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 Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 1:01 pm
 Penthesilea was almost beside herself with excitement. She was fairly certain - no, positive that she was pregnant. Her pacing came to a stop as she glanced back at her stomach. There was a very small pouch there, and honestly you could only really see it if you were looking for it. She would have her heir soon. Or at least that's what she hoped. With the last two litters from sisters of the pack being male heavy the Queen did worry about what would happen if she was also unlucky. But no need to even think on those thoughts, she would have an heir and that's what she kept telling herself.
Her pacing started again. She had finished her morning duties earlier and made her way to Achilles den eager to tell him the news. Now no one in the pack could deny that she indeed had a consort - and now that she had told the entire pack it would all work out. Sure some had been a bit argumentative over her choices but when it came down to it the decision was hers alone. Unfortunately when she had arrived at Achilles den site he wasn't there. Likely out on some job, so who knows when he would get back. If he was gone too long she would wear a deep groove in the earth from all this pacing. But she couldn't sit still, not with the overwhelming excitement that was coursing through her veins.
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Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2010 5:32 am
 Achilles had indeed been out and about as Penthesilea assumed. Thankfully for the feathered queen however Achilles was on his way home when she arrived and her wait would not be long. The mottled brown wolf had stopped along the way to do a bit of hunting as he often did. It was rare for Achilles to be seen by the rest of the pack and he certainly didn't eat with them. He wasn't even sure Pen had told them about him, not that he cared.
In any case he carried with him a plump rabbit, harvested just outside pack boundaries in a little meadow he knew of and was looking forward to a nice relaxing and carefree afternoon in his den. As he topped the rise however he noted Pen's pacing form and gave a slight sigh. Well..so much for a relaxing afternoon. "Ah what a pretty sight to come home to" He told her as he laid the rabbit on the ground.
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Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2010 7:11 am
Her pacing came to a grinding halt as Achilles came into sight. Finally! She wasn't sure if she could have waited about any longer before going off to tell the others of the news. Looking him up and down the Queen was not impressed by his little comment. "Where have you been?" She questioned him while lowering herself onto her haunches, though she was certain she couldn't sit still for long. "I have been waiting here all morning." This was just sad, here she was chastising him as if he were a mere pup who had misbehaved. Must be the side effects of her condition. Well he was here now, so she would tell him - well after she found out what he had been doing.
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Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2010 8:09 am
Achilles arched a brow slightly at Pen's comment. A if she had some sort of say on his activities, he'd only promised not to fool around with other wolves and to make appearances from time to time. He failed to see why that meant she had a right to know what he was up to. If he was a cruel wolf - which he didn't think he was, mercenary or not - he would lie and tell her he'd been off ogling a nice looking neighboring female. But she was clearly out of sorts and he didn't feel like tarting a scrap at the moment. That would ruin his quiet afternoon for sure.
"Out" He told her with a smug look on his mottled face "But it is good to know you've missed me so very much" He continued. "I will compensate you on your wait with half a rabbit" He offered - not like he couldn't go off and hunt another.
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Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2010 8:15 am
Penthesilea's eyes narrowed and she let a small rumble of a growl form in her throat. It wasn't that she was particularly mad at Achilles for not being here when she arrives or his smart comments, more like this whole pregnancy thing was messing with her emotions. "Have you forgotten our deal Achilles? You are to be here when I need you." Though to be honest she didn't need him in the manner previously discussed in that deal anymore per say. But certainly he would assume that by her words. Her eyes moved to the rabbit for a moment and then back to her consort. "That will not be needed, the sisters and I will be going out on a hunt soon enough."
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Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2010 8:24 am
Achilles ignored Pen's growl if she had really wanted to do something about his remarks then she would have done it - not bothered with small threats. She was just in an ill temper for some reason. "More for me then" He told her with a shrug hough his eyes roved over her body at what was implied, though her sitting position hid the still early pregnancy.
"I'm here am I not?" He told her somewhat peevishly - did she expect him to spend every waking moment waiting for her summons? If she did well that was too bad for her now wasn't it? Achilles would keep to his promises but he wasn't going to become as meek and weak as the slaves that served the rest of the pack. Thinking of the rest of the pack.."Have you even told the others of your plots yet? Then you could merely send another first to see if I was available and save yourself the walk"
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Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2010 8:33 am
She didn't miss his eyes moving over her at her comment. Of course he would think that she needed him in that way right now. Far from it, he had done his duty already and unless she was unfortunate enough to birth all males then he would be free to go once the pups were grown. "Yes the pack knows. Perhaps not all of the details but they are aware that you are my consort." She stood now, unable to sit still any longer and began to pace once more, though it was certainly more relaxed than before. "There were some disagreements over my choices but that is to be expected."
Her pacing stopped for a moment. Send a servant to check to see if he was here instead of walking herself? Sure that could have been an option but even a Queen had to do things for herself every now and then. "No, I don't mind the walking." She told him with a shake of her head before resuming her pacing. "I do just as much work in the pack as the sisters do, no need to stop that now." After a few moments of silence and pacing she couldn't take it anymore, she had to tell him, right now. "Achilles, I carry your puppies."
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Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2010 8:59 am
Achilles let her pace about and speak until she had finished. What she said last was not entirely a surprise - that had been the entire purpose of their consorting to begin with...and now that she was moving about he could see, very faintly, the truth of her statement. "No doubt their whining will be halted when the pup are born strong, would they rather your heir be entrusted to the blood of a weak-willed beast?" He remarked with a slight snort - really the packs rumblings were amusing but not unexpected as she had stated.
Achilles fully expected them to eat their words once the pups were born. "But this is good news, Shall I be present at their birthing?" He questioned - unaware of any rules her pack might have to that effect. If he would not be allowed to be present well he would irritate the pack and wait with them.
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Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2010 9:58 am
The Queen once again brought her pacing to a stop. "A weak heir is better than no heir at all Achilles." Her statement was blunt but true, what is the point of having a strong litter if there was no heir to be had. And yes while a strong heir was most desired any queen would be happy with a weak heir should that be the case. "Many queens in the past have taken slaves as their consorts so as to produce an heir, and while they are not the most ideal for that situation they have in the end fulfilled their duties to the best of their abilities."
Well with that out of the way the Queen allowed herself to smile. A genuine smile to show that she was truly happy about the situation. "Indeed it is good news. And it shall be great news should a daughter come from this." His next question made her pause. Well now she wasn't entirely sure on that. There was no specific tradition saying that the father should or shouldn't be present for the occasion. Really it was up to the mother at that point. "We shall see when it comes closer to the time. But know that if you are there certain traditions must be preformed after the birth, especially when an heir is born."
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Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2010 10:32 am
"A weak heir might be fine in the eyes of most...but I know you well enough to think that is not a legacy you wish to leave behind" He told her with a slight shrug. He was fairly certain of this - Penthesilea did not seem the type to settle for anything - certainly not for her pups.
"I'm not bothered by your voodoo" He told her with a smile - mostly to let her know his voodoo remark was mere easing - he didn't want to unduly upset her while she was bearing pups. "I merely wish to see what I've helped create" He told her, though he supposed if she did not desire him to be present he could wait and see the pups afterwards.
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Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 8:16 am
"You are right, I would not wish for that to occur, but as I said before Achilles and weak heir is better than none at all." And she would leave it at that. Penthesilea did wish for a strong heir, for that was the key to success, but if she was given anything less she would certainly accept that as well. Her eyes narrowed a bit but otherwise she didn't say anything negative about his voodoo comment. "If you wish to be there then best make sure you stick close to the pack when the time draws near." Turning she began to pad off but called over her shoulder as she went. "I'll leave you to your meal then." And then promptly disappeared into the trees.
----
The weeks had gone by swiftly as the time for the pups arrival drew near. It had become challenging near the end as the Queen needed to rest more and more. The size of her swollen stomach was an indication of just how close she was to having her pups. Would it be a large litter? Or perhaps a small one but with large sized pups. She would know soon enough. She had been waiting for this moment for some time now, and it would seem today would be the day. The Queen had left instructions to not be disturbed in her den and had posted Cleite outside to ensure just that. For the first little while Penthesilea wondered if she should sent for Achilles, for he had expressed a desire to see his pups. But something just didn't feel right to her, and while the Queen had no previous experience in this she felt it best to hold off summoning him. But as the hours went by and she felt it was closer to the time she decided to have him brought here, and if needed he could wait outside it things turned badly. "Cleite summon Achilles."
Cleite had been sitting at the entrance of the Queens den for some time, every now and then she would go in, check on the Queens progress and return to her post. The puppies would arrive today, but the question was exactly when. The Queens voice snapped her out of such thinking and the lynx stuck her head into the dens entrance. "As you wish." And then on a second thought she added. "Shall I fetch a fresh kill as well." The Queen gave her a nod. Cleite immediately left the den site, she would catch something first, then on her way back go to Achilles den and summon him.
It didn't take long for her to find a small prey beast in the bushes. A grouse to be exact. The creature wasn't the most glorious thing but it would do given the possible time restraints. Closing her jaws around the birds neck Cleite applied enough pressure onto it so that after a few moments the bird lay limp, but was still alive. The kill needed to be fresh, so it would do them no good to kill it now if it was to be used much later. With the grouse acquired Cleite raced towards Achilles den site. Blasted male had to live far away didn't he. Luckily Cleite was quite fast for her species and was at the den in no time. Dropping the grouse she laid a paw on it, to ensure that if it did snap out of its daze that it wouldn't get away and then lowered her head to look inside. "Achilles!" She called not seeing the wolf but knowing he might be deeper inside. "You are needed at the queens den at once."
In the short time that Cleite had been gone it seemed as though things had gone from alright to bad then to worse. The first pup had arrived and to the momentary relief of the Queen the pup was female. But the pup was small, horribly small, and to make matters worse she wasn't breathing. Panic set in for a moment as Penthesilea tried to figure out what to do, this was her heir, she had to save her. Then maternal instincts seemed to kick in and the Queen started licking the pup over and over again in an attempt to remove any blockage from her airways. Using her nose she would every now and then push against the pups chest demanding it to breath. As much as she wanted to call for help she knew that if the pack saw her heir like this there could very well be an uprising against her. So she stayed hidden in her den, continually working on the small pup not willing to give up even though she could feel that more pups were on the way soon. She could only hope that Cleite would come back soon, and that Achilles would just here in time to see his first born daughter - just in case she didn't make it.
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Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 9:33 am
What the hell did the damnable cat want now? Achilles was growing sorely tired of being ordered about, followed around or otherwise bothered by the lynx. If he was ever presented with the chance Achilles would likely make the Cleite 'disappear'. Accidents happened everyday in the woods.
Of course he wasn't going to show that and so he plastered an annoyed but amiable expression on his face as he stuck his head out of his den. "What this about now?" He started to ask but was interrupted by being told he had to go to the Queens den. Penthesilea had been getting so very close to giving birth and a summons like this could only mean one thing.
Ignoring the cat further Achilles shot from his den, brushed past Cleite and bolted towards the main den site. Achilles was a fast wolf - it was necessary in his line of work, slow wolves never lasted long as mercenaries. The mottled wolf didn't even bother to pretend to respect any sister's he ran across by acknowledging them but merely rushed by until he skid to a halt outside Pen's den. Normally he would wait to be invited inside..but this hardly seemed like the time to be paying much attention to said rule so he proceeded within, eyes adjusting to the dim light just in time to see his pale partner working fervently over a very small and weak looking pup.
Curses. This might not go at all the way he had envisioned...an such a weak looking creature might be better off allowed to die. Achilles had seen weak pups before. Pen however looked like she was obsessed with saving the little female and Achilles sighed somewhat,a mothers instinct was strong and he found himself hoping the little creature made it just to spare Pen the pain of loosing her. When had those feelings started developing?
"Her nose" He suggested quietly "Blow breath into her nose" Perhaps she just needed a bit of encouragement.
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Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 9:44 am
The Queen had been so intent on reviving the small pup that she hadn't noticed Achilles arrival. So when he spoke her head shot up and for a moment gave him an annoyed look, but it faded quickly as she returned her attention to the pup, doing as Achilles suggested. It was worth a shot at the very least. With the pup laying between her front paws Penthesilea did her best to breath into the pups nose, trying to get her to start breathing on her own. The tension was mounting as each breath brought nothing but the fear that the pup wouldn't make it. And then when she thought all hope was lost the pup let out a very loud squeal and began to breath on her own, albeit struggling a bit.
Her eyes darted to Achilles for a moment, a smile crossing her maw. "Thank you." She half whispered and then turned her attention back to the small pup once more. But that lasted only a few moments before the next pup arrived. This one female as well, though she was much larger than her sister, easily twice her size. The Queen quickly cleaned the pup off, set her at her side but then refocused on the small first born, worried that if she looked away for too long she would stop breathing again.
Cleite had meant to say a few nasty words to Achilles as he came from his den, but it appeared the brute caught onto the situation and hurried off. Picking up the grouse which was still unconscious Cleite ran after the male, back to the Queen's den. She arrived in time to see the Queen struggling to keep the first born pup alive, and then through a miracle the pup came to life. Stepping into the entrance Cleite stood silently, grouse clasped between her teeth awaiting any further instructions.
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Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 9:52 am
"mmm" Was Achilles only response to Pen's thank you - the pup was breathing now but runt pups often died in the first few days - he wasn't going to hold out much hope until she'd grown a bit. Perhaps she would catch up the others then. He ignored Cleite completely.
In the meantime he was pleased to see the second born was large - solid looking and also a female. Both pups so far held a good mix of their parents marking wise. "Least she can yell loud" he offered after studying the smaller pup again "good sign" he pronounced.
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Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 10:07 am
It seemed that now that the first pup was alright and her sister busy nursing at her side the other pups wished to join them as well. The process was going much faster than she had expected, normally first time mothers have a good deal of time between pups but this was not the case for Penthesilea, as the third pup came into the world. Another female, Penthesilea was overjoyed, it seemed that the all male curse had been lifted. After the third pup was cleaned and set at her side the Queen looked upon the smallest pup. She had her mothers light base but with Achilles darker mottling on her. A perfect combination of the parents, as were the other two. "Orithia." She said to the pup and then looked up at Achilles. "My mothers name. Perhaps it will give her the strength that my mother had." Eyes moved to Cleite who was standing at the entrance. "Make the bond Cleite, we will do the proper ceremony later."
Cleite nodded and with a snap of her jaws killed the grouse before walking over to the Queen. Setting the bird down she ripped open some of its flesh and dipped her one paw into the freshly flowing blood. First she smeared blood across the pups forehead. Then along both sides and finally down each leg. "This bonds you as mother and daughter, Queen and Princess. Take strength in each other and may you lead us well." With a nod from the Queen Cleite picked up the grouse and left the den, she would return a few moments later to stand guard at the entrance once more, only outside this time to give the new parents some privacy.
With the short version of the ceremony over Penthesilea could relax just a bit. Well that was until the next pup arrived. And amazingly enough it was another female. Boy when Achilles thinks feminine thoughts he goes all out. This would prove once and for all that she was a strong leader, for she had produced five females in her first litter.
The time passed quickly and two more pups arrived. A final female and the only male in the litter. Penthesilea was quite proud of her pups and knew that even though he only got one son that Achilles would be just as thrilled with them. Looking over the pups she knew that they would need names and while the Queen was sure Achilles would wish to have some input into them, it was her decision to give her litter good names. Touching the second born she said. "Enyo." Nosing the third born. "Eleos." Then she touched the fourth born. "Asteria." And finally she touched the fifth born daughter. "She will be Myrine." Finally she glanced up at Achilles and smiled to him. "Name your son Achilles."
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