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 Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 8:03 pm
AIM log Nzinga had woken up feeling strange. She had found an empty little cave a few days ago and had begun settling into it,
knowing this day was soon to come. After speaking with Hasana she had gotten a little more knowledgeable about giving birth.
And now as Nzinga lifted her head and felt strange sensations in her, she knew that the day was finally here - finally she was going tomeet her cubs and all her curious questions about them would be answered.
Nzinga wasn't sure if it was alright for her to get up and walk around. She was probably okay for a little while longer, right?
There was no pain yet, only sensations that threatened to be painful later on. Carefully, Nzinga got to her feet and emerged from the cave.
She needed to find someone, let them know, walk her through this. There were three lions that she had met here that she could go in search of,
but there may be only time enough to find one. Should she look for Hasana, the mother of six daughters; Latifu, the teal girl she had taken a liking to; or Mteuli, the wise priest who had
originally taken her in? It didn't take long to decide. Mteuli was first on her list. His mate was a herbalist, he had said. She felt like he had the most experience.
Mteuli was, in fact, not far away. It was a good thing he was not traveling as much of late, else he would not have been there to assist her. But perhaps he had had a feeling that she would be giving birth soon, due to having sat through two births in his lifetime already. So when she ventured from her cave he was soon within site, not far beyond a few trees. He offered a warm smile and a nod of his head in greeting, "Hello, Miss Nzinga. How are you this morning...?" He kept an observant eye on her figure, though. She was due soon, any day now.
Nzinga was suprised that to find Mteuli so quickly; she had expected him to be off doing important things. She was glad for this, however.
Walking made her feel a bit shaky. "Oh! Mteuli, it's you. I'm so glad you're nearby. I was just coming to look for you...I feel a bit strange.
I'm not sure exactly, but I think the cubs are coming soon...What should I do?"
It felt weird, unnatural not to know how to go about giving birth. Where there procedures to go through? Nzinga felt all flurried with
excitement and nervousness.
"Oh...?" He tilted his head to the side slightly. Were they really ready to come...? "Has your water broken yet...? Your labor begun?" He questioned gently. These were the basics of when a birth was beginning. Once he knew how far along she was they could go from there. He wasn't a midwife, but he had some experience in assisting in births before. Hopefully this wouldn't be any different.
"Hmh...Water? What?" How did water break? She had water? This was bizzare. Apparently she had not learned quite enough from Hasana. "No, I am quite sure nothing
like that has happened yet. Is that something that happens normally?" She felt lost. How could she not even know what was going on
with her own body? "I just feel this sort of... growing pressure in my abdomen," she concluded, feeling a bit foolish. "Is that normal?"
Mteuli nodded reassuringly, "Yes, that's quite normal. When your water breaks, it means the lining around the baby has broken. It usually gets your hind legs all wet and announces the baby is on its way. When your labor begins you'll feel contracts going through your body, steadily faster and stronger. That is your body pushing the baby out, so to speak," he said, trying his best to inform her without making it sound frightening. He offered a warm smile of support. "Sounds like your labor might begin any day now...perhaps even today."
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2007 9:50 am
Nzinga nodded, trying to understand. It was difficult to picture what was actually going on inside her. "Ah...so perhaps the birth is not as emminent as I had thought." If her water hadn't even broken yet. She felt a little silly, but also impatient. How much longer did she have to wait?
A strong, sudden sensation went through her body just then. It was almost painful, and caused Nzinga to gasp at the intensity. "I think I will go back to the den to lie down and wait," she said. "These sensations are getting stronger..." She wondered then if there was time to get Latifu or Hasana. But she wasn't even sure, despite their previous friendliness, if they would even want to be present at such a private, (perhaps gross?) time. All the same, she longed for a female companion. However, she did not want to trouble Mteuli enough to ask him for the favor of finding one of those lionesses.
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 4:31 pm
Latifu had been a bit happier since she became friends with Nzinga. Living in a pride was something completely new to the lioness, and friendship itself was new. The only real friend that she had was Bakari, even growing up. So being friends with another was exciting, and she was sure that it would pay off in the long run. Besides, it gave her someone else to talk to, and relate to besides her mate. It was a comforting feeling to have a real friend who felt the same as herself, and she promised to be of as much help as she could be. Well, today that promise would be needed, certainly.
She had been axploring areas that she hadn't quite memorized, and isntead of finding something new, she saw something familiar. Her first two friends in the pride. Well! She happily made her way towards them until she saw that something was wrong. They were talking, and Nzinga didn't look too well. Was it her cubs? She shyly padded up now, her head bowed slightly down, hoping that they would welcome her in, and let her know what was going on.
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 4:38 pm
Mteuli let a small frown flicker across his maw. Ah, so her labor pangs had begun then? It appeared so. "No...I believe you are correct...from what I can see those jolts will continue, your water will break, and then the true labor and birthing will take place..." He trailed off as a familiar teal lioness came into view. He bowed his head in a greeting, "Hello, Latifu." He was uncertain if Nzinga and her had met as of right now. He certainly didn't want to bother either right now if they hadn't, since Nzinga was so close to birthing her children.
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 4:44 pm
Nzinga had been following what Mteuli was saying, but when he turned and uttered a familiar name, she turned and smiled to see a friendly face. "Latifu!" she said, forgetting her pain for a moment. "How are you? I'm so glad to see you again!"
She winced as another jolt of pain went through her. "Though I am not sure you'll want to stick around...Mteuli and I have been talking, and it seems my labor could start very soon. It would be nice if you would like to stay, of course, but I would understand if you would not like to be present for such a...." she couldn't think of the word she wanted to use. Personal? Gross? None seemed right. "...time as this," she ended.
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Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 3:27 pm
Latifu's ears perked up. Wait, birth? It was a lightly unwritten rule that females knew bits about pregnancy as they grew, and Latifu knew just enough that something was up with Nzinga's pregnancy. Well, if Mteuli was here.....She flushed, thinking about how a male would help her. Embarassing!
But instead, this should be about Nzinga. She grew a determined, yet hopefully helpful expression across her face. "If....if you would like me to stay, I will, Nzinga." She was scared, but probably not as scared as Nzinga. The idea of actually seeing new life was something Latifu never thought of. Was it always this way, so loud, frightening, and painful? Was all of this actually worth it? She herself would find out one day, but today it all seemed so new and frightening.
She kept herself as close as she dared to her friend, wanting to be as helpful as she could throughout the whole ordeal. Even if it was just comforting words, she would be right next to Nzinga.
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Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 3:25 pm
Mteuli watched Nzinga carefully. He was no midwife, but he knew the signs and the process. It was probably best Nzinga went and rested-the birth would probably be within the next day or two. She needed all the sleep she could get. It was obvious the two females were on good terms and friends, so that in itself was a relief. Latifu could come along then without any trouble. "Miss Nzinga, I suggest you go back to your resting place...and you as well, Miss Latifu, if you're going to accompany her."
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Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 4:32 pm
There was sense in that. Nzinga nodded in agreement, "I think resting is a good idea." She turned and smiled tiredly at Latifu. "I appreciate your being here."
She turned and ambled the few feet back to her cave. Right where the sunlight met shadow, she flopped gently down to her side and tried to relax her tensed muscles and fluttery heart.
A cool breeze whistled into the darkness and made Nzinga suddenly aware of a wetness on her hindlegs that was not there before. She lay there a moment, wondering if perhaps she had laid inadvertently in a puddle. And then it dawned on her, perhaps this was the "water" Mteuli had spoken of? The exertion of laying down had perhaps caused her water to break? The bluejay lioness wasn't quite sure, so she was about to get up and asked Mteuli. But as she tried to get to her feet, a sharp pain, more intense than any of the others, bolted through her. The air was sucked from her lungs, and the contraction passed - only to be replaced by another. Her body was swirling with so many strange and intense sensations, Nzinga began to get truly afraid. The unknown was finally here.
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Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 11:59 am
Latifu silently followed Nzinga to where she laid, the teal lioness worried for her friend. But if she could move, then perhaps she would be okay?
She settled down next to Nzigna, sitting instead of lying down, just in case she needed to get out of the way for any reason. Her mind was full of little situations that could happen to the two of them, but she didn't want to worry about too much and let herself wander from what was really important; helping out Nzinga any way she could.
Her ears perked forward as she heard the blue lioness gasp. "Nzinga? What....what's wrong?" Her face grew heavy with worry, hoping that she wasn't in too much pain. "C-can I....help you in some way?"
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Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 1:50 pm
Mteuli followed the two of them in. His attitude seemed to be the oposite of theirs, for his muscles were loose and his emotions calm. But then, someone had to keep a cool head, right? Especially since it seemed it was time. Nzinga was going to give birth. "Nzinga, take deep breaths," he advised with a calm gaze, sitting at her side, but not too close. Mothers could be very protective after all. He kept his voice warm and reassuring, "Push with the contractions."
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Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 2:17 pm
Nzinga was in quite a haze, not really hearing or seeing anything around her. She was focused inwardly. Still, she heard Mteuli's voice through the din of her own thoughts, and did as he suggested. Hopefully it was the right thing.
Struggling to take in a deep breathe, she fought against the pain and strained for some time. Labor was just as difficult as she had expected; but Nzinga knew she could handle it. She couldn't wait to see the new little lives that had grown inside her.
It was awkward and yet also comforting to have the two other lions nearby; Latifu for her sweet helpfulness, and Mteuli for his gentle wisdom. Doing this alone and without any help would have been awful. She would thank them, somehow, after this was over.
"No, no...I don't need anything right now, just...to get this over with..." she said to Latifu. She didn't want to talk much right now, but she hoped the teal lioness would understand and not think her too rude.
For a long time she pushed with the contractions, just as Mteuli said, to no avail. How long was this supposed to take? What if something was wrong? Nzinga worried for her children, and wondered where they were. "Hurry up and get born," she muttered tiredly.
And then finally...finally, she felt and she knew: the first of the cubs had come. The pain lessened only slightly, but it gave Nzinga the opportunity to finally lay eyes on one of the children that she had been carrying for what seemed like so long. She gently cleaned the child with her tongue, feeling like she was in a dream. After most of the debris had been wiped away, Nzinga was shocked. Orange? Her first cub was orange? Where...where in the world did that come from?
She didn't have time to think more about it, as the contractions came back full force.
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Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 2:48 pm
Latifu's ears pricked forward when her friend spoke to her. She may have said the words a little hardher then normal, but Latifu fully understood. It was very obvious that Nzinga was in great pain, and you couldn't always be held for your actions if you were in full pain, right? She kept her nerves within her, stuck in the situation of wanting to help her friend, but knowing that there was nothing she could do during the moment of birth. The teal lioness would just have to help out later on if she was really determined to be of some assitance to Nzinga.
So she gave a bow and took a little step back, giving the hew mother room to bring new life to the world, to the pride. Maybe once Nzinga was finished, and resting, then perhaps Latifu could be of some help. Cleaning cubs, comforting, watching over. It was nerve-wreaking, yet exciting.
"Oh!" Oh, there was a cub! One that carried her markings, but the colour was dazzling. A bright orange tone, one that would be quite unique in the Unity Walker lands. A female, it appeared, and quite gorgeous. She balked for a moment, not sure what to do, but it looked like Mteuli knew exactly what he was doing. Well, obviously Nzinga made a good choice to ask for his help.
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Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 2:53 pm
Mteuli moved forward smoothly and licked the orange child clean, for it was aparent the mother was too busy to do so. Once the child was free of her birthing sack she began to mewl at the top of her young lungs. That was a good sign, Mteuli thought. If she had the energy to make a fuss she was ok. He lifted her gently and put her near her mother, but out of the way. He then shifted back a little to give Nzinga room for however many more were to come.
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Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 3:23 pm
Aware of Mteuli's actions but too tired to thank him, she merely nodded in his direction. It made her feel awkward that there were these two other lions here just for her sake, and here she was being rude.
Perhaps she could remedy that later. Right now, however, another cubs was on its way to into the world, and she tried to concentrate on that. But in the back of her mind she heard her daughter mewling intensely and was instantly so proud of her. That was definitely her daughter.
But now her next daughter, or perhaps son, was on its way. This one didn't take as long to be born, however, and soon there was another little life in the den. This time, as she felt no more new contractions beginning, Nzinga remembered to remove the newborn from the birthing sack and clean him herself.
One look at him and she nearly gasped - her son was nearly identical to his father.
Nzinga nudged the boy to her belly and begin to feel calmer, more relaxed. So there were only two. Perhaps that was a blessing; she wouldn't want to care for a huge litter by herself.
Tired and out of breath, Nzinga looked up at her two companions and said, simply, "Thank you both so much for being here."
Latifu had been so kind to give her moral support. It meant very much to Nzinga, who hadn't had anyone to trust since her mother died. She teased gently the teal lioness gently: "Maybe I can repay this favor to you, someday."
For a moment she looked on her two children in amazement. They were so perfect and beautiful, she couldn't believe it. She had a little family. Even without the father, they would manage. Her life had just changed forever - and for the best.
And then her stomach rumbled, breaking the spell, reminding the new mother that she hadn't yet had breakfast. "Great," she muttered. "Now, how am I going to go hunting?"
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Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 3:33 pm
Latifu flushed when she heard Nzinga teased her. She hoped that she didn't mean literally! Well, meaning that they were in opposite roles next time. Latifu couldn't really see herself with cubs....she just wouldn't know what to do with herself.
She quickly shook off her embarassment and turned her attention to the two small, cute cubs that rested next to their fatigued mother. The spell of watching them soon was shaken off, though, as she heard her friend mention something about breakfast. Oooh! "I could always....try to help you with that hunger thing, Nzinga."
She gave a deep bow before backing off a bit, letting the new mother spend time with her children. They would need to get to know each other quite well, and Latifu didn't want to be in the way.
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