Life in the Valley -Coneiron??-

[Lupa]

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[atrb=background,http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd415/Somatra1/lback-5.jpg] Lupa smiled as she made her way through the forest, two dead jackalope hanging from her small maw. Her face was stuffed, and her lips stretched to the breaking point, but she managed to have a cheery smile on her face, which was quite a feat. She carried the two jackalopes by their necks, making it less in her mouth, but it ended up with a antler poking her nose. She sneezed, and the jackalope twitched slightly up of her grasp. She bent her head down to pick it up, but the second one fell. She twitched her ears in annoyance. She was so.. so.. Tiny! She made a sad little noise through her nose, and she sat down on her haunches heavily. Not only was she small, she felt fat. She wasn't really fat, but she felt so. And besides, fat was much better then being pregnant. She shuddered at the thought, but after a bit, she had to accept the idea. She was pregnant. She sighed, her cheery smile replaced by a frowning, brooding look. Lupa looked up at the sky, and sighed. She leaned back, then nearly fell over. She pulled herself up in a huff, her paws landing heavily on the snow, and sinking through it. A fluffy snow flake floated down lazily from the heavens, and Lupa watched as more snow began to fall. It was a light, gentle snow, but she still shivered. The snow flurries were starting to be more frequent, from the coming of winter, she supposed. That meant she would have to start enjoying this evenings like this, before winter came. She didn't mind winter, but her coat was sleek, and, sadly, short. She wagged her tail gently as she watched the snow, the forest peaceful and calm. She had chosen her den to be at the heart of the forest, a little ways off from the other dens of the pack. She peered around her, recognizing her surroundings almost instantly. She was still a ways off from her den, but she was proud of herself. She was getting more accustomed to the beautiful valley, and she gave the snowflakes a small grin before remembering her predicament. It was a dismal one, and almost any other would be better. She glanced down at her round belly, any day soon. She looked around the forest, trying to find something to distract herself with. Her purple orbs fell upon the two jackalope at her feet, and she remembered why she had been going to her den in the first place. She had a pile of dead prey in her den, in case a hungry member came around. She, as well, was needing more food, since a bit after her encounter with Than. She leaned down with a resigned look at managed to grab both of the jackalopes, this time three little horns poking her face. She growled quietly, then continued to her den. She walked for a minute or so, until she could see a few large, fallen trees, that, with some boulders and ferns, made her den. She picked up her pace, but had only gone feet when she collapsed. An extremely sharp pain in her stomach came, and she growled in anger, writhing about and kicking at the snow. She whimpered and yelped in pain when the second pain came, her eyes were beginning to water. She clenched her jaw, determined not to yelp or whine again. She could do this.. But a small part of her told her different, and she knew that part was right. She whined again, not bothering to keep her maw closed, and then howled. She could not do this by herself, and she only had to pray that whomever came was friendly, and willing to help.

[Coneiron]

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[atrb=background,http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd415/Somatra1/cback-9.png] The fun thing about snow was that it was made of water and the best thing about a first snow fall was the surprising pure innocence of the large flakes as they fell from the sky in their first performance of the season. No doubt there would be many encores to come, but it was always the first act that was the sweetest and most striking for the water lupus. The cheery snowflakes landed on his dark pelt in greeting, melting on contact and Coneiron decided to help them dance, forming the shape of various animals as their snowy drops began to form the beasts' bodies. A content smile was on his face, it had been a while since the battle with the calagris and the night after a strange event had occurred; within that night all of his wounds had healed to perfection. The Guardian would not voice any complaints over the strange phenomenon, but it remained an unsettling matter. With the bulk of his muscles back into youthful shape and his fur restored to its illustrious origins Coneiron was quite comfortable in the cooler temperatures. His paws were thickly padded and moved through the snow with ease as his full tail wagged back in forth. His thoughts were once again on the charming Lupa, his aqua eyes brightening as the image of the silvery wolf played in his mind. What was the female doing at this moment? Since meeting her his thoughts were constantly wondering what she would think of anything he decided to do, embarrassingly focused on what he would say the next time he met her. As he moved away from his den that was nested on the border of the territory and the foot of the great hills the forest began to thicken, this was the typical den area of the pack and where he hoped to find the she-wolf. Silence greeted his ears as he penetrated the tranquility of the fauna that guarded the homes of the Children's wolves and he sighed, his hot breath coming in large puffs. His den, though sheltered from the wind for the most part, was always consumed by the sound of the wind over the meadow, rustling through the grass, whipping up snow and running back to hide in the mountains. The quiet was a nice change on this day to be surrounded by the stillness of a wintry forest. However it was not long before a pained cry rose from its depths, the anguished cal rising to pierce Coneiron's ears and drawing a sharp bark of alert from the male. It sounded so much like Lupa's voice that his face first broke out in panic; had the calagris returned to life to kill the one he now adored? More cries rang out, fainter than the first and Coneiron sent the image of a wolf in the snow rushing ahead of his movements. The message would hopefully be clear; hold on I am on my way! Quickening his pace to a full on sprint he darted through the cold flakes, a sense of urgency in his heart, he could only hope Lupa would still be alright by the time he arrived. Following the familiar scent of the female it was not long before he arrived to find his snow wolf waiting and Lupa on the cold ground, whimpering. Surprise lit his face when he looked upon the she-wolf, her stomach seemed extended and there was no mistaking the signs of pregnant. He did not how or when this had occurred but already he was imagining that Lupa had found another male wolf. However now was not the time to indulge in sadness, she needed help for it appeared that the birthing process had started. In the camp where he had been held prisoner it was not uncommon to witness female prisoners giving birth and so he was not unfamiliar with the affair, but it had still been a while since that time. Approaching cautiously he said comfortingly, "Alright darlin, hold on there, we'll get you through this." He gave her a small reassuring nudge of his nose before moving to her back. "Do you think you can make it to your den dear?" The female's den would not only be more sheltered from the cold day, but also safer from predatory and prying eyes. He lay down by her side, prepared to help and support her on her feet if she could move. If not she would need warmth while concentrating on bringing her pups into the world and his thick coat and body heat would help. Coneiron's Song

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[Lupa]

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[atrb=background,http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd415/Somatra1/lback-5.jpg] Lupa kicked out at the light layer of snow, trying to release the pain inside her. She moaned, her eyes shut tight. She opened one slowly and peered out at the opening of her den. So close.. so close.. She tried to stand up but failed, and she whined, wishing the pain would end. A flurry of snow seemed to bound through the woods, and Lupa opened her other eye, for a second it had looked like a wolf. She let out a slight gasp of relief, it was a wolf, probably formed by a ice lupus, or a water lupus. Coneiron. Her heart rose as she saw the large and surprised male. She whimpered sadly, very aware of what it would look like. She wanted to tell him that it wasn't how he thought, that she was sorry, and that she didn't want this, but she did not have much energy, and she knew it would be foolish to waste it. "Con.." She had tried to say his full name, but she could not even do that. She hated feeling so helpless, so useless. She looked up at the male with watery eyes, wishing she could explain. "I'm.. Sorry.." She hoped the words could tell him what she really meant, for even in this state she could tell how bad it looked, and she cringed when he came closer. Was he angry? She banished the thought instantly, not wanting to dwell on such matters. Thanatos. This was all his fault. When she recovered from birthing, if she didn't die, she would hunt that mortui down and kill him. Another sharp pain and she gasped, it was worse now. She felt a gentle nudge and looked over to see it had been Coneiron. Lupa felt as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, he was not angry. She knew that what she was about to do would use up more of her energy, but she felt that this would not be a waste. She returned the nudge, then twitched her tail slightly as though trying to make it wag. He would help her.. The silver wolf was greatly relived, and she nodded her head the slightest bit to let him know that she trusted him. However, her happiness was short lived as another pain passed through her and she whimpered again. His question was a tricky one, with her luck probably not, but she knew she had to try. She closed her eyes and forced herself to her feet, taking slow, wobbly steps, almost falling down many times. She stopped halfway, hating how this was taking so much effort. If she wasn't pregnant she could just bound through the snow, but now she was so weak, so vulnerable. She hated the thought, she had always been small, now she had to be slow and fat. She growled slightly, ever since her encounter with Than she had been more crabby, and this feeling of uselessness was not helping at all. Lupa steadied herself against a tree, then forced herself to continue. The pain was unbearable, and she felt like screaming. She moaned, her voice whipped away by the wind that was picking up speed. The she wolf tottered to her den, then leaned against the wall of it and eased her way down. Lupa winced as the pains came, then closed her eyes, praying it would end soon. She hoped Con was still with her, she would feel better if he was. The thought of Coneiron brought fresh tears to her eyes; would he ever forgive her? She doubted it, she had been foolish to act like she had, to lead him on like she had and then suddenly drop the bomb on him. Lupa began to whimper again, partly from the pain, and partly from the thought that Coneiron would no longer want to know her. She closed her eyes and whined pitifully, though she had to admit it had gotten ever so slightly better, for she was now not in the snow or the wind, but the pain was greater. A contraction shot through her body and Lupa howled in pain, the pups, or pup, were close. She opened her eyes, hoping to see the male standing in front of her, and praying that the pain would end soon.

[Coneiron]

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[atrb=background,http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd415/Somatra1/cback-9.png] It was obvious the birth was causing the female a lot of pain, and Coneiron was in his own torment watching Lupa suffer. If he ever found the male that was not here at he side to help what he had created Coneiron would gladly sink his fangs into the fellow's hide. Forcing himself to remain on task he hid anger diligently, grinding his jaw together to keep from growling. His ears perked forward abruptly when Lupa spoke to him, but his mind did not understand her words. She was sorry? The male let out a small whine of concern, was the birth distorting her logic? Whatever it was it seemed to be triggering some kind of painful emotion and Coneiron said softly, "Its ok Lupa, just focus on getting through this dear." Unsure of what he had forgiven he could at least be comforted knowing that the female might see there was no rancor on his part for whatever she felt sorry for. Feeling the pregnant female heave herself up Coneiron moved to try and help steady her as she made the perilous walk to her den. He stopped outside, head held to the wind to check for any scent that might alert him to what dangers could be lurking nearby. Whoever Lupa's mate was he should have been there to make sure she was safe, but for now Coneiron would have to fill the role of Guardian and nurse. The den appeared to small for a pregnant female and a male of his size so he settled in the entrance of the den, blocking the cold air and lowering his head to give Lupa a couple encouraging licks on her muzzle. "There you go love, now breathe easy, you can make it through this." Coneiron could not be sure of this for it was not uncommon for mothers to die during birth, but his own trepidations did not show on his face. He was beginning to think that loosing Lupa, even if she was not his, would kill him. At least if she lived he could watch over her and her family from afar, the sadness that he could never be with the one he was beginning to love resting heavy on his heart. More of Lupa's whines reached his ears and he cringed but slightly, squirming in his wish to help her bear some of the pain. The contractions appeared to be coming closer now, that was a good thing wasn't it? Females in the prisoner's camp had always experienced heightened contractions before giving birth and maybe that meant Lupa's pain would be over soon? Moving forward he slipped his front paws under her head, making a softer barrier between her head and the hard ground. No doubt with her own family the she-wolf wold not care to have Coneiron around much and he would have to sit aside and watch from afar as her life would continue and his would remain ever the same and unchanging; alone. Coneiron saw the tears forming in Lupa eyes, his heart breaking at the thought that she cried for her mate and would never love the water lupus that much. His sorrow brought wild thoughts to his mind, thoughts of fleeing with Lupa, of the life that they could have had together but could be no more. What was wrong with him? He needed to stay focused to help Lupa, now was not the time to be engaging in such ludicrous thoughts. Looking at the pained female, Coneiron knew there was not much more that could be done but stay by Lupa until it was over and guard the den and its important inhabitants. Coneiron's Song

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[Lupa]

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[atrb=background,http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd415/Somatra1/lback-5.jpg] Lupa heard Coneiron coming closer, and for some reason she felt like lashing out at him. She bit back a snarl, firmly telling herself that he was a friend. She guessed it was her instincts, but right now she was wishing her instincts would just shut up so she could get through this. The thought of the water lupus near was reassuring, but Lupa was having doubts. She was no fool; she knew that females sometimes died when giving birth, and Lupa whined in fear. Once again she felt like snarling at Coneiron, and she forced the threatening growl done her throat, her instincts telling her to make sure others stayed away during this vulnerable period. She felt the licks on her muzzle, and she licked Coneiron back, her eyes still closed. Lupa whimpered and whined, though she knew it would soon be over. She tried to take deep, calm and controlled breaths, but she started to gulp in air. Her body convulsed as the contractions came again, they were coming faster, and Lupa growled in pain. She was not meant to be a mother, this was all happening too soon. Besides, she didn't want to have a poor pup come into the world with that mortui as their sire. Hr lips curled up in a silent snarl at the thought of Than, and she felt sorry for the poor bastard child. Then again, they could all be still born. She whimpered at the thought of going through all this for nothing. Lupa felt Con's paws slid under her head, and heard his reassuring voice. She was glad Coneiron was there, though at the same time she was horrified he knew. Lupa supposed he would know anyway, though she hated him seeing her like this. Lupa felt silly then, it wasn't like he cared for her in that way.. She was not going to get her hopes up and then have them crushed. Lupa was amazed that Coneiron was still here, she had guessed that he would be furious with her for not telling him. She supposed it must be his duty to the pack, the Children would not want one of it's members to die. She bluntly refused to think of a future with Coneiron, now it was too late. Maybe.. Maybe if she had told him.. But what would make him want an ugly little runt? There were many fish in the ocean, and Lupa felt sure that Coneiron would go after another one. Lupa panted heavily, though the pain seemed like nothing compared to the pain of her broken heart. Con's voice had sounded like her forgave her, though she wanted to explain the whole thing to him, to make sure he really and truly understood. She opened one of her eyes, he seemed to be slightly panicked, though she was sure that was just her fevered brain. She nudged him gently with her nose to tell him it was okay, though inside she was screaming bloody murder. Lupa whimpered apologetically, for she was truly sorry he had to be here. She knew it would have been much harder if he hadn't, and she might have even died, but her broken heart was telling her that would have been better. She gave a sharp and sudden bark of pain, the pup was emerging. The smell of blood and birthing fluids filled the air, mixed in with the scent of ozone. She struggled to remain in control of her lightning. It was a danger to her unborn pup, herself, and Coneiron. She whined and whimpered, her eyes squeezed tightly closed. Her body heaved again, and the pup was fully out. Lupa felt faint, and she almost lost consciousness, but she leaned over to see the pup. It was a runt. Like her, it was undersized, and she felt pity for the tiny pup, it wasn't even supposed to be here, it was a runt, it had no father.. She pushed that out of her mind, and concentrated on taking care of it. It was a male, and she gave him a faint smile, the image of the pup and the cave swimming in front of her. She gently cleaned the pup, then affectionately nuzzled him. No matter what she thought of the father, she vowed she would to all she could for the little pup. She pushed the small pup toward her stomach, then turned to Coneiron. She didn't know what to expect, but she hoped that she would have time to explain.. Someday. Though why not now? Why not right here, so he wouldn't leave feeling confused, and maybe angry? Lupa steeled herself for whatever what was to come, and then said softly, "Coneiron.." She gave him a tender smile, he had helped her through this, no matter what, and for that she was eternally grateful. "Coneiron, I.. I didn't mean to get pregnant. A mortui.. forced me to." Lupa looked down, a pained look on her face. "And.. I understand if you don't want to, but, well.. the pup needs.. a father, so if, maybe, you were interested?" Lupa sighed sadly, after this she was sure Coneiron would refuse. "Look, if you don't want to, that's fine, really, its fine.." Her voice trailed off, and she looked up into the handsome lupus's face, scared of what he might say. OOC: If you don't want her to ask him to be foster daddy in this thread, then I can modify it, but I thought it was kind of cute this way. ^^

[Coneiron]

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[atrb=background,http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd415/Somatra1/cback-9.png] The slight nudge of Lupa's nose was a comfort but the little female still worried him; could she make it through? Eyes narrowed Coneiron watched with increased anxiety as Lupa gave birth to all of one tiny pup that along with its mother survived the birth. Sighing in relief he waited for the new mother to clean her pup off, tail waging slowly with pride in the pup's mother. It wasn't his son, but he felt connected to the pair and it saddened him to think he would have to butt out and leave the family be soon. The little runt was a sight for sore eyes, but he was alive and that was a blessing all the same. Who was the little fellow's farther? Why wasn't he here to help? These and many questions ran around Coneiron's head taunting him with the fact that the father whom had taken the silver beauty away from him was too irresponsible to even be present during his son's birth. The larger lupus grit his teeth together, it was none of his business but he wanted to know because truth be told he cared and even if Lupa could not be with him he could be sure she would be happy with whomever else she had chosen and Coneiron would make sure the git would pay proper attention to his son. Filled with adoration for the small family that lay in front of him the male knew he would always watch over the pair, hunting the darkness that might seek to stalk them and keeping a sharp eye out for predators that would seek to claim lives. No, he could never really be part of them, but in his love perhaps he could be the protector that they would need? However all his theories and plans were put to a crashing halt as Lupa spoke words he had never thought to hear from a female in the Children. This son was not the product of a consensual mating, and the thought of a mortui being responsible for this brought a rage to his heart and murder to his mind. He was a reasonable chap, but a male forcing himself upon a member of the Children let alone the female he had hoped to stake his claim upon deserved no less than death and severe retribution. It was but his sensitivity to the ordeal that Lupa had just suffered that kept the snarl of hate in his throat quiet. Instead he gave her cheek a nuzzle of empathy, the wind knocked out of him by her words. The poor chap would therefor grow up without a father... Ears jerking forward his thoughts were interrupted by Lupa's next request, and he could have sworn his heart skipped a beat in joy. Would he be a father to her son? There was little else the older brute would care for, and in all his nine years he had never lived through a moment with as much magnitude at this single occurrence and the force of it struck him head on. Swallowing audibly it was with a voice laced with emotion that he replied, "I vow to you this Lupa, I will serve as father to your son, love him as my own and forever offer protection and shelter to him." And should I ever find the bastard wolf that sired him I will avenge your pain ten fold on his hide, Coneiron thought spitefully. Aqua eyes resting in the female's starry purple depths he spoke again, and his words were softer, "I do this out of love for you for I have lived 9 years and know now what love is; Lupa, you are my center now. Perhaps you may not return the feeling, I cannot expect it just because of my admonition, but know that no matter what you shall always have a guardian at your side." He fell silent and stretched his neck to give the tiny pup a lick along its soft back, falling back to silently await Lupa's response, his breath held tight. It did not matter if she returned the sentiment, he had given his word and he would remain near as long as he was needed, faithfully serving as a father and protector to the newborn pup and its mother. Coneiron's Song

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[Lupa]

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[atrb=background,http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd415/Somatra1/lback-5.jpg] Lupa let out a sigh of relief, it was finally over. She looked down fondly at the small, pale pink pup that was hers. It was odd, being a mother, and Lupa still didn't really think herself as one, but she supposed she had better get used to the idea. She smiled, full of love for the pup, but another thought came to mind and she furrowed her brow. When would Thanatos come? Had it been an empty threat? She licked the small pup, then rested her head on her paws, exhausted. Lupa closed her eyes, and a small smile appeared on her maw when she felt Coneiron nuzzle her, he really was quite the fellow. However, she didn't think he would accept her offer, so the words that came from her mouth were the last she expected to hear. "You will?" Her ears were pricked in surprise, and she immediately felt ashamed. He would now probably think she had expected him to decline... Which she had, but there was no reason to be rude about it. "Thank you, Coneiron. I'm sure you will be the best of fathers." Her words were sincere, after meeting Thanatos she knew she would not take Coneiron's goodness for granted. Lupa was now feeling like her day could never be better, but once again, Coneiron surprised her. He loved her?! It was too good to be true! Lupa felt like she could jump for joy, but instead she licked Coneiron's muzzle, wishing she could savor the moment forever. The only male she had ever loved returned the feeling. "Coneiron, I hope you know I would never lie to you, but let me say that my next words are probably the most truthful I have ever spoken; Coneiron, I love you too." When being eloquent failed her, she would go straight to the point. She was relieved, because she guessed she would never be able to work up enough courage to tell Coneiron that she loved him, and then he would never know her true feelings for the male. Lupa smiled when Coneiron licked her child. She knew that she had found the best foster father a pup could wish for. And she knew that Coneiron would do anything to keep his vow, like the honorable wolf he was. Lupa could not believe her luck, on the downside, yes, she had gotten raped, but she had had a lovely pup, and she had acquired the best father for the pup. She couldn't think of any other male she would rather have help raise the little male. She smiled gently at Coneiron, then was hit with another worrying thought; what if Coneiron went looking for Thanatos? She remembered all too well how she clawed him, and he felt no pain. He could severely hurt her beloved. Lupa doubted Coneiron would go down without a fight, but she still did not like his chances against the undead wolf. Lupa looked up into Coneiron's eyes, her face showing her fear. "But promise me you won't go looking for Thanatos. I don't want you getting hurt." She nuzzled Coneiron, she couldn't finally have him just to lose him to that mortui. "I have no doubt you would make a fearsome opponent, but please don't go looking for him." Lupa was basically begging Coneiron, but she would do anything to make sure he would be safe. Lupa nuzzled the little pink puff ball that was nestled by her stomach. She hoped that Thanatos would not come for him, but if he did, she would be prepared to fight for her child. For now, she hoped she could have time with him before Thanatos came, if he did. There was still a chance that it might have been an empty threat, and that was the silver lining she was looking for.

[Coneiron]

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[atrb=background,http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd415/Somatra1/cback-12.png] Coneiron looked at the pair with rapt adoration in his aqua eyes, they were his, his family and his love and so would he die for them if need be. A surge of fierce protectiveness flared through his blood, the smaller wolves were his to protect and care for, and his life now would revolve around ensuring their happiness. Nuzzling Lupa he moved in closer so that the pup was nestled between the pair of lupus, and he extended his neck to clean Lupa, large soft tongue reassuring the female that all would be alright. His loved was reciprocated and his heart seemed to have leapt into his throat and now remained there, blocking his words. Swallowing hard he said, "So long as I am here you will both be safe, no matter what." His tail swept across the ground in his happiness, and he leaned down to nuzzle the little bundle of life that was now his to help care for and raise. Ears perking forward he memorized the name Thanatos, eyes narrowing as his fur bristled slightly. He would not go after the Mortui, but should he stumble upon him the beast would be killed. Admittedly mortui did not feel pain, and they were considered undead, but that was nothing a little drowning couldn't overcome. Coneiron himself was a bit of an immortal, not impervious to death but as he had discovered could suffer a good blow and wake up the ext day in fine figure, it would do him some good to test the boundaries of this power. But he would not speak of this to Lupa, if he did come across the mortui he would not inform his love about the wretched male's death. Comfortingly he answered, "Do not fret my dear, no harm will befall me. I shall not hunt that wolf down..." The word wolf came out of his maw in clenched teeth, one day he would pay dearly for his actions, and that day could not come soon enough. Something was troubling his love, but yet she did not speak of it to him. Frowning he kept his tongue, whatever it was the lupus would no doubt voice it when the time came and until then Coneiron would content himself with lavishing the pair in attention. Pride laced his heart and he puffed his chest out, a roguish smile on his face. His beautiful mate was the diamond in his eye, and even though she appeared tired Coneiron could see a glow about her that filled his heart with adoration. "My beautiful Lupa, how much more fortunate could you make a fellow?" he said softly, eyes caressing the she-wolf. His life in the valley now had new meaning, and he could feel the first sense of home that he had known since being a pup. The warmth of the moment washed over him like the tides of a southern beach, filling the crevices of his heart and bathing his soul. He felt new, invigorated and driven, his duty was to care for his heart, and his heart was the little pup and its mother. [color=white"What will you call our son?" Our son, it left a sweet taste in his mouth and a spark in his soul. He ran his nose over his son's body, breathing in the soft smell unique to pups and caressing the little fellow. It was his son now and he knew he already loved him as in-kind.

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C o n e i r o n 's . S o n g

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[Lupa]

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[atrb=background,http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd415/Somatra1/lback-5.jpg] Lupa gave her pup a tired smile, the birthing had taken much out of her, but she couldn’t remember when she had been more happy. She was surrounded by her family, and to her, that was as good as it could get. The silver lupus closed her eyes and sighed happily as her handsome mate nuzzled her and then proceeded to clean her. He was all hers. She opened her eyes and they met the lovely aqua ones, he had promised to keep her and their pup safe, and she knew he was much to honorable to break a promise. He was everything she could have wanted, and now she had it. She nuzzled his neck, inhaling his scent, smiling happily. It was as though Coneiron had lit a spark in her heart, given her new meaning, and the feeling was more then welcome. She watched his ears perk at the name of the mortui, and she began to worry. Lupa knew her mate would not lie to her, but she guessed if he had the chance, he would try to kill the wolf. Lupa glanced down at the pup, if Thanatos did come back, she doubted he would be kind to his son, if he managed to steal the pup. She ground her teeth, how she hated the fact that the poor little pup had that monster for a father. But it was all said and done now, and all that was left to do was to keep a close eye on her son. Lupa looked up at her mate, she could tell he was itching to give Thanatos a piece of his mind, and she was glad she had asked him to not go looking for the real father. The silvery lupus looked over her small family with a fierce sort of pride, and she knew she would gladly lay down her life for their safety. They were the only family she had left, and she loved them like she loved nothing else. Lupa looked up at Coneiron’s soft words, and she licked him, her face clearly showing her love. She smiled and said, “No, my handsome Coneiron, I believe the question is how much more fortunate could you make a female.” How she loved him. She remembered fondly when they had first met, and she laughed softly to herself as she remembered how she had mistaken him for Thanatos. Now the differences were as clear as could be; Coneiron much more caring and kind, and Thanatos just a heartless beast. Lupa nudged her pup affectionately, happy that he had such a magnificent wolf for a foster father. She grinned, she had the very same wolf for a mate. He was everything she had ever hoped for, and more. Lupa had often thought she would never find a mate, but she had been proven wrong. She had Coneiron. She nuzzled him, her tail wagging across the floor of the den. Lupa would love him till she was no more, and the same with her son. Runt or not, in her eyes he was perfect. He would probably not be a great warrior or a great leader, but he was her son, and that was all she needed from him. She watched her pup, happiness written all over her face. It was lucky that he survived. He was a runt, and those were usually stillborn. Lupa licked his tiny head, and smiled at her newborn. He didn’t look much like her, but at least he didn’t look like his father. She wrinkled her nose, the fact that this cute little pup was related to Thanatos didn’t go well with her. She rested her head on her small paws and watched her family, a weary smile on her maw.