faith in her partner!
"And thus, this why I was up all night, but such a struggle was worth it. I didn't want to come right out and say it. I wanted you to be just as surprised as I was." And with that, a motherly expression landed on Loveless's face as she felt her belly wiggle. She hoped that the little ones were nice and warm despite the brisk wind that surrounded she and Antony. "Now I sort of wonder if that leave-mound was a good idea..." since, it probably kept the little ones nice and toasty!
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Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 8:33 am
Though he was hardly the most observant stallion, Antony liked to think that he possessed at least the common level of observational skills and powers. Consequently, when Loveless stood up and cast her swollen midsection into his direct line of sight, he was more than a little bit surprised. After all, one would think that it would have been at least SOMEWHAT of a gradual process, her getting bigger; by association, one would think that he would have noticed something himself already!
How very mortifying.
Still, this time at least there could be no true confusion, no true shock. Been there, done that, bought the teeshirt, seen the results. No, he knew almost as well and Loveless what her pronounced abdomen meant, he just had to make sure.
Very solemnly, he stood up. "One moment on the chatter, Lessy, I just noticed something that needs to be inspected." With equal solemnity, he measured a space between his wings that was roughly the size of Loveless' middle in average times, then held those wings up to her current frame, which far exceeded the space between said wings. Spreading them further apart, he carefully slid one under her stomach and rested one on her back, pulling them off to preserve the distance between them now before saying to Loveless, "Am I really so very unobservant that I've missed you ballooning up for the past couple weeks or so, or did the little rascals just decide to kick it into high gear at once last night to the discomfort of their mother and the discomfiTURE of their father?"
With that, he quirked one brow at his mate, still holding the wings up between them, then broke into a wide grin before (gently) wrapping his mate up in a hug. "We're having more babies!"
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Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 8:56 am
"Well, maybe I had something to do with the hiding." she giggled then, and watched him observe her stomach in a very scientific manner. "I thought it would be fun to surprise you, and in truth, I really didn't know if it WAS true until last night. Us mare's are mysterious creatures, sometimes we just gain weight, and it sucks! And although I was hiding from that horrible thought, I realized last night that the weight was from... this. Pregnancy." And wow, thank goodness for that! She would have been devasted if pounds were coming on for no reason! Even so, the baby weight would mean she'd have to start working out again. Joy!
"More babies!" she echoed him in an attempt to lose her weight-thoughts, and she instantly snuggled against his warmth. She was sure the babies enjoyed the feeling, too! Finally they could feel their daddy! "At first I wondered if we were ready. I mean, pregnancy came much easier this time then last. But maybe that just means we are pros at being parents now?" she sighed somewhat as she thought about the miracle of the entire ordeal, and she wanted to have some pride in thinking she and Antony were the real reasoning behind the magic! Yeah, that was totally the reason.
"I wonder how many there will be this time! Last time we were so lucky to have three, and if we have three more, imagine how big the family will get!" She was sure the grandfathers would enjoy a much bigger load of offspring! "The babies will be coming into a winter-filled world, so we'll have to be careful to make sure they get the warmth they need. But I think they'll like being born around the snow." she nosed at some frozen leaves and liked the idea of her babies playing with each other in the snow. "This is seriously amazing!"
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Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2008 3:27 pm
Uh huh, uh huh, translating all of that...basically Loveless hadn't really had any idea what was going on originally herself, and had only figured it out slightly sooner than Tony himself. Fair enough, considering that she was the one the was pregnant! He was willing to sacrifice the honor of first knowledge to his mate and simply bask in the glow of father-to-be: All of the joy, none of the weight gain or awkwardness!
Understandably, his thoughts had also shifted into a silent comparison between the way things were now and the way they had been last time. Then, things had been awkward, with the pregnancy completely unexpected and unanticipated. Now, even if they hadn't set out to get pregnant, it was par for the course, something to be expected and cherished each and every time it happened. They were old hands at this whole parent thing now, obviously!
Or mostly obviously. At Loveless' excitement, Tony could only grin himself. "You do realize that there might only be one, right? Or two, or three, or five! We'll have to wait and see, and then will be soon enough to wonder at the amazing powers of exponential reproduction we've got in our respective families." Grinning, he held his mate close and flicked a leaf away with his tail. "We'll have to get some sort of nursery together if they're to be born in winter, though; the cold isn't all fun and games."
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 6:02 pm
"I don't care how many there are." she then responded, while glancing randomly to the side. "I am just giddy that there will be a child, or children!" In her youth Loveless never expected to adore children as much as she did. It probably had to do with the fact that these were her own children, and not some random non behaved meal idea. When kids were extraordinary misbehaved she liked to imagine silly things like that... "I wonder how similar the children will be this time." she then mused, while already imagining her wonderful trio. "We've got quite the personalities at the moment, and through our kids I can see hints of you and I." And now, there would be more of that. More trait passing, more physical passing... gosh it was all so adorable!
"So far we have tough and independent, overly fluffy, and sarcastic with our three. What more could be produced?" A laugh then escaped from her mouth and she snugged against her mate's warmth. "What more indeed." She was totally curious. But last time she was just as curious! "A nursery is a cute idea." she then added, while smiling towards Antony. "I already promised Lessia that I would do that sort of thing, so I guess we should plan and plot before the kids appear!" Pascale and Anthone would have somewhere to head to as well, and she wanted there to be a home-front!
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Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2009 5:06 pm
Important rule for all expectant fathers: don't argue with a pregnant mare. Especially a pregant mare that you impregnated, and ESPECIALY if you wish to remain on anything close to good terms with her. If you happen to be lifemates, well..smiling and nodding are your friends. Lots of smiling and nodding.
Antony was dwelling on these sage words of wisdom as he listened to his mate launch into her musings, an amused smile playing on his lips. It was all so very different from last time, yes, but it had to be in good ways. Resting his cheek against hers, he held her close and mused, half-listening to her excited chatter as other thoughts, ones provoked by her words, nagged for his attention.
It was really rather remarkable, how far they'd come. Last time, there had been a nervousness, an uncertainty to their situation. The kids a result of a one night stand, he and Loveless uncertain how to regard one another, it had been a careful, elaborate dance. They had been partners, but they had been on opposite sides of the fence. Indeed, sometimes he'd wondered what she really thought of the whole situation, if she'd felt taken advatange of, or what. There had been a formality to their relationship at that time, one that he himself had found repulsive.
Then again, considering what they'd come from before that he had been happy to have that formality; it certainly was head and shoulders better than the actual hostility that they'd shared beforehand.
Though he didn't like to think about the past when it came to his mate, there were moments when Tony couldn't help himself. Unconsciously he squeezed Loveless against him, the action outlining very clearly the well-honed muscle in his chest. He'd learned to fight to protect himself and those he loved from the very mare he was now cuddling; losing that paranoia towards her had failed to make him lose his paranoia about the rest of the world, particularly the rest of the kalona, and he still trained. It was one thing that he never discussed with his mate, not trusting himself to be able to find the words if he tried. How could he explain a behavior so at odds with his generally peaceful, vegetarian lifestyle?
He didn't trust cirsumstances, he supposed, and the growth of their family reminded him of that. Loveless was a pure kalona, but the children were not; he himself was the reason for that. Of his oldest children, only one looked to be a 'pure' kalona and therefore escape scrutiny based on looks alone; the other two, though, would stick out like sore thumbs to an even mildly attentive kalona. And if that were to happen...
If that were to happen, he didn't want to think of what would happen. All he could do was keep himself prepared, in case the unthinkable were to occur. He knew that Loveless had taught the kids how to defend themselves, but strongly doubted that any of them knew he himself knew so much as how to kick. And he preferred it that way; watching from a distance and knowing he was ready.
And such would continue to be the case with the newest addition, or additions. He would protect this child, however it turned out; or however THEY turned out, and trust in fate as he always had that things would turn out. In this uncertain world, there wasn't much else that he could do.
Closing his eyes in momentary reflection and dismissal of his brooding thoughts, he brightened to give Loveless a grin of agreement at her suggestion of a 'nursery'. That was Lessia for you, always offering ideas. "Well, that certainly sounds like it would be convinient; we might even get visits from the older three if we did that!" Not that he blamed them in their wanderings; he haad been the same way himself, and still was (albeit he now travelled as a pair rather than an individual unit, the same principal held). "Do you have any preferences where we should put this home base, though?"
After all, HE wasn't the one who would be incapacitated; the least he could do was be as amenable as possible, thanks much!
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Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2009 1:25 pm
Maybe it was better that Loveless didn't know of the thoughts that went through Antony's head. But it was like her to always want to know and be supportive to her mate. But if there was one thing she did understand, it was how to just make Antony comfortable and happy. She knew that it was possible to pry and ask what bothered him or made him smile, but what mattered most was that he was smiling or laughing. If he was distressed he could tell her anything he wanted at his own timing. She was always careful to respect his privacy but help out when he wanted it and asked! So she was always trying to just be there, for whatever reasons or needs that fit with her mate. She found it her job to just, do whatever needed to be done.
"I am hoping for visits." she then said, with an almost demanding tone. But the tone was humorous, nonetheless. "Since we have three healthy children who probably will visit, they can lend and hand and do some baby-sitting duty." A sly grin crept on her mouth, but it was soon replaced shortly after with a genuine one. "Though, I doubt I'll want a break until I've actually reached my limit in parenting. I love children too much to give up and send them with others!" Ah well, that was her own way she supposed.
"As for preference, I have no idea. I was hoping you'd help out with that detail. You always seem to have a knack in finding the best places." Loveless hated leading in travels, and she usually followed Antony's guidance since they'd find the coolest places! "I don't know if this home front is something we search for, or if its something that just sort of feels right." she paused then, and shook her head. "I really don't know!"
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Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 11:02 am
Abandoning his musings (for the time being, anyway), Antony gave his mate an affectionate grin and willing re-entered conversation with her on the happy topic. Like her, he was stoked about not only the prospect of new children, but also on having the whole family together in one place. Having had his own family conflicts as a child, he was vehement that his own children should have nothing but happiness and unity, doing whatever it was in his power to keep things in a good place.
But then, for him any place was good that had his Lessy. Smiling, he drew her braid to his lips and kissed it in his favorite gesture of affection, grateful that she, at least, was thinking about all these important things. Though he knew that he himself likely wouldn't tire of parenting anytime soon!
Tilting his head to one side and twirling the braid around his wingtip, he gave his mate a thoughtful look. "I think that with a home, it's more about feeling than anything else. Location is important, but even the most scenic place would be a bad home if we didn't feel comfortable there. I was thinking that perhaps we might investigate the southern banks of the river, near that one curve? We'll have the forest for protection, water, and mossy beds." Not that he'd ever slept there or anything...
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:17 am
As she watched him play with her braid, she could only giggle lightly in response. "You're always so romantic." she cooed, while watching him ponder with her question. When he did answer, she was glad to be as impressed as she had hoped. "See, now we are getting somewhere. I like putting you in charge of these conquests." Since, damn he had good ideas! "You've always been so accomplished with finding comfortable areas. I knew this task would be an easy one for you." Plus, she trusted her mate's suggestions! "It would be nice to live in the forest.. and the children will have lots of room to explore without wandering too far off. Yeah, I'm basically sold." She didn't want them running off too deep into the clutches of the trees, but she knew how children were!
"So, should we go investigate now and make sure the curve area is everything we wanted, and that the feelings' there?" she was up for it, and full of energy from resting through their conversation. "If it does feel right, I'll be so relieved. I want everything to be organized and ready, with no worries at all or to come." She would basically be more motherly-organized this time, since she owed it to her older and new coming children to be the best parent that she could. "Plus once we do find the area we desire, we can let our older kin know what is going on. Then they'll hopefully feel obliged to come visit and stuff!" It was nice knowing that they WOULD always come back to she and Antony, since as parents they had the best relationships with their offspring.
"So, if it isn't too far from here, lead the way captain!"
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 9:55 am
Praise, praise, and more praise, perhaps over abundantly bestowed but still very welcome. Antony could only grin and shake his head, comparing this positive, complimentary, totally domesticated creature with the violent harridan she had once been...but it was nice. He and Loveless understood each other, perhaps better than anyone else ever could. Indeed, he doubted that their kids themselves knew quite how dark and troubling their parents' pasts were, and if he had any say in the matter it would stay that way.
Damn, there were those brooding thoughts on the subject again, bad thoughts! Shaking his head, he gave his mate a rueful look, suspecting from one of her earlier looks that she was onto his distracted thoughts. "A walk would probably be good, Lessy; it's not too far, and you can let me know if you feel tired or need a nap at all, ok? The last thing we want is for you and the kidlets to get grouchy or tired or anything."
Grinning, he rose to his feet and nosed gently at her to help her rise as well. "But it's a short jaunt away, and I have confidence in you. Provided that it's not taken by someone else, I have great confidence in your abilities." And in her insights; it would definitely be nice to have the whole family home, and the kids had a point in that it was hard to meet up when EVERYONE was on the move. "Then if you approve, I'll personally track down the kids."
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 10:33 am
"Trust me, I'll be the first to enunciate if there is a problem." And with that, she happily stood up, even if it took her a bit more effort then Antony. She was lucky to have such a strong body, and her legs were just as content with the added weight! When she was all set and ready physically, she walked a few steps around to make sure everything felt just fine! "Alright, shall we walk?" She allowed for Antony to lead of course, but she'd walk beside him in a cuddly fashion. She assumed he liked that sort of thing!
A bit of humor came into her mind, and she draped her wings to her side while considering the thought. "Well, if the spot is taken I can just be scary and get them out of there. There is no one in this land who wants to mess with a pregnant lady. Especially when she's got fangs." Her nose dipped into the air but her silly/snooty expression was soon replaced with a grin. "And wow, you'll really go get the kids? That would be marvelous..." Seriously, she sort of forgot that Antony could just move around as he wished. So she would have never thought to send him on that sort of mini-journey or errand!
"And I wouldn't worry about my approval, you know me I'm pretty chill about these sorts of things! And your approval counts just as much as mine!" The way he was putting it made Loveless feel sort of spoiled. But hey, if that's what Antony wanted, she could probably manage just fine! <3
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 2:48 pm
Before he moved even a s step forward, Antony first waited, watching Loveless rise with a somewhat critical eye to make sure that there were no problems. She was a tough mare, though, and he didn't doubt she'd manage quite well on her own...though she did humor him from time to time, he had to admit that much.
Indeed, she was full of humor. At her suggestion for dealing with current occupants of the clearing, he could only laugh. After all, she had a point; lord knows that there were few things as terrifying to him as this particular female, especially when she was angry, ESPECIALLY when pregnant. That said, it was such a terrifying sight that he had little wish to inflict it on any but his worst enemies!
With an almost completely straight face, he managed to offer, "I think that if it's occupied we'd be more than able to just find a different place, Lessy. There are other nice places out there." Just not as convenient as that one, but no matter! "So this will be our plan of action: Home, then rest for you, hunting for me. Perfect scheme!"
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 3:32 pm
As he was chatting away, Loveless took steps one at a time and was happily getting feeling into her legs again. For a moment she felt sort of wobbly, but within seconds she was back and feeling her joints in action. It was good to back! "Mmm yeah, it really sucks that I eat so much when pregnant. But then again, I eat a lot anyway." Antony was always reliable when hunting and getting food, whether she was oversleeping or overweight!
But at the home front thing..."I can't rest easy with us not getting the place you wanted." she swished her tail back and forth and thought up ways that she could scare a potential family. Ah, the options were endless. "I don't mind being the brawn in this family, so what needs to be done will get done." And with that, she bobbed her head and proclaimed what could be happening. She secretly hoped that such a family was far far away and not on their space since she didn't want to waste the effort or energy!
"We'll have a nice cozy walk until we get to your spot." she then added, while admiring the area.
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