Painful Miracles {Sabaoka Birth}

[Roka]

Roka had been feeling rather sluggish of late, taking to sleeping for most of the day rather than haul her bulging abdomen about. She had seen many pregnant wolves when she was living with her birth pack, but Roka almost looked unhealthy in her pregnancy. As if her skin would simply split from the pressure and the pups would walk out of her frame. As promised Sabaoth was off training the youth that travelled for the Agoge. Roka expected this but it didn't help the envy she felt at the youngsters getting his attention. Datura had been of great help to her since Roka found out she was pregnant. It seemed that the matriarch was pleased about the new life growing within her, especially because that life hadn't been spawned by Goliath. Roka had no idea what to with these pups or what was expected of her as a Kairos mother, but she did know that will every little movement they made she was drawing closer and closer to giving birth. She had no idea how many pups she carried within her body at this point, hoping to be rid of them soon. Her hulking stomach made it almost impossible to find a comfortable position to sleep in, having to roll around just to breath properly.



There was a subtle pinch down where she knew her pups rested and she wondered if it was one of their movements or if she was just tearing at the seams like she expected. After awhile it eased and she closed her eyes again, only to feel it a little more intensely. It wasn't necessarily painful, but it was uncomfortable with the amount of pressure building up. Her breaths began to slow to a pant and she felt an overwhelming need to push these pups out of her. Anything to ease the tension. She wasn't prepared for this, wasn't ready to see these little life's growing inside of her for the first time. She wondered how she was supposed to do this on her own when this was her first litter. Instinct seemed to take the reigns from her fretting mind and filled her with calm. She hauled herself to her feet and began to pace about trying to decide where the perfect place to give birth to them was. The caverns were spacious and large and she had the majority of this portion of it to herself. She didn't want anyone making there way too close to her young. A surge of protectiveness rose within her and she decided that even if she didn't love these little pups right now they were still her blood. Her family. She would protect them from all else until they were old enough to survive on their own.



The tension began to get closer and closer together as she looked for a place to rest. Finally settling for a dryer patch with some moss nearby she almost collapsed to the ground as the pinching sensation swept through her. More than anything she wanted to chew Sabaoth's hide for not only impregnating her, but also leaving her to give birth on her own. Groaning as the harsh tension pulled at her. With a great heave she pushed, her muscles coiling to expel whatever giants had found life with in her. The pulsing seemed to help ease the pain, but before long it grew again even larger than the last. Pushing again and again became an exhausting task and she wondered if she was even large enough to allow the pups to pass. Her channel had barely been large enough to handle Sabaoth's girth, so how was she to handle his offspring. Her breathing was short and pained as she continued to push, but to no avail. Even with the pains it seemed that the pup just wouldn't come out. She expected this pup to be just like his father for giving her so much grief. Surely a female would have simple cooperated and allowed itself to travel forth. Push after push seemed to get Roka nowhere until she finally felt that first pup slowly passing into the birth canal.



She had succeeded in at least this much and almost wanted to howl in triumph at the little victory. He was larger than she had feared by the fear of him. It was almost impossible to imagine how Datura and Messoria had managed this alone. They surely must had burst from the size of their pups. She stretched until she could stretch no more yet the pup seemed to flow without difficulty. Her body seemed to know it's limits and was aiding in the birth. With one more almighty push her first pup was born, and while she knew the second was impatient to join the first she needed this time with the pup. It was a male, dark with some while on his face and belly, truly his fathers doppelganger. He was a giant among beasts, his frame large enough to be a tot instead of a newborn. Roka chewed open the membrane he was contained in, licking all of the fluid and issue off of him. Once she was content that he was clean and dry she nestled him to her stomach. She knew that he body would grow with milk for her young, sustaining them until they teeth could handle meat. For now she felt great pride that this son of hers had manages to find a teat to latch onto and was heartily suckling away. He was a smart boy and she expected nothing less form him. He was also strong, kneading away at her belly, greedily quenching his thirst.



She wanted to remain in this moment forever watching this little male begin to thrive in front of her, but the tension gathered up again and she knew that even though exhaustion as close she would have to begin her pushing once more. Taking one last look at the ebony male she decided he would be called Taranis, a strong name for her strong son.

Sabaoth Taranis Rhys Kegan

[Sabaoth]

Each moment away from Ina’mos was a moment too long now that news of Rokaa had reached the General. His strides devoured the land as he leaped across Vor’asa, his paws thumping noisily as his lips pulled upwards into a snarl. He hadn’t believed it at first, the words of the panting messenger processing sluggishly through Sabaoth’s mind. Roka, giving birth? Surely they’d been mistaken, for it seemed like only days ago that he'd received word of Roka's pregnancy, although it had been much longer. He almost hadn't dared believe it when the Matriarch had first sent word, until he'd remembered the night they’d spent together before his departure, and the tantalizing scent of her heat that he’d recognized but brushed off. It had been too early, and yet obviously that hadn’t stopped her body from conceiving. But I thought we had longer, he thought with another growl vibrating in his chest as the hard packed earth turned to sand beneath his form. He'd been so consumed by the agoge and the young warriors that he'd lost track of time. Now here he was, bounding towards the water like a fool with the possibility that he might be too late regardless replaying in his skull. 

He did not pause as his paws met the ocean, plunging forward with one powerful lunge, his body colliding with the cool waves. Immediately he began to swim, water churning beneath him as he moved towards the shore on the distant horizon. His muscles burned from the frenzy of his movements, but his body was closing distance swiftly, so Sabaoth pushed through the discomfort. The tang of saltwater invaded his nostrils, stirring on his tongue when his mouth parted momentarily, burning his lungs like fire. By the time he finally found land his legs trembled lightly from the strain of the crossing, and yet Sabaoth did not stop, his body already moving across the beach as he coughed up water.

He caught Roka’s scent just as he entered the line of trees, fresh enough to follow. Images of the femme the last time Sabaoth had seen her flashed through his mind as he weaved through the forest, the smell of her leading him in the direction of the caverns. When the opening of the cave came into sight Sabaoth dove into the dark depths, an abrupt snarl dripping from his muzzle as his back scraped against the low ceiling. Still he did not pause. With each step the cavern widened and grew until he was no longer cramped, and the smell of Roka was stronger the deeper than he went until at last he found her at one of the dead ends, nestled in a quaint enclosure.

Finally the General stopped, the sight of her momentarily driving the thoughts from his skull. She was exactly as he’d remembered her, except…larger, her stomach bulging unnaturally beneath the weight of the massive pups who were fighting their way out of her. His pups. ”Roka,” he said, his voice seeming too loud in the space despite the softness of his tone. He might have said more, but then Sabaoth’s eyes fell upon something nestled at her side, something that looked remarkably like him. Wordlessly he stepped forward, his head lowering to sniff at the pup that was already latched onto Roka, the scent somehow both foreign and familiar at the same time. A boy; his first son.

”I would have come sooner had I known,” he murmured, extending his muzzle to brush it against Roka’s, knowing that her struggle was far from over. ”But I’m here now.”

TAG: Roka + @datura + @kroko, Rhys, Taranis, Liadan

[Roka]

The pain was becoming more constant with every moment and Roka knew that the second pup was on his way. She could barely feel the tightness in her channel anymore for the first pup had made quite the opening for the rest of his siblings. Roka prayed that the rest of her offspring would be as pleasing as the first, his large size making her a proud mother. Even though she wanted more large sons she didn't know if her body could handle anymore. It was just as she was beginning to push again when she felt a disturbance in the air. She was no longer along in her cavern and a part of that made her a little scarred. There were plenty of pack mates here to protect her and her newborn son, but rational though had escaped her for now. The large creature came up to her side sniffing at her young and Roka snapped blindly not knowing what she would do if her little Taranis was stolen from her. It was just before she caught flesh that she realized that it was her own mate that was beside her. His scent was now distinguishable from her own. At first she hadn't been able to detect it with the smell of her own blood and birth flooding her mind. He was saying something about not knowing, but Roka had topped listening. She relaxed back down before continuing to push now content that her children were not in any danger.

The feelings of loathing towards Sabaoth had faded and she was filled with nothing but warmth, for even though she was in pain it brought her offspring into the world. Miracles that would never have been possible without the male standing next to her now. If he hadn't taken her that night by the water she would not have her son and the pup that was on it's way. She wondered just how many more pups she had within her. With one last great push her next pup was born, spilling out onto the floor. This open brought less blood and fluid with it. Pushing herself up again she leaned down to chew away at the membrane containing this pup. Nuzzling him she licked away the remaining tissue and fluids before getting a good look at the tiny thing. He was brown and white with some black on his coat. Roka smiled down at the little boy that resembled her more than her male. This son was only slightly smaller than his brother, but still a large pup to be proud of. She picked him up gently before placing him next to her darker pup nuzzling him closer to her teats. He latched on almost as greedily as his brother had and it make her huff a little at their roughness. Like father like son she supposed. She wandered what she should call this little warrior that looked so much like herself. Perhaps a name like herself. Rhys

Roka looked up to give a gruff smile to Sabaoth watching him as he looked at their sons. The warmth n her chest was spreading as she looked down at her two healthy boys. "They will make fine warriors some day." Those were the only words she got out before the tension began gain. It seemed like she wasn't finished yet as another pup made it's way into the world. She tended this one as she had the last licking it clean before looking it over. It was darker than Rhys, but not black like Taranis. This pup was also a great deal smaller than the others making her wonder if it was a female pup. She had been so overjoyed by the idea of her sons that she hadn't stopped to think about a daughter. Nuzzling it onto it's stomach she found him to be another son, just a smaller one. Once he was nuzzled against her side she felt herself drifting off as the tension seemed to dissipate for the time being. She still felt like there was something within her, but for now she let her eyes droop closed. She could find some semblance of rest before it all began again.

[Sabaoth]

So intent was he upon his first born son that Sabaoth did not see the ivory flash of teeth until it was too late. A tearing pain stung at his muzzle as Roka’s jaws snapped shut, teeth raking at his muzzle just beneath one of his other various scars. She recoiled a moment later, but Sabaoth could feel that in her unknowing state she’d left a long slash that would certainly heal, but would also scar. Nevermind that, he thought, finding that pride surged in his chest instead of anger - already she was proving to be a fiercely protective mother. A thin stream of blood slid down his muzzle, a single drop falling upon the pup who lay nuzzled at his mother’s side; immediately Sabaoth crouched to clean the spot from the pup’s wriggling form before stepping away.

Once more Roka succumbed to the act of labor, with Sabaoth at her side when the second pup pushed its way into the world. He watched with mingled pride and fascination as she cleaned it, revealing a plethora of browns and tans that favored her own pelt instead of Sabaoth’s as the first pups had. As she assisted the pup in finding its way to her side, this one smaller than the first but still impressive, Sabaoth caught a glimpse of its underbelly. Another son.

”They will make fine warriors some day.”

Sabaoth tore his gaze away from his young to meet Roka’s eyes, a fierce grin pulling at his muzzle. He no longer felt the pain of the mark on his muzzle; it was a minor thing compared to the delight stirring in his chest. ”They will,” he agreed after a moment, dipping his head quickly to brush his muzzle along the top of her head. ”with such a strong mother to raise them.” Kind words rarely fell from Sabaoth’s maw, and yet there was no question that Roka deserved them now more than ever.

Again it became clear that she was not done making him proud, and the third pup came easier, this one smaller than the last but clearly no runt, its pelt a mixture of dark mahogany and ebony. A boy again, and unbidden a name sprang to the forefront of Sabaoth’s mind. ”Kegan,” he murmured before he could stop himself. He was unsure if Roka had named the others yet, but the swiftness in which the third pup’s calling had become apparent could not be ignored.

At last it seemed as if she had finished, although Sabaoth could not be sure. He cast a swift glance at her still swollen belly, wondering if her labor would begin once more. Three sons was an impressive feat, but he would not have been surprised if more came. For now she’d been granted a brief moment to rest at least, and as Roka’s eyes fluttered closed Sabaoth cautiously maneuvered behind her, lowering himself so that he was partially wrapped around her. He was careful not to press against her, not wishing to crowd the new mother, but with each breath he took their pelts brushed just slightly.

”You’ve done so well.”

TAG: Roka + @datura
WORDS: 522
NOTES: Surprise puppeh on the way >D

[Roka]

Roka could feel herself drifting off to sleep, the warmth of Sabaoth's body lulling her exhausted body further and further into it's clutches. She couldn't keep her eyes from closing as each breath passed. She had three beautiful sons suckling at her belly so she dozed off with a smile. Despite not being able to imagine herself as a mother here she was with little babies of her own. Tiny little creatures that would depend on her for their survival. She could hear Sabaoth's words faintly, giving her assurance that she had pleased him with her birth. Her body relaxed and she wondered what came next for her little family. As is spurred on by her thoughts she felt another pain that she took for her afterbirth finally breaking away from her body. It passed far easier than any of her pups and when she leaned down to see what had come out of her she was surprised to find another pup. It was much smaller than the others and once Roka had licked the little pup clean she discovered it was a daughter.

Grabbing the pup she placed it next to her brothers nuzzling her closer to her engorged belly. She wasn't as aggressive as her brothers but Roka was proud of her nonetheless. She had always imagined herself with sons that would grow to be strong warriors someday, but having a little girl filled her with even more pride than she thought she could ever contain. With her children feeding and sleeping against her she allowed herself to lay back down, resting more fully against her mate. His large body wrapped around hers she took the warmth an strength he offered her exhausted body. "They are so perfect." She couldn't wait until they were old enough to show to the world. They were already so much better than any other pup ever born, far superior. She had heard Sabaoth's voice saying a name when the third pup was born. Kegan was a fine name for the little brute. "What do you want to name our little daughter? I named the other two Taranis and Rhys." Motioning to the other pups she felt the last of the pain of her labor leaving her and was able to finally relax.

[Sabaoth]

A gentle silence fell over the caverns as Roka took a moment to rest, and Sabaoth watched with intrigued eyes as their three sons suckled at their mother’s belly. It was still so surprising to think that he was a father now, the realization hitting him again and again as he observed the pups. Only days ago he’d been on Vor’asa, ignorant to the fact that Roka was so near to her time, and now…

Roka shifted suddenly, and Sabaoth’s head lifted, unable to help the immediate worry that blossomed in his chest. A moment later it dissipated as he realized that she was cleaning…another pup? Incredulous, Sabaoth watched as the dark, bold colors of the much tinier pup revealed themselves, and for a moment he feared that it would be a fourth boy. One so small would not last in Kairos, and Sabaoth had not planned on having a male runt to cull, although he would do so if circumstances called for it…but his worries were for naught. It was a female that had been birthed, and at last it seemed as if Roka’s labor was truly over. Perfect, she’d called them, and Sabaoth was inclined to agree with a dip of his muzzle and a quiet rumble. There were no physical deformities with any of the pups, no sickliness that he could see or smell…there were only tiny wriggling bodies, perfectly formed in the miniature likeliness of the brutes – and lady, he reminded himself with a pointed look at the girl – that they would one day become.

Roka’s question caused his gaze to flick to her, although he did not answer immediately, instead glancing to the first two pups when she informed him of their names. Taranis was the darkest of them all, his pelt brushed with ivory in places just as his father’s was, and Rhys seemed to most closely resemble his mother. ”They’re good names. Strong,” he told her, before his thoughts turned to the small femme nestled at Roka’s side until finally a name came to him. ”Líadan.” It fell smoothly from his mouth, seeming fitting for their sole daughter, her pelt the color of storm clouds and snow.

”Rest,” he said to Roka, settling closer beside her. ”I will stay with you. Vor’asa can wait, for the time being.”

TAG: @roka
WORDS: 385
NOTES: I left the end a bit open in case Sage wants to bring Datura in, but if not we can end it here <3 

[Deleted]

Sitting in the gaping cavernous entrance of the dens, Datura waited. A messenger had been sent to inform Sabaoth of the impending birth as soon as Datura was certain that the time had drawn near. Roka had retreated into the shadowy recesses of the cave, panting and heavily pregnant. Today would have to be the day. Datura wouldn’t allow the mates to be apart for this. Both would be first-time parents, and Sabaoth deserved to witness the birth of his pups. Goliath’s presence during Datura’s drawn out, agonizing birth had been her only sense of comfort during the ordeal. The wolfess could not fathom any form of torture that could be worse than the act of delivering one unnatural large pup – or five, as was the case for Datura’s first brood. She hoped that Roka’s experience would be shorter than her own, and less dangerous than Messoria’s had been. The dark consort had lost so much blood, her death would have been certain, if not for Datura’s intervention. The Matriarch did not intend to let one of the females of Kairos to succumb to death while creating new life. It was her duty to keep an eye on the pups as well as their mothers, for the safety of all, as well as the benefit of the pack.

The litter arrived late in the season – or, perhaps, it came early, for the winter carried the promise of renewed life. In several months, the den would again echo with the squeals and yips of newborns. They grew so quickly, from helpless, blind and deaf infants to strong, worthy adults. Datura’s own litter would soon be returning from the Agoge – a fate that undoubtedly waited for any male offspring that Roka had produced. Given who the pups’ father was, Datura suspect that the sons of Sabaoth and Roka would embrace their birthright. They were part of a proud lineage. It was a welcome relief that, in this instance, the pups were cousins to Datura’s children rather than half siblings.

When the sounds of labor had ceased, the Mexican femme leaned closer into the depths of the caverns, ears pricked forward. She could hear, just barely, the soft sounds of newborn pups, and as if by instinct, she found her way into the cave to seek out the new mother and father. She offered the pair a smile as she approached, though she gave the first-time mother enough space to feel comfortable. She regarded Roka as a friend, but the female Sabaoth had claimed was undeniably a feisty thing, and Datura was cautious not to crowd her in. Datura knew how strange it was to suddenly have such demanding responsibilities and duty thrust upon her, how everything changed when a she-wolf became a mother. There was nothing else like it.

Datura peered into the wiggling pile of puppies, squirming, toppling over one another in a blind battle to be closest to their mother’s warmth and milk. Each was reminiscent of its parents in one way or another – the hint of dark fur, passed down from their sire, hints of brown and gray from their dam. They were all very different. The memory of her own first day of motherhood brought an ever-widening smile to her maw. ”These three are boys? They are big, and healthy. They will get bigger very quickly, too.” Datura’s own young now towered over the Matriarch, with the except of Pandora, still so dainty and sweet, albeit distant. Her honey-hued eyes turned to the smallest of the litter – likely the runt of the bunch, though she looked perfect. ”And a girl. You both must be very proud.” Her gaze rose to meet Roka’s, and she offered a nod of congratulations, for it was the females who truly suffered and toiled.

After she was certain that the new mother was healthy, despite the large newborns she had birthed, Datura turned wordlessly to leave the new family to bond privately. She was still smiling to herself as the padded away. Soon, she would be the one doing the difficult work, and Datura was pleased that she would be a mother again. Pups were loud, often obnoxious, and needy, but her life was now dedicated to the youth of Kairos. And it was rather nice to be an aunt.

words: 738
tag: Roka Sabaoth Rhys Liadan Taranis Kegan
ooc: super late but yay pups!