Virtuous hearts; Tirisfal Valley

He nodded at Nuri's question after a brief thought. "That's fine, as long as they keep Silent's comfort in mind. If you can carry her yourself, we'll need two others to help carry the pups, since Bright and I can take one each. Otherwise, three. Silent needs water soon, though, so if we can spare another to find a way to transport water to her. Otherwise, we'll have to think while transporting them and then hurry." Looking to Nuri, Doctor questioned, "May I request for Bright to be located near Silent's den? Both might feel better knowing the other is nearby, and it makes it faster and easier to check on them and give them meals." He turned around, but waited for Nuri to process the information, and possibly to tell him how many wolves to gather.

He was still worried about what happened in the other location. There was no urgent request for him to tend to anyone. He hoped that the young wolf who had cried out was unhurt and alive. Of course, the opposite could be true, but... he could hope for as long as he didn't know.

Nuri listened to Doctor and nodded his head, he appreciated the brus advice and suggestions. It was nice to have another wolf with a clear head when he was not so well himself. Looking at his poor mate he moved silently past Doctor and leaned down towards her. Licking her face gently it hurt him to see Silent in such a state..."Yes our pups are beautiful my love..." In truth he only glimpsed them over with Bright but he knew that anything Silent brought to bear would be as beautiful as she was, strong too. "Yes, there are three newcomers...they have helped us and I believe them to be trustworthy." Again he licked her face. "But don't worry over that now...do you think it is possible for me to carry you? To bring you somewhere safer?" Bright spoke and he nodded knowing they were in a vulnerable position with the pups in the open. Looking back at Doctor he indicated the other wolves. "Would you mind asking for help? I believe them to mean us no harm..." They had help save the pups from certain death for which he was grateful. A pang of pain shot through his heart thinking of the poor pup whos life was crushed out of him...so young...so innocent..

Silent shifted slightly, groggily opening her eyes as she heard voices. Dark, fuzzy shapes greeted her amber orbs, and she frowned in confusion. She could not tell with her eyes who was there, but their scents gave them away, and she lifted her head to greet her mate. "Nuri," she rasped rather weakly, "Thank goodness... you're here. Our.. pups." She nosed the air, seeking them out by scent. They were with Bright. She smiled. Then a new scent came to her, and she wondered who it was. "Is that.. a newcomer?" she questioned, furrowing her brow. Despite her condition, she couldn't help but to feel quite hopeful that someone new was here to join the pack. There was more safety in numbers. Sighing heavily, Silent rested her head back down, saying not a word about her eyes. Maybe it would go away. She was probably just groggy. She did not want to worry anyone any further, nor did she want to make a fuss. All she could do now was talk lightly, and hope that her pack would help her and the pups get somewhere safe, though she did not know if she would have the strength to move herself.



Bright nuzzled the pups as they squirmed and squeaked, grooming them each in turn. Her little Haru was strong already, pushing his way to the warmest place amongst the other pups. She smiled as she watched the pups interact and move around. Most were full from nursing and trying to sleep. Haru's brother, Ajax, was still nuzzled up to her breast, suckling hungrily. Bright licked him, then looked up as Nuri arrrived, with an unknown female trailing farther behind him. She sniffed the air, familiarizing herself with the femme's personal scent, wondering who she was. Bright was not suspicious of her, merely curious. As Doctor spoke of moving them, Bright perked toward him. She would feel a lot better with all these newborns if they were in a den, protected from the elements and unknown dangers lurking in the forest. She didn't know what had happened to the pup who'd cried out for help, and for all she knew, the danger was still near.

"I hope we can get moving as quickly as possible," she murmured, unable to hold back her concern as a mother, "Nuri, is there anyone else who can help us?" It would be a difficult task to move all four newborns, as well as make sure Silent was not left alone in her current condition. Yet it didn't look like she would be able to walk any time soon, so she would need assistance to get moving. Clawing the ground anxiously, she waited for someone to think of something, or perhaps get more help.

Doctor looked up as Nuri approached. "I'm glad you're here. Yes, you can see her. She's lots quite a bit of blood. I've tried to keep her mind occupied by thinking of names for them," he nodded his head at the pups, "but she's tired from the blood loss. I've done what I could for now, using a root to stop the internal bleeding. Unfortunately, I haven't enough knowledge with too many of the other ingestible plants in these lands for use with emergencies at any point of child bearing... the wrong plant or quantity at this moment in time can be fatal, although I'd feel better with expanding the herb options after the night." He paused, then said, "I need your help to move Silent to a safer location and get water to her as soon as possible- she'll be dehydrated from the blood loss. Bright also should move to a den."

He was sorry for loading all this upon Nuri at one time, but he wasn't one to hide important information like this. Tensing as he noticed another presence following, he shifted his position so he'd be blocking Silent from view from the wolf whose scent he didn't recognize. It was an automatic reaction as well as his healer's reactions. With him, Nuri, Bright, Silent and pups around, there were many things to keep an eye for, and helpful newcomer or not, he wouldn't allow many other wolves too close unless Nuri cleared it. He had nothing against the wolf, but he was being cautious, especially after what had happened. He tilted his head, saying, "They both have two pups. I will follow your judgement, but I don't think it would be comfortable for either of them to have much of the pack milling around close to the pups in this state. Moving them will be a bit slower, though." His gaze turned to a stone on the ground, "I'm sorry. I'm a bit useless if something goes wrong and I'm not there from the beginning to monitor the process."

Doctor saw Silent eat the root, but was concerned with her movements. His attention to Bright again, she had confirmed what he thought, and, would luck have it, she, too, brought pups to the world, but, everything was normal... luckily. He knew he had to get someone to watch over the two mothers, but he didn't want to leave them while they were exhausted. "I hope that rouge wolf's gone..." he could handle a fight with one wolf if it came down to it, but probably wouldn't be able to keep his focus on two at the same time. He raised his head and send a howl, loud enough to reach Nuri's ears. It was a neutral sounding howl that held an urgent summonings. He didn't want anyone not knowing about Silent to realize what was going on. Silent needed privacy, not whe whole pack pushing around to see how she was doing. He said to Bright, "This is a gamble, but I don't want to leave either of you alone for even a short while. I'll wait for Nuri to get here, get the water, then one of us will help you move to a den, if you're alright with the wait." He couldn't focus on one thing, something, even while healing, he didn't have any problems with and hadn't bothered to learn to filter the extra thoguhts out. Now it was troublesome, but hopefully it would be ok when Nuri arrives. Hopefully Silent wasn't dilerious and would recognize him.

Silent could barely open an eye as Doctor nudged her, speaking words which made no sense to her. Even as one amber orb peeled open, the glazed look over it told of a whole new problem, and no vision came to her mind even as she forced open a second eye. Still in too much of a daze to realize her troubles, she merely sniffed at what was in front of her, hardly aware she'd actually opened her eyes at all, and tenderly snapped at the strange-smelling plant placed before her. She chewed slowly, barely able to concentrate. She swallowed clumsily, almost choking, before finally all went well. She had consumed the plant, and closed her eyes again, unable to keep conscious for long.



Bright looked up from the whelps who were curled beside her, her auds alert to Doctor's approach. She was relieved to see that he had discovered something that was possibly useful, though even he seemed uncertain of Silent's hope for survival. Things looked grim, but Bright did not wish to think negatively. She would always try to keep hope. "I wish I could be of more assistance," she murmured, feeling useless, "But you are right, my time is near. The pains have already begun. Everything feels as it should, though..." Despite her youth, this was already her second litter, and she figured it would go as easily as the last, though with perhaps more joy this time. That was, if Silent could pull through and everything went according to plan, otherwise she would suffer the pain of loss, not only for the Alphaess but for those who would miss her too. She had lost everything in her short life, and understood deeply the pains that ailed the heart.

And then it happened. Water spilled from her body and nature propelled her to push as the muscles seized her abdomen. She whimpered from the pain, as well as realizing she was out in the open, just as vulnerable as Silent had been - vulnerable as they all still were, what with dangerous strangers roaming the lands. Bright had been so busy tending to Silent that she had forgotten to make time for herself and find a den. It was too late now, though, and she needed to go through with what nature told her to do. She pushed until the first pup burst forth, and turned to complete her duties cleaning it, allowing the pup to nurse until the second was coming along, and she forced it into the world with as much ease as a birth could offer. She licked it clean and directed it to her belly; two boys. She cuddled them, urging Silent's pups closer as well to get them acquainted.

Then she looked to Doctor, her tongue lolling from her mouth as she panted. She was quiet for a few moments, feeling quite exposed with no den to hide her or the young ones. But she knew she needed to deal with the present situation, not her feelings. "I will stay right here, if you can get water to Silent somehow," she said, still huffing from the effort of birth, "And if possible, I think we must request help. We need to find cover. We have no idea what's going on back there.." She looked in the direction where the other brave wolves had gone to the terrified cry of the whelp; she could only pray that everything was alright and they were dealing with things well. There was no way Silent would be able to walk right now, but she needed a private place to rest, and Bright would not feel comfortable until she and the newborns were hidden from sight.

He weaved in and out of the trees, knowing there had to be something around to help. Truthfully, Doctor wasn't very good at pregencies when he arrives during the birthing process, although he hadn't known many wolves who were, especially during an emergency. He skidded to a stop, seeing a faintly familiar plant. Doctor didn't know the name of this plant, but he had seen it used before during excess bleeding. The healer had admitted it wouldn't help in all cases, but it was the safest to use when the healer wasn't sure exactally what caused the bleeding. Using herbs was dangerous in any part of the pregnency if the healer didn't know what they were doing.

He dug into the earth with his paws. The plant was younger than he'd have liked, but they would just have to hope it would help. Theoretically, the younger plant should be either more or less potent, but wouldn't be of any harm. Grabbing two roots, just in case, he continued on, scanning the ground, in case he found anything that would help in any way. hearing moving water, he quickly turned towards it. He glances at the bottom of the rivier. Leaves were too soft and flexible to carry water. He wouldn't find a rock that was conveniently bent inward. He'd have to come back later when he found something to carry the water in. For now, though... he dropped the roots near the bank of the river, making sure they got wet, but also unable to get washed away downstream. Even though it was only a bit of water, it would help to keep her hydrated a little bit.

Picking up the now-swollen roots, he raced back. He knew Silent probably wouldn't have the energy to chew up a root, so she wouldn't get as much water as the roots were currently holding. Coming to the spot he left them, he saw Silent's eyes were closed, but just barely noticed her side moving as she breathed. With a nod to Bright, he set the roots down, and dashed a short distance to grab a leaf, and returned. He squeezed out a bit of the water on the leaf, knowing a bit of it would scatter onto the ground, then worked on lightly chewing the roots up- just enough that Silent could consume them. If the situation wasn't so dire, he would be able to come up with something more effective, but he had very little time, so he had to do things quickly while being efficient.

Done with this part, he dropped the root back onto the leaf, where the remaining water began to soak back into the root, the toughest bonds holding it together now broken. Pushing the leaf to Silent, he gently nudged her, saying, "Silent? I need you to try to eat this." He knew the root wasn't going to taste very good, but she probably wasn't in a condition to notice, and there was nothing he could do about the flavor. From the corner of his eye, he saw the moss and noted how there wasn't as much blood. Either the moss was helping, or the bleeding had already slowed down.

Looking at Bright, he said, "This is about all I can do at this point. All we can do is hope the root stops the bleeding and give her water... I've arrived too late to ensure her a greater survival chance than this- it's mostly up to her will to live and if she responds to the herbs." Looking around, he added, "And hopefully we can find something to help her replenish some blood... although I doubt she'd take well to food right now." He noticed one pup missing, but didn't want to ask, able to guess what had happened. Then, with a look that stated he knew this wasn't an ideal time to ask, he questioned, "Are you doing ok? Pardon me if I'm wrong, but are you going to bear pups soon?" Doctor knew he would be very overwhelmed if Bright went into labor any time soon. No other wolf was around at the moment, and the idea of a possible intruder was fresh in his mind.

Silent's eyes drifted to her two packmates as they rushed to save her pups, and she let out a huff of relief. She felt a second pup beginning to nurse, and was grateful when Doctor put the first-born to her nose so that she could see him. Her darling little baby. She wished that Nuri was here to share the moment, and wondered where he was. By the sounds of the howls on the air, it seemed he was attending to something urgent, and all she could do was hope everything would be alright. Looking to Doctor as he tried to distract her mind, she nodded - yes, she should concentrate on what was most important right now. She would think of the names and hang on to them in her mind until Nuri could be there. But instead of thinking, her head flopped down and her eyes closed, and she drifted off into a deep slumber, exhausted from her efforts and loss of blood.



Bright looked up as Doctor gave his suggestions as to what he thought was best, and she nodded. She would keep a look-out for anything she thought might help, though she had no knowledge of healing. She looked to the pup that was between her paws. She frowned, as the pup had not yet taken a breath, and nothing she was doing seemed to change that. She nudged the pup, putting it on its back and attempting one last time to make it breathe. It did not, and slowly, she felt the life fade from its little body. Her heart sunk and she lay over the pup, looking to Silent. The Alphaess seemed to have drifted off, and her pups were huddled around her, one nursing, the other sleeping by his mother's face.

Sighing, Bright took the whelp that was in her care and carried her to a secluded area, quickly digging out a grave and gently placing the pup in the hole. It didn't seem fair that the pup's life had never begun, but she knew there was nothing she could do. She nosed the dirt back into the hole and bid Tor and Fenris to watch over the pup. Now that she was up and about, she looked to the surrounding plants, wondering what she could pick out. She was attracted to a fairly large growth of moss on a rock, and decided to rip a chunk of and take it back. She moved to Silent and pressed the moss against the bleeding, wondering if the Alphaess could be saved. The bleeding seemed to have slowed, but it made Bright wonder if it was only because there was little else to come out. Yet, she could see the light rise and fall of Silent's ribcage. Only time would tell. Bright knew what her role would be in all of this. Silent needed all of her energy to recover, so the younger femme walked over to where the other pup still nursed and moved her away, collected the male whelp, and settled them both by her own belly. Her milk would flow soon, especially if the whelps began nursing. And soon enough, her own would come, and she wondered what they would look like...

He mentally berated himself for not seeing the pups sooner. He saw Bright arrive, taking fast action with the second pup, and nodding his gratitude, before he quickly said to Silent, "We got them," and moved to the third pup, separating it from Silent so it could start its life, hopefully with Silent surviving. He started to lick the pup, cleaning some of the blood off the fur. It was clear Silent's first priority would be the assurance of her pups' safety. After getting the pup somewhat clean, he gently directed it towards the first born pup, who was finished feeding.

Throughout this, his mind was racing. He looked at Bright and said, "We can't move her, and I can't risk giving her too many herbs to eat for internal bleeding such as this. There is a chance that, in addition to ingesting the herb, if we can block the birthing entrance with some larger, clean leaves or something... Maybe you can think of something else if it'll be more practical and comfortable for Silent." He looked around. "She'll need to be brought plenty of water, too."

Turning his attention back to Silent, he gently picked up the first-born pup, settling it next to Silent's head, as if to show they were fine, and so she could get a better look. Lighting tapping her again, Doctor said, "Rest, and try to hang in there. Think about naming them- unless you already decided?" He looked up and said to Bright, "I'm going to get the herbs now. If there's any material in the immediate area you think will help in any way- Silent or the pups-, go for it." He knew he hadn't stocked up on the plant he was looking for, but with luck, he'd be able to find it. At this moment of unpreparedness, there was only one plant he could think of that won't harm Silent if improperly administered. It appears that none of them knew exactally what caused the bleeding. Herbs are good, but using the wrong one could be fatal. He turned his head, picking out a direction he should head towards first, then stood up, a gesture of his haste to find the plant, yet also paid attention to Silent, in case there was something he needed to hear before he left.

Silent lay still as Bright went for help. The first whelp had arrived and she had been unable to properly clean it and nudge it to her belly, for the pain that ripped through her abdomen impaired her to the point of helplessness. The pup had been lucky that Bright was around, for he now nursed eagerly at her belly. Blood still seeped abnormally from her body, and it was not long before a torrent of agony sent her wailing and straining once more. Thick, crimson liquid gushed forth as she pushed, and she cried out, wondering why this had to happen to her. This should have been the happiest day of her life, yet she felt nothing more than crippling pain and weakness, feeling as though her insides were pulling apart. At last another whelp slid onto the ground, but Silent could only flop down uselessly, panting heavily with the strain, the loss of blood leaving her weak and drained. The pup squirmed in its pouch, its mouth open and pleading for air; Silent glanced with wet, burning eyes at her child, reaching for it with her hind paw, trying to bring it closer to her face.

Her limbs had grown stiff and weak with a lack of oxygen, and her mind felt fuzzy. She could not reach the pup. Her head flopped back in a dizzying manner, but Doctor's voice still managed to cut through the haze. She set an unfocused gaze upon him, parting her jaws to speak, and her tongue lolled to the side. "Pu'... 'uppy.." she mumbled. She glanced behind her, willing her tail to move; she hoped that Doctor would catch on. The pup wriggled ever more weakly near her hinds, begging for life. Silent growled, trying to lift her body, desperate to keep her children alive. But once again, pain gripped her frail body, and she clenched her teeth as her abdomen willed her to push. She groaned in agony while more of the precious life blood drained from her body, and the final pup came into the world. Silent could hardly move a muscle, but her eyes still glowed with amber intensity, looking to Doctor. He had to help her, he had to save her children, and that was all she cared about. They had to survive.



It was some time before Bright was able to make it upon the scene, not until after the third pup had already arrived. Her pains slowed her, but she kept reminding herself that she was far better off than Silent, and she needed to keep going. Even as pain clenched her belly, she moved forward, tail curled underneath her and body hunched, but still moving. Doctor was there assessing things, trying to coax words from the Alphaess. Bright wasn't sure if she could say a thing. She looked to Silent's belly. Only one pup was nursing, but surely more had happened since she'd left the Alphaess to get help. Her silver orbs glanced around frantically, until she noticed the two bundles behind Silent's tail. "Her puppies!" she exclaimed, looking to Doctor. Bright was not new to births, and she knew they needed to tear open the sacs and clean the whelps hastily if they were to live. Despite her cramping abdomen, she knew she needed to move, for it was Silent and her whelps in true danger and need. Her labour, no matter how persistent, just needed to wait, though there was no telling when it would take over.

Bright ambled forward, seeing that one of the pups had stopped moving. Her breath caught in her throat. How long had she been there? She was no longer gaining nutrients and oxygen through Silent, and she needed to be released immediately to draw her first breath, if it wasn't too late. The young wolfess snatched the sac in her teeth and ripped into it, pulling it away and licking its body and face, tongue slipping between its jaws to take away the mucus. It didn't move nor breathe, but Bright sensed that it was still alive, and began licking it vigorously, brushing her tongue against the hairline in and effort to start it breathing. She glanced to Doctor, hoping he was going to take action immediately as well, for time was not on their side. She assumed he knew about birth and medicine, for she had seen him earlier aiding another packmate with his wounds. If not, he would at least be able to mimic her actions.