|
Post by jaydjasmyn on Aug 5, 2009 7:56:19 GMT -5
Jayd nodded. Ladorak knew the areas of this place better then she did and so she would simply trust his judgment. The kit was his as well and she knew that he wouldn't trust him to just anyone but Jayd was worried about money as well. "I could just birth the kit at home as well. Have you ever delivered a kit before?" Jayd's eyes glanced over at Caden to see if he was okay. Lately she's made it a habit to checking on him now and then to make sure that he was not sneaking off somewhere or into something that he wasn't suppose to be in, but mostly to make sure that he was safe.
The femme's eyes wandered back up to Ladorak's. "It's okay Ladorak. We can do the birthing at home so that it won't cost us anything. I'm sure that I'll be fine. It can't be that hard... right?" Jayd smiled widely, trying to reassure him that everything would be fine and it would work out in the end.
She ran a paw down his arm, starting from his shoulder and then stepped in for a deep hug as she laid her head on his chest, hearing his heart beating as loud as thunder. Indeed she 'was' worried about the whole labor process but she was sure that she would be fine. It was the pain that she was afraid of mostly and not complications. Her mother never had any problems.
|
|
|
Post by Ladorak on Aug 8, 2009 16:28:31 GMT -5
"Me!?" he asked, his green eyes widening behind his spectacles. "I....no I haven't....never birthed a kit....not once." he said, shaking his head firmly and gulping rather nervously. Though...maybe he COULD? He'd have to read up on it though.
The thought of being able to help birth a child for his mate made....Ladorak feel like that ideal mate to her again, and his head began to fill up with visions of battling enemies on the high seas, bringing in several captured enemy ships as prizes, supporting his family through his exertions, and helping his wife birth their first child. Yes....he was Ladorak Fugate! He could do it all!
But could he REALLY do it all, or was that just his mind taking over again and trying to tell him he could do things when really he couldn't. It was just a mindset he got into....though at the moment the stoat was balancing all options in his mind. "I....suppose though we could give it a try. I could always get a consult from a doctor in Muggidrear before the birth itself occurs. Do you.....well how comfortable would you feel if it was just me? I admit I don't know the first thing about it, but I could try and study."
Caden, for his part, was only half catching their conversation. He was peering through the spokes of the wheel and glancing up at the vane at the top of the main mast and ensuring that the wind stayed off their quarter. He was having a rather good time of this, though wanted to play pirate or warrior soon, or maybe even adventurer. He'd let somebeast else take the wheel in a little while, or maybe.....
"Hey Ladorak!" he called out, getting the stoat's attention. "I want to go play on the main deck....can somebeast else take over?" he asked, his long tail swishing out behind him as if he were brushing the deck for something. That was the thing about martens....their tails were far longer than those of the stoats. More fluffy too in a way, as there was more fur. Ladorak smiled, motioning for Jayd to follow him.
"Sure thing...I'll take over. Go and have your fun." he took another drink as he walked over, taking the wheel out of the marten's paws. Setting his drink down on the binnacle, he pawed over Caden's apple juice to the eager albino, who quickly downed it, and then charged off down to the main deck, yelling something out and going to retrieve his mock sword from his cabin. "Just stand over here with me for awhile Jayd, and we can continue our discussion." Ladorak suggested as he pointed his yacht's bow in a slightly new direction to take them about a head of land that was jutting out on the horizon ahead of them.
|
|
|
Post by jaydjasmyn on Aug 8, 2009 18:56:04 GMT -5
Jayd laughed when Ladorak's eyes widened behind his glasses. "Well yes you could read up and get some advice from a reputable doctor. We could maybe hire a nurse to help when it's time. I suppose that would be less expensive. I could have it at our house so we would save money like that as well." Just then Caden asked Lad to have someone take over for him. Jayd followed Lad happily.
Once by him at the helm she spoke again as she rubbed her beach ball tummy. "I've helped my mother give birth. It's really not that hard. I'm sure that you would be fine bringing our child into the world and it would make it that much more special for you." Jayd now leaned against her mate a bit as she yawned and noted his change in course. Being pregnant tired her out more then she cared to admit but she never wanted to seem like she was weak in the eyes of Ladorak.
|
|
|
Post by Ladorak on Aug 9, 2009 11:48:14 GMT -5
He took note that his mate seemed tired.....perhaps even exhausted. Fatigued he'd settle for. She was most definitely worn out....perhaps by her pregnancy. "Well....birthing is one thing....but establishing a connection yes....that might make it extra special. Helping to deliver my own child....wow....that would really be something." he said nervously, finishing his drink and setting the empty glass back down.
That was it....the wind was good right now.....very good in fact. He would be able to keep this course steady for awhile now. He'd turn around the headland and maybe even take them into Muggidrear for the day. It wasn't that far of a sail to the capital of Welkin after all. "Say....what do you want to do for the rest of the day?" the jack asked him mate.
"I could sail us to Muggidrear and maybe we could look for that doctor, or we could sail around some more...that's really up to you. Your wish is my command." he said, partly alluding to their wedding night and hoping she'd get the subtle reference. He really had no problem doing whatever she wanted today. He had all the time in the world after all.....
|
|
|
Post by jaydjasmyn on Aug 25, 2009 8:03:51 GMT -5
~Jayd
Jayd nodded with his comment about having a connection to the kit due to the fact that his own paws would be bringing him or her into the world. It would be a great experience for Lad and if he felt comfortable enough to do it again he could deliver their next child and the next one after that. Inwardly Jayd chuckled when she thought of having a bunch of offspring with Lad, especially so since she didn't even give birth to the first one yet. Passively she rubbed her tummy and sighed. "Yes the connection for you would be a big plus. You have good steady paws and so I trust you." Jayd winked at him playfully.
The femme cocked her head for a moment in order to allow the stiff breeze to take her headfur. She had to admit that it felt so good to be out at sea again. The salt air was refreshing and being with Lad was the cherry on top of the cake. Who was she kidding though? Ladorak was the entire desert, from the bottom layer right to the top. Jayd felt alive when she was with him.
He then asked her what she wanted to do. He gave her his suggestion and the female nodded back at him. "Mmmm... Muggidrear sounds like a good idea. We still need to eat our lunch and then maybe we could find some place for Caden to run and play. Maybe the beach or something?" She laughed when he stated that her wish was his command. It was a joke that was obviously only gotten by the two of them. Her cheeks blushed lightly as she shook her head, thinking of how flirtingly playful her mate was. "Be careful my love. I may wish for something that you can't fulfill." What she could wish that Lad couldn't accomplish was beyond her but it seemed like the playful thing to say to him as she again winked at him and then shyly twirled her headfur between her fingers.
|
|
|
Post by Ladorak on Aug 25, 2009 9:38:17 GMT -5
"Yes...of course. A....beach." Ladorak said, more distracted by his wife's presence than he was willing to admit. He was considering a beach or cove someplace...a nice quiet strip of land that would be out of sight of passing ships. Thoughts of another romantic afternoon were flashing through his mind...though of course he knew that Caden was with them, so it wouldn't be TOO much of a passionate withdawal...but still....it was good for all of them to be spending time as a family as well.
"I think I know a good spot to put in. It'll be in Muggidrear but on the outskirts. An easy walk into the city from there too." he said, turning the wheel a bit to adjust his course. "That headland we just passed marks a point of land that serves as a marker for the approach to Muggidrear. I'll be looking for the Nore, a sandbar that marks the entrance to the River Bronn. That'll be Muggidrear and we can pull into a berth somewhere and set our paws on dry land." he said, smiling at the thought in spite of himself. What would he have been like had he not met Jayd? Bitter....reserved....withdrawn? He'd still have malaria sure but...after he'd met Jayd....had his life taken a turn for the better? The stoat wanted to believe that....with every inch of his heart he did. He might be an entirely different stoat were it not for his chance encounter with his young mate.
*******************
Muggidrear was peaceful but bustling, as always. It was a busy port after all. Ladorak safely brought the Red Lotus over the Nore and into the Bronn estuary. Many fishing craft bobbed about over the waves and were either heading out to sea or bringing last night's catch into port. There were warships all around as well, most of them laid up in ordinary. There was the formidable 90 gun Sandwich, former flagship of Admiral Rodney, one of Ladorak's inspirations who had died this year suddenly at the age of 73. He had been old....so Ladorak should have expected his death but still...he was probably Welkin's greatest naval hero, and his passing had come as a bit of a surprise to the stoat.
He had served as an inspiring force for Ladorak, despite his sometimes overbearing personality, but at this point there was really nothing to be gained by further mourning. Only a slight twinge of sadness passed over the stoat as he glanced at the aging warship Sandwich, now used more as a floating battery than anything else thanks to her age. "Wow!" Caden exclaimed, looking out at all of the warships that surrounded him, their masts stretching up like a forest.
He gazed wonderingly about him, in rapture at it all. There were a few ships that Ladorak recognized, like the Venerable and the Charybdis, which was the fastest ship in the fleet. "We'll put in next to the Venerable....that warship over there, and head down the short walk to the beach....alright?" he asked, smiles all around as he prepared to carefully bring his yacht into dock.....
**************
Docking was always tricky for Ladorak, but he had managed to pull it off. They were now on the beach, the sand crunching under their paws as they walked. Caden ran ahead, still gazing out at all the warships at the Nore. He was imagining what it was like to pace the deck of one, a Master and Commander in his own right. His flights of fancy caused him to pick up his pace a bit, the marten's hind legs pumping forward to give him momentum as he flew down the beach, kicking up tufts of sand behind him.
"Well....he's having fun. Now let's get this picnic set up for our lunch...shall we?" Ladorak asked, bringing himself in close to his wife. There was an old castle on a cliff nearby. It was run down and in disrepair, but in it's day it had been very grand and regale. It was supposedly haunted, which is why no beast purchased it. Shalebridge was it's name if Ladorak could remember correctly. Aside from that he knew little details about the place other than it had been owned by some now defunct noble family of Welkin.
Stepping back to give his mate room, Ladorak prepared to assist her with anything she might need, as he would be more than willing to help out his pregnant wife.
|
|
|
Post by jaydjasmyn on Aug 26, 2009 13:09:15 GMT -5
Jayd could always feel the bond that was between her and her mate, more so when in his presence. The connection of their glances said more then any words could possibly due justice to. And so yes Jayd felt the overwhelming urge to have a romantic beach picnic with her mate but she knew that this day was important to Caden. She was sure that there would be other days that would cater to their needs and desires for each other.
Jayd eagerly glance in the direction that Lad was heading. A smile painted her stunning features as the excitement was building within her. She couldn't wait to watch Caden as he played on the beach. The energy that came from the kit fed Jayd and his antics made life worth living. She could only imagine now when the time came that Caden would be playing with the new addition to the family. It was times and thoughts like these that teased Jayd into wishing that the kit was already born.
Jayd giggled out loud and then wrapped her arm into Lad's, giving it a tight squeeze. It had been to long that she's been stuck in the house. This little adventure was just what she needed to add a little excitement to her life. She was just glad that Lad didn't seem to overly protective of her because of her condition. Some male's wanted to put their wives in a bubble or at least under house arrest while they were pregnant but Lad seemed comfortable enough with the whole situation.
The excitement grew in the air as the warships came into view. Jayd wasn't to overly excited about it but she was happy that Lad and Caden seemed to enjoy it so much. Their enjoyment was infectious and it caused her smile to never waver from her full lips. Jayd was very generous like that. She loved to see others happy, especially ones that deserved it so much. Compared to the life that Caden could have had this was a treatment of royalty for him to say the least. And of course Jayd nodded eagerly when her mate informed her where they would be docking.
Once they were on the shore Jayd's paw fingers interlocked with her mates. She was panting a bit. The exertion was a bit more then she anticipated but she wouldn't complain. Jayd wasn't the type that buckled under a little discomfort. The femme plastered a grin over her face as Caden bolted away and Lad suggested that they got ready for the picnic. "Whew... Yes let us eat. I feel a great need for nourishment. Maybe some juice will give me some energy." By this time Lad had stepped away from her and Jayd turned to retrieve the basket of food from a kind crew beast that took it upon himself to assist her.
Jayd started out by digging into a stray pack in order to retrieve the most perfect picnic blanket. With a grunt she tossed it out until the wind caught it with it's licking tongue gusts. It was times like these that Jayd was thankful for the soft breeze that blew in from the sea. The fem turned to Lad and requested his assistance. "My love.... Would you mind getting that end? Well put something on the corners to keep the wind from blowing it away." Jayd turned to see where Caden got to. It was a habit that the femme was quickly developing for the male kit.
|
|
|
Post by Ladorak on Aug 27, 2009 1:10:31 GMT -5
"Yes of course dear." Ladorak said, wanting to make sure that Jayd didn't strain herself. She was very pregnant after all...only 3 more months. "Here...just take it easy alright?" He said, spreading the blanket out and placing rocks down on the corners to keep it from blowing away. "How are you holding up so far? Didn't think that the walk might effect you."
He couldn't believe he hadn't been considerate enough to ask her if she was OK for doing this....but then again he'd always thought of Jayd as very self-reliant and capable of handling herself...but still....he wanted to be there in case she wasn't.
Caden was off running along the beach, still kicking up tufts of sand as he ran. He was going to head into the water at some point, but didn't want to get his clothes wet. As he rounded a bit of a turn though (still in sight of Ladorak and Jayd, though only Jayd could see him since Ladorak was facing Jayd and thus had his back to Caden), Caden came to a halt. Ahead of him stood a pine marten....though a regular colored pine marten, not an albino.
The two stared at each other, not saying anything. The stranger was an adult, and a jack. He seemed haggard and a bit worn, and his clothes weren't the best. He had a traveling sack slung over his shoulder, and seemed distant somehow.....detached. He looked down at Caden....and Caden looked up at him, the kit unsure of who this was or what he wanted. Ladorak wouldn't see this, but Jayd might, since she was facing in that direction.....
|
|
|
Post by jaydjasmyn on Aug 27, 2009 11:36:54 GMT -5
"Ugh! Yes Ladorak I am fine. I'm just a bit winded. Carrying about the extra weight of the kit is harder then I thought it would be. My stomach is growing rather quickly. I think that the baby may be quite big." Jayd laughed but inwardly she was worried about giving birth to such a large kit since she wasn't that big herself. Still though her tummy was quite large. The femme was beginning to waddle when she walked. She looked quite cute. "I think that to.... My day started out rough which made me more tired then I anticipated it would. The heat really sucked the starch right out of me. A bit of a rest will help me. I'll unpack the food when Caden gets back or at least when you want to call for him." The fae chuckled and then took Lad's paw. She was glad that her mate was so observant to her needs. Then again Jayd tended to push herself beyond her limits and it was hard to judge what her limits were right now since she's never been pregnant before. Softly she placed a kiss right on his lips and then hugged him to herself.
This put Jayd in the perfect position to see that an adult male pine marten just crossed Caden's path. Jayd's breath was caught in her throat when she opened her eyes. For a second her mouth opened and no sound came out until she pushed Lad back and pointed in the direction that the kit was running. "Ladorak! Look! There's someone near Caden!" Without thinking Jayd was tapping on Lad's chest. Her eyes were wide. Her protective side for Caden was displaying itself.
Before Ladorak could do anything Jayd darted forward. She took a saunter that a pregnant femme should not be taking....
|
|
|
Post by Ladorak on Aug 27, 2009 23:18:13 GMT -5
Ladorak gratefully accepted his wife's kiss. Yes....she needed rest...rest would be good....so good....so....good...his thoughts were drifting away as time seemed to stand still for the jack. Of if only they were alone right now....but then he was pushed back, and Jayd was pointing behind him. There was....yes! There was someone near Caden!
And then, to his amazement, his mate took a step towards Caden. Her maternal instincts kicked in...and Ladorak's protective instincts for his wife did the same. "Jayd no!" he yelled, getting in front of her and putting his paws on her shoulders. "Don't move too quickly...I'd hate to think of what would happen to you if you fell! Let me handle this....alright?" he asked, placing a reminder paw on her belly. "You've got cargo."
Turning away from her, he started running off towards where Caden stood. "Caden! Caden!" he called out to the kit, who slowly turned around to face the charging stoat, a wave coming up to curl around his footpaws. "Caden!" Ladorak called again as he reached them. "Who....are you?" he asked of the marten, who looked up at him now as if noticing him for the first time. There was just something a little bit....off about this fellow. Not necessarily bad but.....it made Ladorak's fur stand on end just looking at him.
"I meant no harm sir...." the marten said quietly. "I'm Parker...Richard Parker. 'M a sailor on HMS Assurance...we just...pulled into dock see and well....I was curious about the noise I heard down here. I'm sorry to have intruded." he said, still very soft.
"No, no...it's fine...." Ladorak said slowly, keeping his eyes on the marten as Caden walked back over to the stoat. "Parker you say? No relation to Admiral Peter Parker then would there be?"
"Oh no sir...I only wish. 'M the son of a baker...and a rather good one at that. I was apprenticed as a navigator you see....sorry to have intruded." he repeated.
"No, no, it's fine." Ladorak said, still feeling....some form of unease, though he couldn't quite describe it. He wasn't sure if it was bad though, or merely uncomfortable. "We uh...need to be getting back to our picnic now...good to have met you Mr. Parker."
The marten nodded. "Oh yes of course. Good to have met you too Mr...."
"Fugate....Commander Ladorak Fugate in His Majesty's Royal Navy."
"Oh I'm sorry sir." the marten said, eyes flashing for a minute. "Didn't realize you was my superior officer."
"It's fine....I'm on shore leave right now. No active command. Right well.....we should be going."
"Indeed. Sorry once again." the marten said, clutching his bag nervously as the stoat and albino kit turned to head back to Jayd.
"Who was that Ladorak?" Caden whispered.
"I don't know....the name sadly does not ring a bell. I'm just glad you're safe. Don't wander out of my sight OK? You can go anywhere you like....just make to keep us in view at all times Caden." Ladorak implored. The albino considered this. That wasn't any fun....but something in Ladorak's voice made Caden want to listen. Maybe it was a good idea with creepy jacks running around like that Parker fellow after all. "And as for you." Ladorak said as he led Caden up to Jayd. "Don't ever scare me like that Jayd. You can run all you want when you're not this pregnant but phew. You really gave me a fright." He said, reaching out for her shoulder now with his paw.
Parker watched them but then turned and headed off down the beach. Ladorak had never quite been so tense this year. He was glad it had been nothing big and that he could relax now.
|
|