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 Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 1:30 pm
 Shylah was surprised at how quickly time had passed since they had found their way to their new homes. The grove was proving to be everything she and Maponus had known it would be and Shylah had no doubt it would be the perfect home for the foals when they arrived. The other herd members had been ecstatic at the news of impending foals - the prospect of new life in the herd was just what they all needed to help them move on it seemed and they were all looking at it as a sign of goodwill from the spirits.
Shy was glad to have lifted the hearts of her fellow herd members, but she couldn't say she was particularly pleased with the way she looked at the moment - or the slow lumbering way it made her move. At least he coat gleamed again with good health - the result of Divone's herbs and Maponus constant vigilance over her eating habits. No one let her do anything to tiresome - even Breckin had taken to making sure she rested enough, threatening to tattle on her if she did to much at once - not that she was upset by this, Shylah was more then happy to take some time off after their adventures earlier in the year. But she would be happy when the foals finally arrived too and she could help Maponus more with the herd.
That would nice....she was sure the stallion was somewhat stressed having to do it all by himself for the last few months. Ear's flicking she moved out of the trees to sun in clearing which was quickly filling once more with grass after winters grip had faded away.
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Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 1:41 pm
Maponus had been busy with some herd members all morning. Nothing too serious at least, just discussions on what the herd would do now that spring seemed to be creeping up on them. They had all settled into their new home quite well and the air was buzzing with excitement each day as Shylah grew closer to the day the foals would be here. Maponus hated leaving her to attend to his duties but he knew that he must do these things and that if Shylah needed him Breckin would let him know. He had been meaning to free himself from his current talks to go check on Shylah when he spotted her on the far side of the grove.
Excusing himself from the two horses he was talking to and promising them he would be back with them shortly he trotted over to Shylah. She was certainly looking much better these days, even with the extra burden of weight from the foals. This was thanks to the herds efforts to keep her resting while other attended to duties. Stopping he gave her a quick nuzzle. "Shylah my love, is everything alright?" Maponus was only slightly nervous about the foals coming, he wasn't sure how much longer it would be and even though he didn't want to become a bother to her he always had to ask that question...just to make sure.
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Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 1:53 pm
Shylah's heart gave a little jump as Maponus approached - she missed the endless days they had been able to spend together when first paired. But herd duties came first she knew and she didn't blame him for the absences she knew were necessary. Returning his nuzzle as he came up to her she gave him a reassuring look - he always seemed so concerned, as though he might turn his back and the foals would arrive without him knowing. Though Shylah had no experience in such things Divone had assured her she would know well in advance when the time came. There would almost certainly be enough time to track down and bring Maponus to her side the roan had said - especially for the first foaling.
"Everything is fine love" she told the tawny steed "I'm just out enjoying the sunshine - its nice to be in relatively warm weather after the winter we had" She told him "And the grove is looking lovely with spring buds, it will be a beauiful place for our foals to grow up in"
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Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 2:03 pm
Shifting his body so that he stood beside Shylah he looked out at the grove. "Indeed, I can think of no better place to raise our foals then here. They will be well protected and loved." Maponus took a step closer to Shylah, so that his side was against her swollen belly. Taking a deep breath he let out a content sigh. This place would feel so much more like their home once the foals were here. And though he was still a bit scared at the idea of being a father he couldn't be happier right now.
The other horses within the herd were out in the large grove, enjoying the newest grasses as the snows each day slowly retreated. It got just a bit warmer each day with the sun shining brightly. Turning his eyes away he looked back at Shylah. "Has Divone said when she thinks they will arrive." He didn't know much about this subject but Divone would certainly be more knowledgeable.
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Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 8:57 am
Shy gave Maponus a warm look as he stood beside her - the tawny stallion had expressed everything she had been feeing within - and unlike some mares Shylah felt spirit blessed to know her foals would grow up in a wonderful environment, the whole herd she knew would help keep an eye on her foals to come and they would never want for anything in their lives. She could only hope that the disaster which their parents had lived through would not befall their children - but in the spring touched grove these thoughts seemed out of place and Shylah pushed them aside.
"Divone was not sure of exactly how much longer" she told the stallion after a few moments of recollection "But she was sure that it would not be much longer and that I would know well in advance. There will be time to send Breckin or another for you if you are attending herd business" She assured him with a soft bump of her muzzle. "She says I am doing well and that neither of us should worry to much"
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Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 9:12 am
Mapons turned her head and nuzzled Shylah softly. The last couple of weeks he had been so busy with herd duties that he only truly got to spend the night and perhaps the odd hour during the day with her. It was so nice to be able to take some time and spend with her today. And once the foals arrived he would have to divide his time even more, it may be tough at time but with the herd to help they would be able to do it with relative ease.
"I'm glad to hear that you and the foals are healthy." He told her after a few moments pause. The warmth from the sun rays was so refreshing, it warmed not only his body but his heart and soul as well. "You know the foals will be spoiled by all the herd." He said with a chuckle. After all they would be the first foals born within the new herd, and with the excitement from the others there was no doubt in Maponus' mind that they would have constant attention.
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Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 10:51 am
"I'm sure they will" Shylah remarked with a soft chuckle as she leaned against Maponus some. It was nice to spend this quiet time with him, like the old days and certainly after the foals were born they wouldn't have much quiet anymore. They would probably be run ragged - but shylah didn't think she would mind, according to all the other mares she had spoken with - it was worth it to loose your free time in order to start a family.
----
It was several days later a Shylah lay napping in the small grove she had chosen as the 'nursery' as sorts that she was awaken by a sharp pain in her stomach. It lasted only a short while and the chocolate mare shifted her weight and dozed off again. No sooner had her eyes closed however then the pain rippled through again and she threw her head up with a snort.
Breckin cracked his eyes open as Shylah moved restlessly beneth him, fluttering to a lower branch he eyed her for a few moments before speaking "I think it is time Shy..shall I go and find Maponus?"
Shylah shook her head in slight distress before noticing Breckin as he flew closer. She was pretty sure the owl was correct though she had never been through this before.
"Yes..I think you should" She told the owl as she paced about the clearing, her tail snapping in slight agitation as another contraction rippled across her stomach.
Without another word the owl flew off.
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Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 11:12 am
Maponus was out checking the border of the area the herd called home. He was moving along at a quick trot so that he would be able to return to Shylah soon. His mind was always on her now since he had no idea when the foals would arrive. Though she had reassured him that there would be plenty of time to get him before anything did happen he did worry especially when he was out at the border like he was now. Maponus didn't really know much about what the birthing process entailed, so he had to trust in Shylah and Divone's words that he would have time. With a shake of his head he picked up the pace a bit more. So far there was no other sign of any horses or threats out here.
His eyes flicked over to the trees for a few moments, Herne had been following him all day long, but at a good distance. Herne stuck to the trees so that he would be closer to the grove should Breckin come looking for him. Moving his attention back to the task at hand Maponus hurried along. There wasn't much of the border left to check so he could return home soon.
Herne sat in the tree watching the tawny stallion as he did his border check. Every now and then he would fly to another tree always making sure to keep the stallion in his sight.
Breckin flew at a quick pace to find Maponus. He was well aware that the stallion was doing a border patrol and soon found Herne at the edge of the forest. "The time has come." Breckin told the smaller owl before flying off to return to Shylah.
Herne bobbed his head and with a leap took to the air. "Maponus!" He called out as he flew towards the stallion. "It is time. We must return to Shylah immediately."
Maponus slide to a stop as Herne called out to him. There would be only one reason for Herne to suddenly yell at him. Turning Maponus began galloping towards the large grove. It would be a long run but he refused to not be there for Shylah. With his head down he concentrated on covering the distance as quickly as possible. Thankfully with the snow was almost all gone thanks to the warm spring weather so the journey was not encumbered by deep drifts.
Keeping his pace up he soon found himself entering the large grove. Ignoring all the others he quickly made his way across the grove to the smaller grove in which Shylah and him had called home. Slowing down once he reached the thick bank of trees that separated the two groves he made his way though. "Shylah." He called out as he pushed through the trees. As he stepped into the small grove he saw Shylah pacing back and forth. Maponus quickly went over to her, nuzzling her. "I'm here now." He said reassuringly, even though it would be quite obvious to her that he was indeed here.
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Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 11:29 am
Shylah was begining to think Maponus would not make it when he finally came thundering through the trees - thank the spirits, Shylah wasn't sure how she would be able to to make it through this without him. Returning his nuzzle with a somewhat distracted one of her own "Thank the spirits" She told him before pacing in a small circle, her knees buckling as she lowered herself to the ground. "I think you made it just in time" She told the stallion.
---
And indeed Maponus had made it just in time - despite Divones words, the couple were blessed with a swift labour and birth and before very long four newborn foals lay within the grove. Two fillies and two colts - perfection to Shylah's Weary eyes as she gazed upon them. Two seemed to highly resemble their parents and two were good mixtures of them both. One filly was smaller then the other Shy noted with a touch of worry. "They are perfect!"
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Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 11:50 am
Maponus had been a bundle of nerves and excitement as the foals arrived one by one. He hadn't expected to have this many. Not that four was uncommon, it was just often noted that the first time around usually results in one or two foals, not four. The Spirits had blessed them greatly with so many healthy foals. Maponus noticed that one of the fillies was a bit on the small side but he held back any worries he had about her. Divone had assured them both that thanks to the herbs the foals were to be healthy so he had no doubts that she would be okay. Nuzzling Shylah lovely as he looked at the four foals laying nearby. "They are perfect." He repeated her words. There was no other way to put it. "I love you so much."
Taking a step away from Shylah he went to take a closer look at each of the foals. Bending his head down he nuzzled each one softly and lovingly. One colt looked a great deal like him, a filly looked almost the same as Shylah and the other two had a good mix of each parent. He couldn't have asked for better foals, of that he was sure. Turning to look back at Shylah his maw broke out into a smile. She looked tired, but that was no big surprise, she had just delivered four foals. But Maponus could see the joy in her eyes as she looked upon their family.
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Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 12:21 pm
Shy bumped her muzzle lovingly on Maponus neck as he came close, her bright eyes moving from one to another as Maponus inspected them. They were all moving and seemed strong - even the smallest filly which helped Shy lay her worries aside somewhat. she supposed there was bound to be at least one smaller one with so many."We will have to organize a naming ceremony soon" She told her tawny mate as she looked upon the foals. How on earth were they going to come up with four names?
Shaking her head slightly Shy hoisted herself to her feet and lowered her head to nudge the foals in turn. It was important that they try to stand quickly she knew and her nudges were a form of encouragement. One of the colts - one with Maponus' pale coat and lighter splashes seemed particularly eagar to get close to her and she nuzzled him lightly. The smallest filly of the group raised her head as the two larger beast came to nudge her, issuing a sharp body shaking whinny as they turned their attentions to the others so quickly. She wanted the attention! All of it...right now! After watching her mother stand and being encourage to try herself with a gentle nudge the little filly failed out with her spindly front legs as though trying to arrange them properly, a task which seemed quite a bit harder then the older horses were making it seem.
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Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 1:39 pm
The second filly resembled their mother all the way to her eyes. She shook her head, snorting at the new sensations and activity buzzing around her. She took in the other small ones. Everyone seemed to be trying to get up. Like the big ones. Then that must be what they were suppose to do. Her body gave a light shake and she planted her two front hooves on the ground. After a moment she realized she was getting no where so she let her front lower and instead concentrated on her back legs, wiggling them into position before they hoisted her rear into the air. She snorted again as she concentrated on trying to figure out a way to get her front up as well. Taking a tumble was not in this little filly's plans.
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Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 4:15 pm
The painted colt was the last to begin trying to stand. His suddenly appearance in this world had been something of a shock to him and it took a moment for his sight to clear. Once his sight was adjusted properly, he could see the figures around him. Two of them were quite large and the other three were of his own size. They were all quite familiar to him and he felt at home and comfortable. Well, almost. What was that he was feeling? It was as if his body wanted something.
The colt looked around for a moment and saw that the others were trying to stand like the two larger ones. Maybe that was what he needed to do? Carefully the little colt put his left front leg out first and then pushed back with his back legs. For a moment he knew he was standing, but it was a brief moment and then he was back on the ground.
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Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 7:54 am
Maponus couldn't help but stand there is a state of awe as he watched his four foals attempt to stand for the first time. Despite all of this worries over the last few weeks all the foals seemed to be healthy and strong....even the smallest one seemed to be doing well. When Shylah spoke he almost didn't hear her he was so busy watching the foals. "Hmmm...oh yes we will need to do that." He idly told her as he watches the darker of the colts stand and then all too soon end up back on the ground.
Stepping over to that colt he gave him another nudge of encouragement. "You can do it." He told the colt reassuringly, though really it was directed at all the colts. Hearing a sharp noise Maponus' ear twitched a bit before he looked at the smallest of the four foals. She didn't look all too happy about sharing her parents attention with the others. But Maponus felt the need to feed her attention grabbing ways and walked over to where she lay bumping her lightly with his muzzle before his eyes looked at Shylah. "Something tells me this one may be a handful." He said with a chuckle.
The tawny and white colt watched as the other ones of his size did their first attempts at standing. Well he could do that too, he thought. Finally managing to get his legs untangled he tucked the back ones under his body and then the front ones were placed in front of him. Slowly, very slowly he started the awkward task of raising himself up. After a few very wobbly moments were he almost fell he found himself up, still a bit wobbly but up at least.
His short tail wagged back and forth to show off his happiness at the situation. His eyes fell upon his look alike as he gave the smallest one some attention. Head swiveled around until his eyes landed upon his mother. Taking a deep breath he let out a happy whinny to let her know of his accomplishment, but doing so somehow unbalanced him and he went about stumbling around until he finally tumbled into his mothers side. With her body to support him he regained his footing and stood there on his wobbly legs, letting out a small snort before looking at her again.
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Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 8:29 am
"I expect one of use will need to arrange it with Alanus" She continued as she watched the spotted filly that looked remarkably like herself try to figure out how to ger her front end up in the air too, Shy couldn't help but give a small chuckle at the the sight of the filly with her butt in the air - but she was quick to stifle it, no one likes to think they are being laughed at after all. Her ears twitching as the smallest filly let out a ear splitting whinny and then giving out a slight 'oomph' as the tawny colored colt barreled into her side at nearly the same time as his brother fell back down again. Shy wasn't sure exactly where to turn..goodness. "I think they're all going to be somewhat of a handful" She told Maponus as she nuzzled the colt at her side and murmured a soft encouragement to the larger filly. There was so much going on at once that Shy wasn't exactly sure where to place her attentions at the moment.How on earth did other mares handle this?
The small filly issued a satisfied snort as her father came over and nuzzled her. That was better - somewhat the other large one was still giving her attentions to her sibling...her ears flattened for a few moments before pricking forward again as she lipped at her fathers chin when he looked at her mother.
It seemed like her siblings were quickly getting the hang of standing and well - she couldn't be left out completely now could she. Not if she wanted to keep her fathers attention on her anyways. With a few stumbling lurches she managed to get her feet beneath her and stood with legs splayed out widely a she wobbled about. But she was up! Rising her head she arched her neck proudly which nearly unbalanced her but her father's closeness saved her and the filly steadied herself against his side.
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