[cult] THIS IS HOME.

[alehue]

((It's edited.))

[Deleted]

“Defend him with my life? I would die a thousand times over for him.”

Nerah's trust for the other canine had wavered since she discovered said canine's love for Elena, but she didn't have to trust Arya to know that she spoke the truth in those words. Nerah loved Arya. She always would. Together, they had created a beautiful new life and she believed they both gave an equal share of love to their son. She had asked her question to confirm that belief. Her mind was all but made up when Arya continued, saying to take him if she thought she could take better care of him and adding in "See if I care!" Nerah knew she was panicking. She herself felt less than sane at the moment. Still…those last four words worried her, and she wondered how their child would take it.

"I would love nothing more than to keep him by my side," Nerah responded after a moment. "However, we should do nothing. We made our own paths through life. He needs to do the same." She licked between Hershey's ears. "Son, life is what you want it to be, and I will love you with all my heart no matter what you do or where you go. All I ask is that I get to see you from time to time, to know that you're happy and safe."

[mysteryfaith]

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[atrb=background,http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm184/pikachu59013/apanitablemid.png] Apani's nostrils flared; she shouldn't have to be woken up from her nap to find Arya and some other Cult members fighting. Grumpy and tired, the feline stretched and left the cave, heading to where the noise was coming from; she could definitely hear Arya's voice, but there were others there, too . . . best to stick up for her friend than to let her bad mood go wasted. "What's going on here?" the female snarled, using her irritation to its fullest potential. "I should hope you aren't bothering Arya - because if you're bothering her, then you're bothering me." It was strange how this bond had come about between the two of them; starting the Cult had made Arya feel like almost a sister to her. She would stick up for the canine no matter what - and today was no exception. Stalking protectively around the larger canine, she bared her teeth at the creatures gathered before her - Nerah and Silva appeared to be two of them, along with a small creature she didn't recognise. Did she remember Arya mentioning a son from somewhere . . . ? Ah. This must have been her co-leader's child, fresh from the Orchard and being fought over. The circumstances were less than favourable, but Apani would always fight in Arya's corner; if she needed to, she would fight her own Cult members and drive them out if it meant Arya stayed relatively happy. "You'd better explain this to me right away," she growled menacingly, shaking her head at Nerah and Silva. "The fact that you two should stir up trouble so soon after the Kayalee incident is . . . disappointing." She wasn't sure of all the details of this conversation, but she knew it was unlikely that Nerah and Silva were on Arya's side.

[tymid]

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[atrb=background,http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h450/EllazTheAwesumz/backgroundmaybe.jpg] Whisper had been watching the entire affair with bated breath, her tassel unmoving. She attempted not to stare at the unfolding scene, but it soon became aware that things were heating up to a physical point. Whisper shook her head. It was none of her business what was going on. She had already almost been killed today, why risk it a second time? Because your friends are involved; that's why. Whisper looked up irritatedly at the little voice in her head, before turning back just in time to see Arya headbutting the much larger Silva. Whisper unintentionally rose to her feet and trotted over, concern flickering in her yellowish amber eyes. It was then that she saw the pup. "Oh..." she whispered, her eyes becoming tragically sad as she saw how scared and confused the chocolatey looking pup was. He looked...oddly familiar. Oh, right. Whisper looked back at her own pelt, then back at the pup. As things settled down, then got more heated and settled down again, Whisper slowly made her way over to the pup, and laid down a few feet away, trying to ease his whimpers and cries. "Hush, love...hush." she soothed, and even if her voice had no effect, one could tell by looking in her eyes that she was genuinely concerned about the whelp. Her eyes darted up to Arya, and she could see that the grieving mother also cared about this pup. She cared dearly. Whisper hated to see such conflict, especially when a youngling was involved. She didn't think it right for the pup to be separated from either parent, and she did have her doubts regarding the upbringing of a male pup in an anti-male society. However, from the way that Hershey looked up to Arya, and Arya's tears of grief for him, Whisper had no doubt that Arya would never let anything happen to her son, male or not. It was then that Apani came over. She seemed rather grumpy and irritated. and rightfully so; the leader had had a rough day. Whisper hadn't made things easier, but the chocolate canine still sympathized. Whisper knew that a grumpy Apani would only make matters worse, no matter who she was trying to defend. The female, chocolate pelted canine gave one last glance to the pup, who was quivering and looking at her in a confused fashion. Whisper exhaled through her nostrils. She would say something. "Please...please be calm." she murmured, looking at Nerah and Silva with pleading eyes. "If you worry about the well-being of this young pup, please know that should he stay here, I will watch over him, with Arya's graces. I, like his mother, will ensure that no harm befalls him, no matter what the cost. He is but a young thing...he needs stability at this age. Peaceful visitations can be arranged...there's no need for such caustic words." she begged, looking down at the scared pup. "Silva...Nerah...earlier today, you would have saved my life if it came down to it. I can assure you that this is a debt I can repay by protecting the lives of this pup...and you two. Please...do not cross any more words here. Do not forsake your life for this youngling...he will need you someday." she said softly, mainly to Nerah. She looked at Arya cautiously, and then to Apani. She would probably get a tongue lashing for speeching again, but the canine didn't care. So she was long-winded. It only meant she had many thoughts brewing in her brain. words; 608

[alehue]

Hershey watched, horrified, as the fight continued on above him, one of his mommies crying, and the other standing by the black one with a stern look on her face. And then more creatures came! A sandy-toned feline stepped up next to his crying mommy, and then another canine came over, a chocolate color, not unlike the one that was draped across his back. When she lay nearby, urging Hershey to shush, the male did so, his shaky sobs pausing. When she settled herself, Hershey eagerly got to his feet, half-waddling and half-stumbling over to the chocolate-toned female. Curling up in the crook between her leg and stomach, Hershey felt safe, safer than he did near the black one or his mommies. His infant stomach growling (for through his slow development, he needed milk, and could not yet hunt), Hershey began to search for any source of milk, nuzzling the stomach of the chocolate female with a sad wail.

[Deleted]

Whisper sure was long-winded! But Nerah was grateful for the other canine's calm presence in the midst of this nastiness. Nerah hated all this fighting, and was honestly trying her best to be peaceful, but it was hard amongst the harsh words and visible anger on the creatures around her, and herself.

Hershey made his way toward Whisper. That seemed to be his decision. Nerah felt her heart ripping to shreds, but she accepted it. She would trust Whisper with her pup and that she would see to visitations. Nerah would have to say goodbye to him for now, but not forever, and the pup would be protected...or he'd better be for everyone's sakes.

Nerah walked to the pup and pressed her nose against his side. "Whenever you want me, make your way to the forest. You'll always be safe in my territory." She nodded respectfully to Whisper. "I'll entrust you with his life, my friend. Thank you. You will also be safe whenever you should wander through our forest."

She then turned to Arya. "I'm trusting you to protect him as well. In the meantime, you should go after your new love before she thinks you're having second thoughts. I loved you, and continue to love you, but since you've moved on you can expect that I will do the same."

She glanced at Apani, but had no words for her. No kind ones, anyway The fight was over now, so she hoped. She intended to keep it from resurfacing if it was possible.

At last, she turned to Silva. "Let's...let's go..." Her voice cracked as she bounded away from the river, trusting that her friend would follow.

[tymid]

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[atrb=background,http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h450/EllazTheAwesumz/backgroundmaybe.jpg] Whisper's head darted towards the waddling puppy, and laid down to greet him. A low, gentle rumble escaped from the young female's muzzle, and she began to lick the small pup soothingly. No thought really processed through her mind at this time, only the innate, instinctual feeling of mothering a young pup. As he curled up against her, she offered him a very maternal smile, one that was far beyond her young age. She continued to clean and lick the pup, offering soft words of reassurance towards him. As he began rooting for a teat, Whisper shifted slightly, allowing the pup to latch on. She was unsure whether he would get anything, considering she herself had not whelped a pup, but she knew that the teat in his mouth would at least comfort and pacify him. As he latched on, Whisper's eyes fell half-lidded, falling into that sort of gaze that content mothers do. The feel of his suckling mouth soothed her, and she laid her head on her paws for a moment, occasionally lifting her head to look at the pup to monitor his progress. After a moment, she lifted her head, looking almost fearfully at Arya, Apani, Silva and Nerah. To the latter two, she hoped that the sign of the pup suckling at her belly would reassure them. Her ears were laid back as she looked at Arya and Apani, wanting to show Arya that she was not attempting to claim her puppy, and trying to show Apani that she was not weak, she just wanted to resolve this conflict in the simplest way possible, hopefully so that Apani could get back to her nap. Truth be told, the title of a mother, even a surrogate was one to be feared. It meant she had empathy, and would eagerly protect anything she held dear. Hopefully, Apani would see it in this way, that by nursing her co-leader's youngling, that she would provide and care for any whom the Cult claimed as its own. Nerah approached her, and nuzzled her young pup. Whisper could see the pain in Nerah's eyes, and offered her a soft nuzzle of understanding. When the other mother had finished speaking, Whisper nodded, turning to lick at the pup at her belly. "I will protect him as if he were my own, my friend. May your paws be swift and your teeth sharp." she said to Nerah's retreating back, turning once again to look at Arya. words; 412

[alehue]

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[atrb=background,http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh52/warriorcat12345/aryafiller.png] Arya looked with sad eyes as her pup lay there, but a smile shone on her face as he made his way over to Whisper, in some way, choosing her over Nerah and Silva. It made Arya smile to think that Whisper was on her side, and especially so since she was able to secure the future of Hershey. But her smile faded as Nerah began to turn away, and the soft spot that she still had for the canine (for though Arya did not like to admit it, Nerah still was a subject of her affection, and the co-leader of the Cult still loved the canine), became even more tender. “Nerah, wait!’ Arya could only hope that what she was going to say would not be overheard by Elena. As Arya galloped a couple of paces in order to compete with Nerah’s retreating pace, Arya murmured. “I still love you, too.”

[Deleted]

Whisper called a blessing to her, and Neral wagged her tail once in thanks and acknowledgement. She knew her son would be safe, and there were no words to express her gratitude to Whisper for offering a sort of middle ground to the two mothers, even if her son would be living with Arya and among the cult. She should be worried, but it felt right. He'd be safe, and she wouldn't have to worry.

Nerah was stopped by a voice calling her back, and she spun around to face the canine, her fur on end. She was expecting an attack even though the words weren't hostile. She wasn't entirely sure why. Perhaps it was just the whole situation getting to her. For the first time in her life, things had gone wrong. In time she would learn to deal with such instances, but she was still young and vulnerable despite everything.

Silva then confessed that she still loved Nerah in return. The large honey-hued canine stared at her for a moment, not quite sure how to react. It seemed like forever before she was able to find words. "Hershey is as much me as you. I'll know your love by his health whenever I see him."

[alehue]

Hershey liked this new canine; as soon as he started snuffling around her stomach for some milk, she lead him right to it! He latched on eagerly, the feeling of the soft skin between his jaws enough to make his tense body relax, and as he sucked, a soft stream of creamy liquid entered his mouth, causing the pup to suck harder, pressing his firm, wet nose into the canine's skin as the milk flowed more freely. When he was done with his meal, Hershey let out a small burp, settling back down next to the warm body of the dark brown canine. He released another burp, a trickle of urine coming from him, becoming a stream, as he had no control over his bladder.

As the hot liquid soaked into his fur, Hershey began to cry, head butting his surrogate mother softly, tears beginning to trickle down his cheeks again at his displeasure; though his stomach was full, he was too hot, and wet!

[tymid]

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[atrb=background,http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h450/EllazTheAwesumz/backgroundmaybe.jpg] Whisper was surprised that she could actually produce milk; it was an odd feeling, to be sure, but she relaxed from her initial shock and let the hungry pup nurse. She laid her head down, a slow yawn escaping from her. The warm body of the pup and the gentle sound of him suckling was almost enough to put the poor canine to sleep. A soft burp roused her from her somewhat trance, and she smiled at the youngling, happy to see him so content. A second burp caused him to relieve himself which, surprisingly, the female didn't blanch at. Something instinctual, something internal told her that this was fine, and normal, and that she should do something about it. She lowered her head down to the pup and proceeded to clean him, ignoring the acrid taste of urine. Sure, it wasn't pleasant, but it wasn't like the pup could do it himself. After she had sufficiently cleaned him, she shifted slightly so that the pup could curl up against her soft belly and possibly take a nap. She nosed at him occasionally, whispering his name in his ear as though it would help coax him to sleep. His short, new fur was soft against her black nose...yes, very relaxing. words; 211

[alehue]

Hershey was glad that he had decided to curl up next to this dark brown female; as soon as he became warm and wet, she began licking him, cleaning him off, so he was nice and comfortable again. He let out a satisfied little bark as she finished cleaning him, and a small smile even crossed his face as she turned on her side, her soft pink belly providing the perfect resting place for the little pup. He snuggled up against the soft flesh, the fine fur tickling his nose and making him let out a short, quick, sneeze. His little pink tongue darted out once as his new mommy (for this was what the canine had become) whispered his name in his ear. Hershey. The lullaby of his name and the soft nuzzles she sometimes gave him was enough to make the little pup let out a yawn, then close his eyes, drifting off into sleep.

[Deleted]

((He is so cute. XD Tymid, thank you for having Whisper step in. I think that was the best possible solution. Anyway, good luck you guys and I look forward to future threads.))

[tymid]

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[atrb=background,http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h450/EllazTheAwesumz/backgroundmaybe.jpg] The pup's yawn was addictive; Whisper let out one of her own, careful to keep back the whine that typically accompanied her yawns. She didn't want to scare him, after all. As she witnessed his eyelids began to droop, she felt her own begin to mimic his, and before long, she was curling up into a ball around the whelp, her much-larger muzzle next to his steadily breathing form. With each one of her long, slow breaths, each exhale ruffled the pup's fur slightly. Her tail wrapped around him, giving him a remarkable pillow. Her amber eyes finally closed, and she slowly fell asleep, the sound of quick puppy breaths lulling her into happy dreams. The mother in her had been awakened, most assuredly...and dreams of her own pups frolicked through her mind. words; 134

[Meesh]

Silva blinked, ever since her previous outburst she hadn't spoken, and now that it all had settled, she rose submissivly, pressing against Nerah once in comfort before turning and padding silently away. She would go by her word and respect the decision, support it, even, for she knew that with Whisper any pup would be safe. but she silently resolved to keep an eye on the cult, just in case things did get more tense. After glancing at Nerah once more in a friendly fashion, she continued walking, in her own direction, not with Nerah, not with the others. She had to go tot he Orchard a bit, she could always think more clearly surrounded by the tall trees. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Arya run towards Nerah and she tensed, prepared to defend her friend. After seeing that there was no attack, she relaxed, and walked away, head hanging low, though still struggling to keep her dignity, as she left the Cult land. Something told her she would not soon be coming back, if ever.