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Post by Free on Feb 27, 2011 20:54:20 GMT -5
[bg=ffe7f4][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][cs=7] It had been a long two days. The traveling had been hard on her, and she had decided she really hated sand and floundering around in it. Maybe if her paws were more webbed and bigger, she wouldn't hate it so much. But with her small, delicate paws, it made going hard and rough. But Req was so kind, and he would let her take lots of breaks, especially since they now knew she was pregnant. She was still coming to terms with that, but every time she tried to forget, her paws would hurt or Req would have her take another break, for their sake. She needed to keep up her strength.
After what he had said two days ago, their relationship had turned a corner. It was we, instead of you and me. And it wasn't just her, they shared these looks that had her melting inside. She was fairly sure she was falling for him. It helped Devi by giving herself something to be happy about. He was being so positive, trying to get her to see that the puppies wouldn't know what evil their father had been and done. They would only know Req's wisdom and her kindness. And that was what she had resolved to do. She would pretend these were puppies from Req, and treasure them as a gift. In a way, it was just dodging the issue, but she didn't feel she could live out under the truth. And of course, she hadn't told Req.
Req made it easy to keep up with him, and she didn't have to think about where she was going. Req would keep her safe. She alternately left her mind blank, or thought about their future and what would happen to their relationship. Sometimes her thoughts would take a turn toward her brother, or even if Req had any family. By the time they would stop for the night, she would be too tired to ask the questions she had come up with during the day. She sometimes came up with good ones too.
It was getting hot as they traveled that third day, and she could only imagine what Req was feeling. He had a much thicker coat than she, and she was getting to the point where she thought about panting. They were getting higher as they went along, but Devi had built up enough endurance in their trek to be able to go as if the land was flat. That was one good thing about all this traveling. She was getting stronger and was putting some muscle on. She doubted the following months of staying near the pups would help her condition much.
She had to stop when they finally crested the sloping hill. Her brown eyes eagerly took in the landscape, and it was stunning. Green hills, open fields, forest-like spots, it just looked lush. It was beautiful. Of course, she didn't really take a whole lot of notice of the lands that they were passing through, but this must be the climax. There were even flowers scattered throughout, purples and pinks and reds, just stunning. Then Req turned to her, and his words stunned her. This beautiful land? Theirs? She forgot to breath for a second. Really? she squeaked, a smile slowly spreading across her face as his words sunk in. Their land. Req's land. It had such a lovely ring to it, to match a beautiful land.
As she looked back at him, he looked about ready to bolt in his excitement. Run, Req, run. |
[/color] she told him, chuckling softly. She followed at a more leisurely pace, letting the details and scents really sink in and permeate her being. She stopped in a valley in grass that came about halfway up her legs, and she just lay down in it, scooting forward to rub her side against the grass, getting her scent on it and its scent on her. It felt lovely, resting her legs and messing around in the grass. Her tail, for the first time in awhile, wagged, thumping on the ground. She gave a happy sigh, closing her eyes as she listened to Req's paw steps.[/blockquote]
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[/size] Muse; Pretty Good Words; 708 Notes; Happiness.[/center][/size] [/td][/tr][/table][/color][/center] |
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Post by Issalyn on Mar 8, 2011 11:27:17 GMT -5
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Requiem ran, and ran, and ran. Every chance he got over the next few days, he ran. Things in his life were finally leaning towards perfection. The land he'd found was every bit as beautiful as the dog who shared it with him. He loved running around the emerald hills, sniffing the sweet flowers that clung to the earth. They'd been on the land only for a few days, but already it felt more like home than he ever remembered feeling before.
Unfortunately, his worries for Devi still didn't fade. Now that he knew her condition, he was always watching her. Maybe even more closely than before. He wasn't as scared of her 'sickness', but he was worried because he realized he didn't know anything about puppies. He didn't know how much Devi should rest or what she should eat. He didn't know what he should do when it was actually time for the puppies to come.
However, he knew she still needed her freedom. He'd learned she liked her independence to an extent, and needed to feel like she wasn't a burden. For this reason, he spent small pieces of his day exploring the land on his own. He'd leave her only when he knew she was content and safe in the shelter of the small grove of trees, or curled up under a bush in the shade. The sun seemed to grow warmer with each day, and he felt himself hoping the puppies would come before the weather grew into the miserable summer heat. It was one thing to endure normally. He had a feeling the land they had wouldn't be unbearably hot, but it would probably be humid from all the small lakes that cluttered across the land. In her already strained condition, he worried that heat and sun could be dangerous.
Even when he left her, he made sure never to be gone for long. He'd give her one last nuzzle on the cheek, listening to her assurance that she was fine. His grey and amber eyes held hers steadily, looking for her inner strength. If she seemed to be having a bad day, he'd wander away, but stay close enough to hear her if she woke. If she seemed truly content, he'd venture farther. It took every ounce of his determination to go beyond earshot, but he knew he needed to trust her, and give her a chance to take care of herself.
It was a warm afternoon, and he was strolling not to far from where Devi rested peacefully. He'd decided they needed to find a more permanent shelter for when the puppies came. She'd need a den where she could stay with them until they were big enough to move. She couldn't just wander around and enjoy the scenery like they'd been doing since they came.
The problem was, the region has no rocks or mountains, so there was no chance of finding a nice roomy cave. The small clusters of trees and scattered bushes they sometimes slept by were okay - for them. But they weren't really protective or large enough to keep puppies in for very long.
Requiem sighed as he walked along the banks of a small pond. He glanced at his own reflection. It had changed so much recently. The travel weary look had been washed away by frequent swims in the ponds. His coat was cleaner and had a healthy shine to it. His expression looked less haggard. Though he still worried about Devi, having his own land had given him a boost of confidence, and also brought him great happiness. His expression seemed much more alive, taking time to enjoy the serenity of nature around him and not just constantly be on alert.
His white tipped paws left faint impressions in the moist soil around the pond. He sighed again and peered up at the sky, deciding it was probably getting late enough in the afternoon for him to return to Devi. His heart lept at the thought of seeing her. Though he was with her most of the time, the time he spent away from her always left him feeling unsettled. He felt their relationship changing course, but he didn't know what to do. He knew the puppies would make things difficult for awhile. It would be so hard to admit they loved each other as more than friends when they had to deal with the responsibility of parenting. He shook his head, rusty ears flopping as he did. No, pursuing his growing affection for her would just have to wait. Once again, he tried to shove such thoughts away and told himself to focus on enjoying what little time he had left with her alone.
He picked up a run and sprinted back towards Devi's location. His muscles were growing stronger by the day, now that he could stretch out and really run again. When he was with Devi, he never extended to his full speed, knowing too much exercise would tire her out. But when he was alone, he took the time to run with all his heart. He closed his eyes and felt the wind whipping past him. Soon he was panting, but it felt good. His legs moved in harmony, his muscles growing taunt and then springing forward stride by stride.
When he grew close, he slowed back to a trot and tried to catch his breath. As he moved, he could see Devi's form where he had left her. She was no longer curled up asleep, and he was glad he hadn't stayed out longer. He extended his jog and wagged his tail excitedly in greeting. I'm back! Did you have a nice nap? He covered the remaining distance to her quickly, and sat down in front of her with a happy expression.
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[/size] Muse; Random. Words; 1000 Notes; I think I'm lost... xD [/center][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/color][/center] |
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Post by Free on Mar 10, 2011 22:09:34 GMT -5
[bg=ffe7f4][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][cs=7]The days had been spent relaxing, and basking in the warm sun. When it got too warm, she could always retreat into the cooler shade. She had been sleeping a lot, relaxing a lot. Being pregnant took its toll on a dog, but now that she and Req had a land, she was able to rest and recover from the days of travel. Req had taken to leaving her as he inspected his land, and during these times she would sleep and sometimes wander around the area a little. She tired easily, so she always returned where Req had left her. He might worry if he knew of her wanderings. But, for all she knew, he already knew and just let her think she was getting away with it.
Today, she was feeling huge and bloated with the puppies, and was rather restless. She drifted to sleep, and Req quietly took his leave. She didn't sleep long, and soon stood to pace. This was an area they hadn't explored as much as the other, and she went around and found the best shady spots in the area. Req obviously had made the land known to him, because he had settled her in the best she could find. But as she sniffed around a bush, she was surprised to find a shallow hole in the ground. Sniffing deeply, she could detect no recent occupants. It seemed like a wolverine had dug the hole, and had lived in it until it just disappeared, probably killed by another dog or wolverine. Having exhausted herself in her short jaunt, she meandered back to her spot.
She laid down with a heaving sigh, stretching out on her side, and placing her chin on her shoulder as she watched for Req. Her eyes drooped, and her ears relaxed enough she made a cute sleepy dog pose. Not that you couldn't tell she was pregnant anymore. She was ready, beyond ready, to have the pups. She wanted her energy back, her ability to stretch her long legs and run with Req. Unfortunately, with the pups, only one of them could be away from them for awhile. She'd have to wait to run with him until they were grown enough to go off on their own or to come with. She heaved a sigh, twitching an ear as a fly made its way to her shady cove.
Her drowsy state didn't lessen as she watched him approach, but she did give a lovely smile. Owning land suited him, because he seemed to only grow more handsome as the days went on. Unlike her, growing like a whale every one of them. She kept her feelings and observations to herself, carefully hidden underneath half closed eyes. Kinda. she replied, not wanting to rouse herself. I got a little restless, wandered around a bit. |
[/color] she confessed, eyes glancing to the bush that hid the hole. Over behind that bush is a former wolverine den, do you think you could enlarge it enough for me to have the pups in there and have space to take care of them?[/color] She would have started the work herself, but one she doubted she could fit with her belly, and two, she was too pregnant to be digging anything substantial. She was just so glad she wasn't alone. She'd be hopeless, and probably starving. If not dead, if he hadn't found her on the beach. Her life had improved so much she could barely remember those feelings that had dominated her life. Sure, she would have a hard time looking at the pups and seeing his face, but with Req's help they would take care of them, and hopefully they would thrive and then go away as fast as possible. She brought her eyes back to Req, watching him carefully. He had good conformation, lovely thick coat, and the cutest markings. White tipped paws, white chest, deep russet coloring. She liked him. But in her condition, there wasn't really much she could do to show it. Or what she knew was slowly developing along that physical attraction. Something that was gradual enough it didn't scare her. Req was good with her and for her, and she had to wonder if he had experience. If he did, it must have been when he was younger, because it was obvious he didn't have anyone else in his life. She heaved a sigh, happy to just watch Req and relax, and just hope the puppies came quickly. She also couldn't wait for a cool, underground den. She was sure Req would either make what she found work, or find something better. He was just like that. She didn't even care if he caught her staring, because when someone you liked stared at you, it was a good thing. This was something she knew from experience. When dogs you didn't know or didn't like stared at you, it made you uncomfortable. But when that guy you liked or friend you made watched you, it was a different feeling. A warm feeling that made you feel good.[/blockquote]
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[/size] Muse; Pretty Good Words; 861 Notes; Sleepy 'cause I'm sleepy. Or she'd probably be perkier. XD[/center][/size] [/td][/tr][/table][/color][/center] |
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Post by Issalyn on Mar 15, 2011 8:49:17 GMT -5
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Requiem followed Devi to the spot she spoke of. It was indeed a well hidden den. He had to pass through the clump of bushes and then if he looked closely he saw the hole in dry brown earth. It might have been large enough for him to get into, but certainly nothing comfortable. As Devi asked him to make it larger, he tentatively scratched at the earth, and was pleased to see that though it was fairly dry from being both on a hill and hidden by the bushes, it was not dry to the point of being hard to dig through.
He glanced at Devi and noted the fatigue that masked her. Her belly had swollen bigger and bigger in the past days and sagged low between her hind legs. He knew it must be getting uncomfortable for her to even walk, let alone try to dig. For her sake, he hoped those pups would hurry up and make their appearance into the world. Nodding, he turned and began digging at the earth again. He felt her presence behind him still, and eventually he paused and turned to look at her. Get some rest if you want to Dev. You can stay right here with me, but don't feel like you have to stay awake just to keep me company.
He smiled gently at her, a smooth, content look crossing his features. It was funny how all the signs of weariness just made her look all the more precious...and beautiful. He realized he'd never seen her in her top condition, but he felt she was beautiful not because of her looks, but because of the aura that seemed to seep from her. She carried herself with poise and had such a kind, gentle demeanor. That was what he liked about her. She could have been the most hideous dog in the world, and still he would have seen her inner beauty. He hoped that her puppies would get to see the same loving, nurturing side of her, rather than seeing her as a pained, grieving mother.
Being assured that she was okay, Req turned back to his work. He made fast at it. It turned out all the muscles he'd been building with his daily runs were coming in use. The work was tedious, but he had the stamina and strength to make it look almost easy. His white tipped paws scraped at the earth in a rhythmic motion, sending dust and clumps of dirt flying out behind them. What was at first a smooth hard soil floor quickly grew into a soft, loose floor. It had marks from his digging, and the farther he went into it, the more dark and moist it grew.
He wasn't sure how much time passed. He was so focused on his task he didn't notice. But gradually the already fading sun sank down as the hole got larger. Soon it was so dark the land was full of shadows, but he continued diligently. Finally, as the night grew cool, he felt satisfied with his work. His muscles now felt cramped and ached, but the end result was worth the strain. He stepped back and looked at his handiwork with pride. What had started out as a hole just big enough for him to squeeze into (and maybe get stuck) was now easily large enough for him to easily walk into. He'd dug it down farther, so that it sloped inward and then expanded into a roomy area much bigger than the entrance tunnel. Only one dog could walk into the den at a time, but the base of it was more than big enough for Devi and the pups.
If they both curled up, he could probably fit in the large area with her. Or, he could leave the roomy part for her and the puppies, and himself lay down in the mouth of it to keep watch outside and prevent anything else from entering. It wasn't the largest of spaces, and for sure Devi and the pups would have to come out during the day some to stretch their legs and play, but it was comfortable enough that they could rest in there for long periods of time without getting cramped. He knew this part would be especially good for the first few days after the pups were born, when they were tiny and too vulnerable to face the dangers of the big world outside.
Being assured that his work was complete, he turned around and walked back to tell Devi. His voice rang out rather loudly, for the time of night, a sure sign of his excitement. Devi, come look! It's done!
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[/color] He wagged his tail enthusiastically and bounced around a little bit. He couldn't help it. Despite his fatigue, a job well done gave him an extra boost of energy. His hopes that it would impress Devi only added to that. [/blockquote]
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[/size] Muse; Coming back. Words; 823 Notes; Ehhh. [/center][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/color][/center] |
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Post by Free on Mar 22, 2011 20:07:08 GMT -5
[bg=ffe7f4][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][cs=7]She was quite happy to find him amiable to the plan, and he quickly got down to work. She stood watching the dirt start to give way under his paws, content to watch even as she tramped down the feeling she should be doing the work. They were her pups, and although Req had taken her under her wing and obviously transferred some of his protectiveness of her to the puppies, he had no attachment to them. Of course, if she had had her choice, she would never have been carrying them. Wouldn't have even gone from her brother. But right then, at that thought, she had a conflicting voice speak in her head. You never would have met Req, it whispered to her. Just then he turned around, telling her she was welcome to stay near, but she didn't have to stay awake. She gave him a small smile, still struggling over that thought.
She sat down, and slowly moved her front paws forward until she was laying down. She set her head on one paw, white chin resting on the ground, still keeping her face toward Req. The dog she never would have met if it wasn't for him. The dog she never wouldn't have met if she hadn't been raped. Right now, she couldn't handle the ramifications of her thinking. She couldn't think about the chain of events that led her to Req. Her wounds were still too fresh, she was afraid she would tear off the thin scab she had formed over them and relive those feelings Req had gently helped her through.
Before she knew it, after she brought her mind back to the comforting sight of Req's powerful haunches, she had drowsed to sleep. Dreams of Req's muscular body ran through her consciousness, and in her dreams she didn't have the restrictions of being pregnant or not so cautious that he didn't exactly like her the way she was. She slept for quite awhile before she was awakened by a stab of pain in her stomach. She gave a soft gasp, not loud enough for Req to hear in the midst of his digging, which had taken him out of sight, but enough to show it had really hurt. It slowly subsided, and she was able to relax again and see that dirt was still flying out of the den. He had made significant progress, but the sun was sinking quickly, and she took a moment to watch the sky fill with magnificent colors before she softly drifted to sleep again.
She was awakened once more by a simultaneous blast of pain and Req's voice. This time she couldn't hide her gasp, but tilted her ears so she could listen, even while the pain subsided, slower than the first. But once it was gone, she became swept up in his excitement. She lumbered to her feet, or at least that's what id felt like to her. She walked carefully over to the den, lest she cramp up again. or whatever, and was pleased at the progress. She could easily make her way in, and as soon as she went in she could feel the subtle difference of the cooler air inside. He had done such a good job, she doubted she could have done a better one.
She was able to turn around where the den widened out, and lay down to stretch out and test the space. It was plenty big, and she could even fit with legs outstretched, with room for the puppies that would come soon. Despite the coolness she began to pant, and made her way back out to Req. Oh, Req, it's simply perfect! Thank- Her speech was cut off by a yelp of pain, of pain far worse than the two spasms before. She carefully lay down, and the pain lasted longer than the other two. She closed her eyes, opening them as it finally subsided and she could relax her muscles. I think... |
[/color] she panted, I think the pups are coming.[/color] If she had known the signs, she would have realized it long before. But what she did know now was that what she was feeling were contractions. She gave a look of fear to Req before crawling back in the den. It would be a better place to have the pups than out in the open, and it was the perfect size. She just didn't know if she could stand the pain. It wasn't too long before they came in quicker intervals, not giving her too much time to breath in between. But when the morning came, she was exhausted, but there lay five pups, beautiful if only because they were pups, nursing at her belly. She didn't have the strength or will left to name them or even distinguish between male and female, but enough strength to thump her tail to Req and fall quickly asleep.[/blockquote]
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[/size] Muse; Pretty Good Words; 839 Notes; Pups! C:[/center][/size] [/td][/tr][/table][/color][/center] |
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