Birth of the first true Frost Fang.
It had only been two months since Vetis' funeral. In that two months, many had gone looking for Eindride and his sister Runa only to find no trace of them. The note he had left was hardly legible by the time someone found it, no one could read it. Arianna had taken on the task of training the omegas in his place for a few, while she had Sunthor take over trying to work the forge. However, with Arianna's growing belly, the omegas started to refuse and sometimes even avoid attacking the alpha outright. Fear of hurting her unborn kept them from showing their abilities. Thus Arianna had to give in and have Sunthor take over training them.
Ludo had offered to take over the forge in place of Sunthor, pining for something to do to show his worth. He had other motives that were only obvious to those paying attention. Which Arianna was. She noticed how he perked up whenever Vida came into the village. How he seemed to become disappointed when the red head in the distance turned out to be Nanna and not Vida. This caused Arianna slight heart ache for the shadow wolf. Knowing full well that Vida had eyes for only the bear on the outskirts of the territory. Attempting to distract the young male, she started to send him on runs to Skarvald for supplies to get through the winter.
Nanna was not allowed to be alone at any given time. Whenever she wanted to go out into the woods, Sunthor or even the alpha would follow to be sure she was not attempting something devious. Most times she was going out to gather herbs spices flowers and roots to preserve through the winter. Other times it seemed as if she were meditating or performing a ritual. She did not seem interested in speaking to Annoth or Asbjorn for any reason, mostly keeping to herself and Sunthor. Her eyes, as they should be, always cast down around the alpha.
Inghard seemed to prove himself useful in many ways. If just keeping the omegas in line or caring to the live stock as it needed. He seemed a quiet gentle soul, though he did not look it. While he chopped wood, Arianna could not help but note the strength behind the male. What would have taken her a few swings only took him half. He did not seem to be interested in much to do with climbing the pack ladder, just in getting work done and helping those who needed it. A strong back bone to the pack as he was already, Arianna could see great things for him if only he would strive for them.
Vida kept to her bear and the caves for the most part, only coming into the village when needed for random things or to speak with Arianna. Perhaps Vetis' death was harder on her than anyone could guess. Or perhaps the love nest with her Asbjorn kept her busy enough. Arianna missed her company but kept quiet for the sake of her dearest friend.
Annoth had continued his druid walks. Often leaving without a word and appearing out of no where in an attempt to get closer to the alpha and regain his 'mate' status with her. However he would be turned away time and again, as she had no interest in him any longer. Her worry over weather or not this new child would survive could possibly be the reason for that.
Arianna ran her hand over her extended belly. Something was wrong. It had only been a couple of months at the most since Annoth and her had that moment of weakness. Yet her belly had extended as if she were ready to give birth any day now. She stretched her legs as she sat in the chair, her back complaining and her little bundle kicking at her innards. Tapping her fingers on the soft fur cloak covering her belly she gave a heavy sigh. Her eyes then shifted out over the water to the pass between the mountains. The first snow flake drifted back and forth, bright white against the gray sky and meeting an untimely end in the slightly warmer water of the river. After a few breaths more, another followed and then another. Pulling the fur cloak tighter around her shoulders she watched, pale blue eyes searching the waters and wondering where Ludo's boat was. In the depths of her mind, hoping that a ship would appear in the pass carrying Eindride and his sister home to safety.
Only a short moment seemed to pass before she could hear the crunching of dirt and frosted grass under someone's feet. Her teeth clenched slightly, she was not in the mood to speak to anyone and yet had no choice. She took in a smooth breath through her nose, instantly knew it was Inghard.
“What is it?” She asked without even looking over her shoulder. Inghard continued then stopped at the edge of her deck and looked up at her waiting a moment till she finally turned to look at him.
“Do you have enough wood? It is snowing, you need to keep warm.” He said in a gravely voice. Arianna stared down at him for a moment then shook her head slightly.
“I'm fine, Inghard. What do you really want?” His eyes cast down slightly to her belly then back up to her. As if she read his mind she smiled and shook her head. “I am fine. You do not need to continue to check up on me. How are the others?”
“They seem to be fine. Sunthor is a good trainer, though it would be nice to have Eindride back. He did not let them get away with so much.” He took a callused hand and rubbed the back of his neck.
“What have they done now?” Arianna asked slowly shifting in her chair to get a better view point of Inghard.
“Just little things. Telling them they are doing well when they are simply goofing off.” Arianna sighed then turned her eyes over to Sunthor's hut. “He should use silver to train them.” He added.
“No, let Sunthor train them how he sees fit. They had learned enough from their former weapon master that they should be able to beat him in a duel without shifting. If they cannot, that is their own fault, not Sunthor's.” Inghard listened and reached out digging his nail into a crack of the wood on the deck. “You do not agree?” She asked peering down at him with a thin brow raised. Inghard shook his head but before he could speak the alpha growled softly till he looked up at her. “If you do not agree then perhaps you should be training them yourself. I have seen you fight, and though you are good, you are not enough. Sunthor has training and my advice if he needs it. You would do good to go to him with your concerns and work them out without dragging me into it.”
“I. I did not mean to suggest I disagreed.” He said, a bit stunned by the bite of her words. “I meant, I agree with you. Sunthor can handle it. I will join and next time only bring it up with him if I have a suggestion.” He bowed his head and turned to leave.
“Inghard, you're good at damn near everything you do. Including small talk to mask mothering over your alpha. I am sorry for my harsh tone.” She said softly and turned back to the table. Inghard paused a moment then continued on his way to Sunthor's hut.
As his footsteps faded, Arianna's mind started to drift out into the waters once more. That is until she heard the front door of her hut clunk closed and soft shifting footsteps inside. She turned her head with a tilt wondering who would be so brazen to walk into her hut when she was clearly sitting right on the porch. Though one name came to mind. With a soft rocking and a huff she managed to push herself up and shuffled quietly to the back door readying herself just in case it was not who she thought it was. As the door opened a puff of heat hit her and she gave a soft pant before looking over her dim dwelling to the warm light given off by her fire place. There, hunched over and tending to the fire he just made, was Annoth.
He turned his heavily bearded face to her and blinked with a broad grin. She did not return the smile. Instead she closed the door behind her and latched it before flinging her fur coat off onto a nearby rack. She then moved to sit down upon her couch. Annoth's smile soon faded and he finished adjusting the wood logs upon the fire before shuffling his soft footed boots over to sit in front of her.
“Hello my love.” He said attempting to get her to smile. She rested her head against her knuckles and looked at him for a long moment.
“What have the nature spirits told you this time?” she asked in a dead tone. Annoth blinked and moved his hand to rest on her knee.
“The spirits do not really talk all that much.” He started to say before she shoved his hand back. He looked down and then rubbed his face. “The land is still full of Kurnin's dead to the North west and some of the north east. More death seems to be heading down from the north.” He scratched at his beard and looked up at her from the corners of his eyes.
“How long?” she asked. Being rather short with him.
“Why do you hate me? The moon blessed our first union, or did you forget your words to me that night?” He became angry in his tone.
“I did not forget.. nor did I forget the moon then punished us by murdering our first born.” She glanced down at her belly then back to him. “And for all I know this one could be next.” She paused a moment then, in a more direct tone with strong eye contact she repeated, her question.“How long?”
“You didn't answer me, why do you hate me? The moon had nothing to do with the death of the first born and you know it... the fight you had with Kurnin did.” It was obvious he would not let this rest. Arianna ran her hand over her stomach feeling another kick and twist of the baby inside. She let out a soft growl and thoughts to the baby or babies that might be wriggling around in there.
“I do not hate you, Annoth. I just do not love you anymore.” She finally said. “If I am to be with a mate at all, it has to be one that is strong, clever and.. present.” The last word was what stung and made the point. Annoth turned his head with a clenched jaw. “Whatever it was we had.. We cannot have again. I am no longer yours, and you are no longer mine. Go back to your wilderness. It has always been where you were at your happiest. But before you go.. How long?” There was a long quiet that hung in the hut for what seemed like days rather than hours or minutes. When Annoth spoke again, there was no angry tone to his voice. Just pain.
“A month. Maybe two.” He said without looking at her.
“That is too soon. These little ones will not be born by then.” She said rubbing the side of her belly and looking out of the hut at the omega house. Annoth looked up at her belly and tilted his head.
“You think there is more than one?” The pain in his voice was still there.. it was hurting to hear it but Arianna wanted to remain strong this time.
“I can't see another reason for it to be this big and not be.. If there is just one, I'll have to cut him out of my belly cause he wont come natural. He's too big already.” There was a moment were Annoth seemed to stare at her belly then he held his hand up palm to the sky.
“May I?” He asked without making eye contact.
“You may.” She said and moved away her shirt so that he could touch flesh to flesh. He placed the palm of his hand against her belly near the navel and closed his eyes. His hand was warm to start with, what followed was like a vibrating heat that seem to travel through her stomach. It was not uncomfortable, and even seemed to be settling the aches and pains she had been having. At first Annoth could not help but smile. Though it almost faded in an instant and he looked right up into her eyes.
“This is not my child.” He said, hurt and disbelief plastered all over his face. Arianna furrowed her brow.
“What do you mean?” Her tone had changed to one of concern.
“There is no way this baby could be from you and I. It is to far along.. you're practically in labor now.” He removed his hand and gestured in disgust and anger. He had had hopes that perhaps this child would somehow mend their relationship.
“That is impossible. Annoth, do you not think you and the others, let alone myself, would have noticed if I were pregnant that long ago?” she placed her arms around her belly and pet along the exposed skin to sooth her growing anxiety. “It is just two children fighting for space is all.”
“There is only one.. it is a boy.. and he's near ready to come out.” Annoth said crossing his arms and giving her a rather unbelieving glare.
“Well, if it is not yours then who's is it? You are....” she paused a moment and thought of Sunthor during the month of no moon. Blood lust was high and things had happened. That was long long ago however.. even if she was not showing for most of those months the baby would have been born before Vetis' funeral.
“Am I?” Annoth caught her moment of thought.
“Yes, you are. Unfortunately, the only one in the past near enough year.” she growled and pushed her shirt back down making to get up.
“You will need someone to stay close by from now on.” He said shifting to the side to let her pass.
“What do you mean?”
“Just what I said. The baby is do at any moment. He is strong healthy and ready to come into this world. You best start getting ready.” Annoth brushed off his knees. He gave her a still rather disbelieving look before he then turned and started to head out of her hut. “I will gather some roots and warm water. I would not be surprised if he chose to come this night.”
“How is that possible? He can't be ready, it has barely been two months!” Annoth shrugged and moved on out the door without another word. Arianna paused for a long moment then looked down at the protruding belly. “What is going on with you, little beast?” she asked softly.
She stood a moment watching the back of Annoth as he left, trying to make sense of how quick her pregnancy was moving. A sharp pain in her back caused her to buckle slightly and she gave a heavy huff of air.. then closed the door and moved toward her bed. Before she could even reach it she felt another sharp pain go through her stomach and into her lower back. Just barely catching herself from dropping to her knees, she managed to crawl onto the bed.
The back pains she had been having most of that afternoon were probably to blame. Rather than resting she kept up on her feet most the morning.. that is all that was.. right? She was trying her best to rationalize what was happening to her. The first baby had none of this happen before. Though the baby still died, what if this was a sign? Tears started to well up in her eyes, unsure if she could take loosing another promising soul before it even entered the world. Her body started to shake and she pulled herself up further onto the bed. Worry aged her face rapidly, the thin lines along her eyes and forehead started to deepen as she worried for her unborn child. Then she felt it, liquid seem to rush forth from between her legs, and the pit of her stomach seemed to drop along with it.
“no..” she breathed. “No no no no. this can't be happening... it doesn't make sense.” She whispered and placed her hands upon her stomach. “I'm not ready...” she gave a soft sob. She could only hope that Annoth would be back soon as the pain started to become more intense. She could deny it no longer, as she had been through this once before. She was going into labor. She was unable to even think that something good could come of this. For sure, she would lose this baby as well. Her teeth clenched down hard against her cheek as she tried to calm herself. Her body was just as unready as she was for this. The pain was growing more intense by the moment. What was only seconds, started to feel like minutes then hours as she huffed and breathed and squirmed atop her bed. Refusing to cry out for Annoth and trying to believe he would be back soon.
He would not return. Instead a knock would come at her door, and at the sound of her whimper Sunthor would nearly bust through to check on her.
“Arianna?! What has he done to you?!” He said, wide eyes as he looked at her upon the bed.
“I... “ she gulped and strained to take a few more breaths. “The baby is coming.” Her hands were trembling and her face said all there was to be said to Sunthor. He quickly spun on his heal and left the door wide open. She could hear him yelling for Annoth.. with no response. His footsteps rushing out and way from the hut. “Please.. hurry.” None of this was natural, nor did she remember there being this much pain in the first one. Soon enough the pain would have her starting to yelp louder as if the only way to alleviate it was to yell.