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 Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 3:48 pm
This thread is for Mialee and Cuter's use only, please! If you would like to join in, please PM either of us first <3  ((Aita is in Orange-Red)) ((Daray is in Dark Orange))
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Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:01 pm
Aita found herself moving slower these last few weeks. Slower then usual for her. Oddly enough she felt something was different and then the sudden weight gain. She was surprised Daray had not noticed and now she had a large belly on her. Her suspicions were now cofirmed. She was indeed pregnant, and of course now she needed to tell Daray the news. She was sure he would be delighted. She just worried what kind of mother she would be. Would she raise them well enough? She feared she might mistake them for a fawn in the dark, but then maybe that would't happen. She wondered what they would look like, these half nightmare foals. She moved her pace to a slow trot, trying to find Daray. He had gone hunting for their evening meal. She could have just waited at the cave but once she had her mind set to tell him, nothing was going to [prevent her from doing so as soon as she could.
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Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:27 pm
 Daray had found himself distracted from his errand of meal hunting, and was currently having fun chasing around a neighboring rabbit. He still could find amusement in the smallest of pleasures, and running after the fast critter was helpful to his leg. It seemed like forever ago that he had nearly died from Gwee's attack, but his leg still felt the occassional pang of soreness and ache, and it did him good to continue running around, something he could never get enough of. It wasn't like Aita was going to starve or anything, dinner being a bit late. After all, she had begun to look a little pudgy.
He grinned as his mind presented the last image he had seen of his love. She had definitely put on some pounds, but he had assumed it was because of his constant need for food, and would always bring her back a fair share of whatever he found, be it berries, meat, or leaves. While he loved to run and could manage to exercise those calories off, his sweetheart, on the other hand, was relatively slower than he was, so probably gained the weight from lack of exercise.
No matter how she looked, though, she would always be beautiful in his eyes. Every day he thanks the spirits on blessing him with her; she meant everything to him and he wouldn't have her any other way.
His mind snapped back into reality as the tanned bunny turned around to taunt Daray, sticking his little tongue out and wiggling his paws in his direction. Laughing, Daray leapt forward and the rabbit squealed happily, and the chase continued.
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Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:53 pm
Aita finally caught daray's scent. He was enarby...and so was a rabbit it seemed. She had assumed he was hunting the critter when she arrived on scene to see him playing a game with the forest creature. She watched as the two played almost like best friends. Strangely odd for the rabbit to play with a stallion that killed its kind for food. She shook her head, although slightly amused, she was also hungry. Something told her though this rabbit was not for eatting.
Sighing slightly, Aita spoke. "Having fun Daray?" She quirked an eyebrow at him in amusement and inquiry. She wondered if the rabbit would run in fear at the sight of her, but at the moment the rabbit was not a concern to her. She had news for Daray. Very important news.
"Daray, ..I have something I wanted to tell you....well need to tell you. Its very important and its soemthing we need to discuss and plan for."
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Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 5:05 pm
Daray almost tripped as he heard Aita's voice come out of nowhere. Jerking around, he saw her there, plump and beautiful, with a slightly amused look on her face.
The rabbit seemed to know Aita's intentions with him, and with a quick squeal of fright, darted off into the other direction.
"Smart critter," Daray thought gloomily to himself, his ears flattening as his panting from running slowly stopped, and he could breathe normally again. He really hoped he wasn't in for a lecture about being sidetracked from his purpose for being out near the woods, but from the look on Aita's face, something worried her. Which definitely meant BIIIIG worry for him, for if she couldn't handle it, chances were that he was in a heap of trouble.
"What is it, Aita?" He asked, trotting up to her cautiously. He hadn't worked his way up to giving her any pet names yet, with worry that she might find offense in being called names like "sweetie" or "honey". It would only be a matter of time before he mastered being a mated stallion.
He knew better than to get too close when she was irritable, and had the bite mark to prove it from his last mistake. His mate had a temper as firey as her flaming hair and hooves, and he was slowly learning from living with her just how to adjust to her increasing mood swings.
However, she didn't look irritated, but very concerned. Leaning forward, he gave her a quick affectionate nuzzle, hoping to reassure her. "Whatever it is, we'll be able to handle it, I'm sure."
Stepping back, he tossed his orange and black mane out and away from his face, giving her one of his winning grins. "So.... what seems to be the problem?"
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Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 5:17 pm
Aita watched the rabbit run. but she had not intended to harm him. It was too bad he had to run off like that. Any other rabbit would quickly become a meal, but she would not steal the fun Daray was having with this rabbit by killing it. She watched the rabbit as he ran and finally was out of sight. Her attention snapped back to Daray as he approached and spoke to her. He looked worried for some reason and approached with caution. She wasn't sure if that was good or bad. Why would Daray have need to be cautious of her?
She looked at Daray's worried expression and simpley smiled slightly. "Why do you look so worried Daray? You look like you think I might eat you or something." She teased slightly and then added another comment, "Although I am starved. A nibble of Daray might taste good and be quite satisfying." She grinned in her sinister manner but of course she was not serious about actually eatting Daray.
She accepted his nuzzle and returned it with a quick one of her own. She was not one to show such affection in public but her mood swings lately had been hard to control and right now all she wanted was to be cuddled into his warmth.
When he stepped back she nearly toppled forward from leaning her weight into him. Finally catching her footing Aita looked up to Daray. "Oh...not a problem...but we are about to have a huge change in our lives." She looked at him then looked at her belly, indicating to him what was growing inside of her. "I've noticed I gained some weight and..lately I've had alot of mood swings that are hard even for me to control...."
Her voice trailed off...she wanted to just say it, but at the same time she wondered if Daray would actually clue in as to what she was trying to tell him.
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Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 11:15 pm
His eyes looked at her, his expression of pure confusion. What was she talking about? It took him a few seconds, and then it hit him.
How could he have been so blind?
"Oh, Aita," he murmured softly, nipping on her ear affectionately, "You shouldn't worry about being so self-conscious. So what if you put on some weight, that doesn't make you fat. You're perfect just the way you are... and I love you for it."
Daray gave his mate another nuzzle, thinking of how cute she was being so worried about her appearance. He himself could stand to lose a few pounds, so he'd help her regain her former slim shape in no time. That was what mates were for, after all, loving and supporting their counterpart.
Smiling, he stepped away, and motioned his head in the direction of the forest. "Want to go with me to fetch dinner? The thrill of the chase might help you cut down on a few of those unwanted pounds, if you're that determined to lose weight."
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Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 1:15 am
Aita sighed a moment as Daray gave her a dumbfounded look...perhaps he wasn't gonna clue in....and then, then the look came. That realization of what she was saying was all over his face. Or at least that was what she had hoped it was...and then what he said next was completely off what she was saying. She gave him a slight glare. "I'm not so self conscious Daray! And I don't need to lose weight....Thats not what I was trying to tell you"
She shook her head and took a few more steps towards him. She was seething that he thought she was overweight. Could he not see the weight was not actually fat but foals growing inside her belly? "Daray, you fool. I'm pregnant." She stood there just looking at him. She had wanted it to be a happy announcement, and it was. She was just not overly happy he thought she had put on weight and got fat. The flames around her flickered, indicating her mood.
And then another mood swing hit. She felt tired and the thought of him thinking she was fat all this time was not only angering but it made her want to cry too. The nightmaress just laid down where she was, a few tears slipping down her cheeks as she clenched her teeth, both anger and sadness raging and surging through her.
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Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 10:53 pm
He paled. What did Aita just say? She was pr...pregnant?
How could that be possible? Well, he knew how it was possible, lord knows they had been... intimate, but...Aita... a mother? That would make Daray... a father?!
Daray could only stand there, shocked. He wasn't ready to be a father... he was still working on being a good mate to Aita. His own father had neglected him as a child, and he always feared he would wind up doing the same to his own offspring. It seemed now that he did not have a choice whether or not they would come... Aita was pregnant, and the babies were on their way.
Motionless, his mind raced to think about what the future would hold for the two of them. No longer would they be free and roaming spirits in the wind.. now they would be taking on the responsibility of nourishing and caring after little ones... little Aitas and little Darays. God, how he hoped his children didn't act like him. He could hardly stand his own behavior sometimes, what would he do if he had a minature version running around? But the thought of having a beautiful daughter or a handsome son taking after their mother warmed his heart.
He watched Aita collapse onto the ground, and the tears running down her cheeks broke his heart. He made the love of his life cry, and he felt more rotten than a dried up berry. Kneeling to lay down beside her, he no longer cared about her dangerous flames or her potential to snap at him. Giving her another nuzzle, he tried to wipe away her tears. "I'm sorry, my love," he whispered softly, sorrow in his own voice, "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, please believe me. I.. I just never imagined we'd become parents this soon. It never crossed my mind. You've made me a very happy stallion, Aita, and I'm very excited that our little family is becoming bigger."
And it was true; Daray was happy about the pregnancy. He just failed to mention his worry and distress over parenting, but he would wait to discuss that with her later. Now was a time for celebration and happiness... he was going to be a Daddy!
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Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 12:14 pm
Aita glanced at Daray with tear stained cheeks as he stood there almost frozen like a statue. Why didn't he say anything? Was he not overjoyed to be a father? Aita feared she might be raising the foals on her own if he rejected the idea. She would make them strong if that was the case and oh would she tear a piece from his hide if he thought he could get out of this. They were his foals, his responsibility.
And still he stood there silent. What was he thinking? Aita could already feel the despair take a grip on her. Was she over reacting? She wasn't sure anymore. These damn mood swings made everything blurry and unclear. Its not like she was ready either, but fate doesn't wait for you to be ready. They were nearly here now. She closed her eyes and clenched her teeth tighter, more tear slipped down her cheeks.
And then..she felt him. She felt the warm nuzzle she had so desparately wanted. She didn't even bother to open her eyes. she just curled herself into his chest and tucked her head under his, burrying her muzzle and face into his mane. She listened to him speak and took in all the warmth she could. The nightmaress was acting so out of character for herself, but then, mood swings from pregnancy would do that. It had made her more vicious and snappy and also to the other extreme very emotional and needy of Daray.
Aita swallowed, her throat dry. She needed a drink soon. "I wasn't expecting it so soon either Daray, but they are nearly here. Fate does not wait til we are ready. It just happens when it happens."
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Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 12:48 pm
He nodded his head slowly, agreeing to her words. Fate waited for no horse, and it was pretty damn obvious in their case. But no matter what, he knew Aita, with her strong will and determination, would make a wonderful mother; he just hoped he would be able to be the supportive and loving father he needed to be.
"Aita... I just.. I worry. I've never been around foals before, much less taken care of one. What if I'm not a good father? I don't know how I would be able to handle two or three lil' critters running around like I was when I was a foal."
Chuckling at the image, despite how scary it could become a reality, he snuggled closer to her, hoping he could help her feel better. He hated seeing her so sad and melancholy, and knew that mares had a tough time going through pregnancy with their mood swings. He disliked his old teepee mate, Nostalgia, but even when she had her mood swings, he felt bad for her.
"No matter what though, I want you to know right now... I'm sticking by you. I love you, Aita, and I always will. And I'm going to love these foals more than they'll be able to stand, good father or not."
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Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 1:12 pm
Aita felt his head nod and she pulled her face out of his mane, a few strands sticking around her ears as she did so. She shook hear head to be rid of them and just looked at the stallion she was cuddled into. "Daray, you will do just fine. Hell you act alot like a foal yourself at times. They will love that because they can play with their father and have fun like a foal should. You are also stronger now. Together we can protect them and teach them to hunt. " She went silent and thought for a moment. What would they eat? They would be half nightmares but also half regular soquili as well. "We should raise them on a balanced diet. Half meat, and half veggies and fruits. They will be half nightmares but they should have both and chose what they want to eat primarily as they grow up. "
She felt him snuggle closer and his words warmed her heart. She snuggled into him and was about to speak when a terrible pain seered throughout her belly. She threw her head back and clenched her teeth. "Daray we need to get to the cave now...they're coming! " Panic shone in her eyes as she did not want her foals born in the open where a predator copuld attack them while she was in labor.
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Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 1:25 pm
He smiled as she spoke. Her words didn't offend him in the least, if anything, made him laugh a little. He was very much foalish, and that in itself would more than likely connect well with his little ones. He saw Aita being the strong, more disciplined teacher, while he was the goofy, lovable parent who the children would come to for the "Can I pleeeeeeeeeeeeease...?" questions because they knew he'd cave in.
He hadn't thought about the mix of breeds they would be, with Aita being a Nightmare, and was about to comment his agreement with her thought when she flinched and made a painful expression.
"Daray we need to get to the cave now... they're coming!"
Dar froze. Oh god, not now... not when he just found out.... this was way too soon! Granted, he probably should have figured out much earlier the cause for Aita's stomach growth, but he had feared being snapped at for being heartless, so he had remained silent.
"N..now?!?!?" he choked out, stumbling to get back on his feet. "They..they're coming now?!!!?"
Sweat was pouring down his brow and he was feeling very fidgety. What was he supposed to do in this kind of situation?!
"C'mon, Daray," he mentally snapped at himself. "Your mate is in need of your help, it's time for you to buck up and be a stallion."
"Okay!" he said calmly, after taking a deep breath, "Let's hurry up and get you back home!"
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Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 1:32 pm
Aita's eyes went wide as another pang of pain seered through her belly. She was on her feet and stomping her fiery hooves form the pain. "NOW DARAY!" She nearly squealed as the pains intensified. She turned to the direction of the cave and nearly collasped as her legs buckled. " Daray I need you to support me...I'm not striong enough on my own to get there." She hated to admit that but she had no choice. Her front legs gave way and she feel to her knees while her back legs remained in place, locked into position.
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Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 2:06 pm
He saw her struggle, and immediately bent over to be a crutch for his mate in labor. He wish he had the strength and power to lift her up onto his back, but he feared doing that would harm himself, her, and the unborn little ones.
"Lean against me and walk when I do!" he commanded, crouching to one side to allow her to lean up against him, taking most of her weight onto him.
As quick as he could, he managed to walk them to the cave, and motioned for her to lean against the entrance wall to the cave.
"Stay here for a moment and use the rock for support." He ordered, the adreniline pumping through him as he spoke, "I'm going to get a place ready for you."
He raced into the cave, nearly tripping himself, and bunched up the pelts of creatures they had slain as best he could into a makeshift bed, similar to what she had made for him when he had been injured by Gwee the kalona. The pelts, laid on top of one another, would hopefully provide comfort for her and the babies through this difficult process, and she wouldn't be jabbed and sore from the floor of rock and gravel of the cave.
Rushing back to his mate, he helped her lean back up against him and walked her to the bed. He had made it comfortable for her... but what of the babies? Where would they be put once they were born, to shield them from the harsh climate of the cold and from predators?
The idea struck him like lightening. BASKETS! His two-legger always had some to spare, she loved weaving baskets. He would rush over to her teepee and snag a few to put the foals in once they were born.
But... he didn't want to leave Aita. He couldn't leave Aita. She needed him, and he'd be damned if he left her in her hour of need. But what was he going to do? He could always go back for baskets later....
"Dar?"
Daray's head spun around to come face to face with a familiar looking ferret. "MAULI!" He practically shouted, amazed and overjoyed with the critter's timing.
Looking back at his old friend, Mauli cautiously took another step into the cave. He hadn't seen Dar in forever, it had seemed, since he had gotten himself hooked up with that mare of his. True, Mauli felt neglected, since Dar seemed to always forget about him, so he had thought he'd pay his pal a visit in his new home, for old time's sake.
Walking into the dark cavern, his beady orange eyes immediately noticed the fat mare laying on the pelts of.... fur?!
"DARaY!" Mauli squeaked, scared by what he saw, "Are those animal skins?!!"
His little ferret paws began to backtrack out of the cave... what in the hell had he gotten himself into?
"No, Mauli!" Daray called out, rushing to stop his ferret friend. He managed to make it back to the entrance of the cave before the ferret could run off and stooped down so his eye level would be closer to his friend's. "Please... nevermind those for now, Mauli... I need you to do something for me.. I'm desperate."
Looking at the black and orange stallion oddly, Mauli stared at him, suspicious. "What would you want from me? I SAW those skins back there, Daray... did you kill to get those, or did SHE?"
He was hurt at the thought of his friend mutilating animals for their warm fur.. it was unlike the Daray he once knew and loved. This Daray seemed scared though... what could possibly have shaken up the stallion?
"Mauli," Daray said, exasperated, "it's Aita... she's pregnant. She's in labor right now and we need baskets to hold the babies in... Mauli, please, I'm begging you... will you get us some baskets? I can't leave her in this state, she needs me!"
Mauli froze, his head spinning with the rush of news. Aita, he assumed, was his friend's mate... and she was... pregnant? In labor?!
"Me?!" he squeaked, confused at his mixed emotions towards his companion, "Wha... I can't carry baskets! Daray, a basket would be as big as me!!!"
"Mauli, I know you'll be able to find a way, you were always the smarter of the two of us. I trust you, Mauli.... you're our only hope." Daray exclaimed desperately, his eyes pleading.
"A little melodramatic, don't you think?" Mauli muttered, his eyes glaring at his friend's. "But alright... I'll do what I can. But after that, I want some explainations from you, got it?"
Without waiting for an answer, Mauli scurried off, his little black and orange paws taking him back to the teepee as fast as they could. Unlike Daray, he would never let his friend down.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Daray turned back and returned to his lover's side, crouching down to nuzzle and reassure her some more. "It's going to be alright, Aita... we can do this. You can do this... just breathe..."
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