Stubborn (Jenn)

Inferno growled back at Molly, ears pinned to his skull and teeth bared angrily. 'You are not trying to be nice, Molly. You're doing your job and trying to preach at me and getting offended every time I delude myself into thinking I talk honestly,' he snarled in his head at her retreating back. Molly was one of the touchiest wolves he knew. Talking to Chaos would be more productive. 'Never again,' the male told himself, grinding his jaw. He'd said it before, but now it was settled that there would be no more reason to ever speak to Molly.

Putting his head heavily down on his paws and squeezing his eyes shut, Inferno considered if there was really any reason to talk to anyone here anymore. Blitz had been the one wolf who understood him and appreciated him as a loyal member of the pack, but that was dead. What was left for him here? Even if the alpha found some faint hope that Inferno would come around, did Inferno want to continue enduring this? Well, no.

Coven looked sideways from the rogue to Blitz, nodding slowly in a commitment to watch Cas. He didn't trust the loner either, and he was a little shaken about Laek's judgement, since she shouldn't have been fraternizing with Cas anyway, but because he didn't want her hurt, Coven was on board with this plan. The wolf stepped closer to Cas and Laek to listen as Blitz addressed the newcomer. 'Casanova?' Strange name.

Suddenly, Molly came storming over. With a shake of his head, Coven could only guess what had happened. He knew it wasn't worth her time to try to do...whatever she was trying to do with Inferno. Help him out might have been her plan, but irritate him was inevitably all she'd really be able to do until Inferno had a change of heart. With a grim look at Inferno, the black wolf wondered if the coppery wolf had gone too far off the edge.

Molly silently continued to work on Cas, finishing rather quickly and getting to her feet to limp over to her den and flop down in a frustrated and unhappy heap with her back to the world. She curled up and sighed softly, stressed, upset, insulted, and angry all at once. Which was definitely not improving her odds of a fast recovery.

Chaos watched Molly storm away from Inferno, rolling her eyes and watching the healer for a few moments before licking her lips and finishing her meal. Then she stood, leaving the den area to head to the lake for a drink.

Blitz frowned as Molly stormed away from Inferno, still not sure what to do about the male. He did know, however, that he would never be beta male again. At this point, he was just deciding whether or not to kick him out.

In the short time it had taken Molly to finish tending to Cas's wounds, Inferno had decided that he couldn't stay. Things weren't going to change as long as Blitz was heading this pack, and if that was true, then there was no purpose nor motivation for Inferno to be here anymore. He believed the pack was spiraling down to disaster, and though his actions would only adding to potential trouble, staying here could do the same. Plus, staying would be just torturous from this point on.

Opening his eyes once it was clear that Molly had finished with Cas and left, Inferno got to his feet, wincing slightly, and walked slowly back to the center of the dens, where Blitz was still standing. "Blitz," addressed the wolf, eyes avoiding contact; he didn't want anymore trouble and was making that as clear as his pride would allow. "I am here to inform you...that I'll be leaving Silverlight, now. I can't be an asset to this pack anymore, but I hope for the sake of you and the pack that things don't turn out the way I think they will..." Yeah...it was time to stop talking. The copper-colored wolf lifted his amber eyes for a brief second and then turned away with a slightly flinching limp to the Eastern Forest.

Coven stood with a slacked jaw and watched as Inferno spoke. 'What?' He hadn't seen it coming from Inferno...or had he. The copper wolf had not even waited half a second to see if there was something for Blitz to say, a smart or stupid move potentially, but as the wolf began to leave as hastily as his wounds - too many... - would allow, Coven found himself taking a small step forward and then freezing, mind racing. No, Inferno would be alone for now.

((Inferno continued - with one month time-lapse - here: https://incendio.rpg-board.net/t101-as-the-cogs-start-to-turn-super-open#1665 ))

Blitz bristled slightly as Inferno approached, but when he spoke, the alpha found he had nothing to say to the ex-beta. He silently watched him walk away before returning to Xerxses's side and laying down. There, it was done. He knew the pack would probably suffer slightly from the loss of Inferno, but he would bring it back. Especially with pups coming soon.

Molly couldn't help but look up as Inferno approached Blitz, still close enough to see and hear everything. As Inferno walked away, a movement back near the other wolves caught her eye. Was that really what she had seen? There was no mistaking it, Coven had almost followed him. She looked at his face, recognizing a desire to leave in his eyes, but a hesitation, however slight, in them as well. Her ears pinned back and she couldn't help but whine softly, getting to her feet and slipping into her den to curl up in the furthest corner alone. What would she do if Coven left? He promised to be there....but if he went with Inferno, she probably would never see him again...

Coven watched until Inferno was out of sight and sighed finally. Well, that was done. The sun had now sunk completely behind the mountains, and it was dark enough to turn in. This day had been long and insane, and Coven could think of nothing more than heading to his den and sleeping. Inferno, Blitz, Molly, everyone vacated his mind as the wolf curled up alone and closed his eyes, sinking quickly into sleep.

(One month time-lapse)

Eve wandered slowly out of the den she'd ended up calling her own for the past month. It was in the outer ring of the pack, and though she was alone now that Rayne slept in the healer's den, it was warm and homey. She never woke up dissatisfied with her sleep.

Walking with the permanent, almost dazed, languid smile she always wore, Eve made her way over to the storage den and picked out a small piece of kill. She didn't eat much - she didn't need to and felt that, as she didn't hunt, she shouldn't take a lot - but she did take forever to eat. The older, mangy-looking female lay down in front of the healer's den, her accustomed place now, and began to slowly chew up her first bite of breakfast.

KiRae walked back into the camp, walking lazily. He'd been sleeping out away from the other wolves, not really feeling comfortable around the dens. Ecspecially with what had happened, not feeling like he wanted to be a part of it. He decided that he would avoid the campment as much as possible as long as it was going on. When he heard calm from the camp, he figured it was over. KiRae walked though the dens, flattening his ears as he did so. He still felt strange in this place.

The young wolf sighed as he stepped passed the storage den, coming across the healer's den, seeing an older wolfess having breakfast, the male's ears perked in curiosity. He slowly walked towards her, ears flattening, unsure of what to say to his elder. After a moment he stopped and sat down, smilng soflty. "G-Good morning..." He said softly, his voice something a little less than a whisper.

The brown wolfess looked up, her dulled eyes kindly (and with some amusement) taking in the young silver wolf. "Good morning," she replied in a rich, slightly gravelly voice. "What were you doing all the way out there, pup? We've had problems with bears before, and if you keep sleeping away from the pack, who's going to hear you when you whisper for help?" The female chuckled in her alto and shook her scraggly-furred head at the thought of this timid wolf being alone.

But she did wait patiently and with her gentle earnestness for an answer from KiRae, genuinely interested to know why he was so distancing himself from the pack. Not only could it be dangerous - though that was more a joke to try to warm him up to her - but it hinted at deeper problems.

KiRae Flattened his ears and blushed at Eve's comment He was a quiet wolf, that was true, but he felt he could take care of himself. He quickly shook his head, smiling. "I'll be ok, I've managed with worse." He said softly with a soft chuckle. "I just..." he paused, looking around the dens, "Its just I guess I was just looking for somewhere quiet. With what was going on with Blitz and Inferno...." he cut himself short.

It seemed stupid to him now. He was sure that Eve was around during the confitations a month ago while he was out hiding in the woods. Some young pup leaving while this elder stuck around. He quickly shook his head, "I just found it more calm out there, I kind of perfer it." He said and shifted uncomfortably on his paws as he finished his weak reasons.

Eve frowned sympathetically and patted the ground with a paw, inviting him to lay down and join her. She hadn't ever spoken to KiRae, though she had seen him around and knew who he was (none of this was odd for her, even after a month of her being in the pack). But immediately the wolfess felt the need to comfort the silver male and draw him into the pack, as it seemed he had been left neglected for a bit.

"I wouldn't let a rift like that continue to trouble you, pup," she responded, honestly as unconcerned about it as she sounded. With a serious, yet soft, look up at KiRae, Eve added, "There's no reason to remove yourself from the pack in this way, either. I know many in the pack are struggling just as you are, and your comfort and empathy could do much to help create the calm you're seeking, without you being alone."

Fallon stretched, yawned, and rolled over onto her feet, grouchy as was usual for her in the mornings. But even though she hated getting up, the red and black had diligently gotten up almost every day as soon as the sun could be seen from behind the trees of the Eastern Forest ever since she'd been assigned the position of Head Hunter. There was no way she'd be waking up before the sun unless it was absolutely necessary, but at least now she was getting up regularly with most of the pack, which hadn't happened much before.

With another long yawn, the female made her walk to the storage den, grabbed the nearest piece of meat, and went to lay stretched out in the middle of the clearing, soaking in as much of the soft morning sun as possible.

Coven trotted into the den site from the stream and headed straight for the storage den, glancing curiously over at Eve and KiRae in front of the healer's den. It was unlike either of them to really talk, but perhaps they were bonding over how similar they were? The black wolf wasn't going to bug them, and he allowed his curiosity to leave, taking his food and joining Fallon.

A small, quiet whine came from Rayne as she stretched out, just barely waking up. Her eyes sorta glanced around, her vision still a bit blurry from just waking though. She let out a yawn as she stretched again, sitting up finally. She had grown accustomed to staying here, it was nice, and, being here with the pack had proven to be a good thing, though, she was more or less oblivious to all the drama that had gone on. She glanced over, seeing Molly already awake, smiling a little. It was nice to see Molly doing so well, it was an improvement to before, when she first came here and saw here. Looking out side she could see Eve laying outside the den also, talking with another wolf. It sorta bothered her, a month here, and she barely knew anyone still.... though it was sorta her fault, and she knew it, she basically holed herself up here, heck, she hadn't even spoke to her brother very much, the last conversation they had was about it, and that one didn't go well at all. Rayne let out another yawn, staying sitting where she was, it didn't matter, she was still here, and still at least able to help a bit, that was good enough for her.

Fallon was up and over to Tessa's side quick as lightning, softly nudging the small female's stomach, feeling the movement and trying to assess by Tessa's response if this was the issue - though it made sense that it would be - while ordering Coven bossily and sharply to go get a healer...both of them, she amended, changing her mind. Immediately after, she turned her attention fully to Tessa, looking at her straight in the eyes and trying to get her to describe her pain.

Coven had gotten to his feet but remained in the same place as Fallon took off. Her instructions were good enough to get him moving quickly, though, and the black wolf sprinted to the healer's end. Upon entering, it was a relief to find both females awake and, for the most part, bright-eyed. They would need to be ready to get moving. "Tessa needs you immediately," was he said, knowing that the white wolfesses were aware of Tessa's condition and what was probably happening. Without wasting another second, the wolf ran the few paces out of the den, lingering in front of the entrance to make sure they were coming and to follow them to Tessa, who was in sight of everyone outside today.

Pravin had been lazing around in the warrior's den, thinking over the month. He almost couldn't believe it'd already been a month since Inferno, their beta, had left them. Pravin was nearly proud to say that the pack had yet to fall, as the previous beta had predicted. In fact, their Head Healer was getting better. Their Head Warrior had taken her position back from Pravin, and he calmly let her have it. Back to the lower warrior status, he didn't have to be so alert. But he was anyway. In the quiet of the den, he knew that the pack was still well, especially with Laek's and Tessa's pups to come any day. Pravin also briefly wondered if Blitz was going to appoint a new beta to help his reign.

His thoughts were cut short when he heard the fumble outside the den. Getting up, he walked outside, still with his month old limp, as he never really stopped walking on it. He didn't mind at all. In a pile lay Tessa looking pained. Fallon was also there with them, with Coven to fetch the healers. They may be able to helo in this case, Pravin figured since the small wolf before him was pregnant with her pups. He bent down his head and lightly nudged the small wolf for comfort, of sorts.

Laek's ears flicked as she heard Fallon and Coven call. She didn't bother to get up, as it would have taken extra effort on her part. Already laying half in and half out of her little personal den, she just placed her head in order to see. Just through the trees and other dens, she saw Tessa on the ground, Pravin and Fallon hovering over her. Laek wouldn't be able to do much, so she shut her eyes, ears pricked to catch conversation.

Rayne's ears perked as she heard Coven run in, turning to see him. He seemed, frantic, and, as he talked she let out a low whine. It would only figure... it was about that time, wasn't it. She looked over at Molly for a moment, wondering if she was even alright enough to come, she was getting better, but still. "Are you feeling well enough to come out and help?" She asked, worried that Molly might still not be in any condition to deal with this. She had already started towards the den's exit, her mind thinking over everything... wondering. She looked back before leaving, just to see if Molly was coming, while she cared for Molly's health... doing this alone wasn't something Rayne was comfortable with.

Molly lifted her head as Coven appeared at the den entrance. Her ears flicked back momentarily until she heard his words, then she was up on her feet and exiting the den before Rayne could finish her question. She made her way over to the young female who laid by the warrior's den, growling softly and nosing her to her feet. "You need to get back to your den, Tessa. Don't worry, you're not too far along, you'll make it." She said, nudging Tessa and relying on the other wolves present to support her in her walk back to her den where Sib still slept. It was always an exciting thing when pups were born, but Molly would not let Tessa's pups come into the world outside of their den.

Tessa whimpered and groaned as Molly nudged her up, but she slowly got to her feet and followed the Head Healer's orders. Soon she was limping to her den, wincing and pausing every now and then as the pain grew more severe. Finally she made it, entering the den and collapsing in a heap in the center, only to find Molly growling at Sib and shooing him out of the den. This was no time for males to intervene. Molly just needed them out of the way for now.

Blitz heard the commotion as well, exiting his den and immediately knowing what was happening. But it was obvious that it was under control, and as Xerxses appeared beside him, he made sure they both stayed out of the way. Molly had it under control and they would only get in the way. For now, all they could do was wait and make sure Sib didn't go crazy with worry.

Rayne watched Molly practically dart from the den, more or less answering her question through action. She was quick to follow, staying quiet as Molly talked, helping Tessa back to her den with her. It was weird, she had never seen pups being born... but, now it seemed she would, and, if she could, help in any way. It was a relief Molly knew what she was doing for the most part, at the moment Rayne was simply lost. Once getting into the den, she saw Molly growling at Sibirskiy, Rayne just rolling her eyes, figured he'd be sleeping.

The sudden wake up was a bit... startling for Sib, his peaceful sleep being abruptly ended when he woke up to Molly growling, looking at her, sorta confused, then seeing Tessa lying there, in pain. He was just about to speak before Molly shooed him from the den, having to leave. Though, he didn't go far, sitting right near the entrance, just so he could hear everything that was going on. He wanted to go back in there, and, at least be there with her... but, it seemed quite apperant he wasn't needed, and Molly wanted him out of the way.

Immediately Molly got to work, although there really wasn't much she or Rayne could do for Tessa. Birthing a pup was rather simple, and relied almost completely on the mother. The only reason Molly and Rayne needed to be there was in case something went wrong. Never the less, Molly carefully nudged Tessa on her side, quietly coaching her breathing and telling her when to push and exactly what to do, as well as what was coming next. It was like Molly had helped birth many litters before, when in reality, she hadn't.

Tessa whimpered in pain as she was nudged to her side, forcing herself to focus on Molly's words and voice as she did as she was told. The process was incredibly slow and painful (at least to her), and after each pup emerged, she did as Molly instructed, chewing through the cord and licking them clean, then nudging them to her warm belly to suckle. Soon she had three little bundles huddled against her and squealing whenever they detached from her stomach until they were guided back to the source of her milk. Their very tired mother panted softly and smiled at the three pups, all a mixture of their parent's coloring. There they were, two little males and a tiny female, just like her mother. She then looked up at Molly, watching the white female clean up the den and then leave because her duty was finished and she knew that Sib would want to meet his family. But at the same time, Tessa found herself bristling slightly at the thought of Sib entering the den with the newborns. There was a tiny part of her, instinct maybe, that told her that it wasn't unheard of male wolves killing newborn pups. But she instantly buried the thought, looking back down at her pups and licking them clean as well as silencing their crying.

Blitz couldn't help but get up to join Sib as he watched the male hover anxiously at his den entrance. He knew that even though Molly wasn't at full strength, she would still rip him apart if he entered, but it was obvious Sib still wanted to get inside. He sat next to the anxious father, smiling comfortingly and glancing at the den. "She's in good hands, you know." He said softly, nudging Sib's shoulder softly and trying to calm him down. Yet he also knew that there was no way Sib would calm down until he was at Tessa's side with their pups. But by the sounds of things, he would get to meet them soon.

KiRae's tail wagged slowly as he was offered to join Eve. The silver wolf moved a little bit closer and lay down, facing the wolfess as he listened to her words. They had great meaning, and an over all truth when it came down to it. He flicked his tail, a small smile spreading across his muzzle as he took in the words.

"Y-yeah, I guess you're right.." he said softly, ears flattening as he spoke. "I guess, its just because i was alone for so long, That I'm used to it." he said glancing down at his paws as he spoke. "I've been in a pack before and it didn't exactly go as well as one would have thought, But I'm hoping that this one...will work better." he said softly, looking back up at the elder, giving a small grin.

For the most part, through the entire birth of Tessa's, Rayne sorta just hovered near Molly, listening as she coached her through the entire thing. She really didn't know what she could do right now, other than watch over her, and if something happened be ready. Right now it just seemed it was mostly up to Tessa. It was sorta... new, watching those puppies be born, coming into this world one at a time. She didn't know how to really explain it, but, watching something like this... it wasn't something one would forget real easy. She smiled when it finally was over, following Molly out, figuring sticking around wasn't a good idea for now.

A slight, irritated groan came from Sibirskiy as he stayed sitting near the entrance, getting more and more impatient with all this. Why shouldn't he be in there now?! He had a right to be, right? He glanced over, noticing Blitz, sighing when he spoke. Yah, he knew that... but still... "I... I know, though, I still want to be there." He said, grinning. Sure, it was a bit dumb, he probably would just be in the way, but even so he still wanted to be with her, even if to just lay next to her. His eyes shoot back to the den when he saw Molly and Rayne leaving then den, smiling back at Blitz, then almost running back towards the den, though walking in sorta calmly, blinking when he saw Tess there, laying with the three pups. He sat a few inches from them, smiling. "They... they're beautiful Tessa... How are you feeling?"He asked, tilting his head, looking at her and the pups. That feeling of pride sorta filled him though, then again, what male wouldn't be proud right now?