The Cast:

Moonfrost, the expectant mother
Windshadow, her mate
Dove
Aubri
Altair
Krrk

NPC characters:

Fyrn - healer
Carla - hatchery midwife
Fonar - mage healer

This story takes place at the Northern Plateau of Grylra Aerie. It is from Dove's perspective.

MoonFrost has arrived.

Dove shakes her head and tells Krrk, "Sorry."

Aubri has arrived.

Dove giggles at the waddling MoonFrost.

Krrk says, "It is o.k."

Krrk nods "Good eve all."

You say, "Good Eve, Krrk."

MoonFrost lites from her ledge, a frown on her face for a moment. Hearing a familiar voice she looks up, then smiles as she waddles towards Dove..."Dove!"

Krrk says, "Oh I am sorry I was greeting them not leaving." she griff grins

Dove looks up, smiling at the expecting gryphoness and calls back, "Heyas you! Long time no see, Moon!"

Aubri follows Moonfrost with a grin, hitting the ground running and tackling Dove!

Dove tries to apologize to Krrk, she's been so busy lately she's muddled, but she is tackled instead by her mate.

Krrk moves out of the way for them.

MoonFrost waddles a little uncomfortably, her added weight making her slow so that Aubri makes it to Dove before her. She pauses, staying back from the energetic greetings, then finally steps forward to nudge against Dove, "Aye.. too long my friend." She turns and gives Krrk a smile, nodding, "Good eve to you also Krrk."

Dove nuzzles her beak to Aubri's as she's pinned under him.

Krrk says, "How are you..Moonfrost is it?"

Dove sheepishly grins at Aubri and asks, "Miss me love?"

Aubri laughs and licks Dove's beak.

MoonFrost nods again, "Aye, it's Moonfrost... " She gives another laugh at Aubri's greeting, shaking her head.

Aubri lets Dove up and grins, shrugging. "Not a bit."

Krrk says, "You look well fed Moonfrost"

Dove sighs as she gets up. She nuzzles Aubri again, saying, "Good, I was afraid you'd be jealous of all the time I've been busy..."

Aubri rolls his eyes with a chuckle. "She'll lay her eggs soon, Krrk."

MoonFrost laughs! "I wish it was so..."

Krrk chuckles "Oh THAT....well you can hardly notice."

Dove snickers at Krrk's comment about MoonFrost.

Krrk griff grins.

Aubri nuzzles Dove warmly. "I have to go take care of duties, so I'll be free the rest of the evening.. Have someone come tell me if Moon's time come, ok?"

Dove nods, smiling. "I will, love. You be careful, okay?"

MoonFrost smiles, grumbling under her breath, "Aye, someone should find my mate too..."

Aubri purrs and grins cockily. "I'm always careful!" he declares.

Aubri Han Solos, "Hey, it's me!"

Dove laughs and swats Aubri with her wing, "Get going you scoundrel!"

MoonFrost tries to settle down, though not able to find any comfortable position with the bulk of her belly. She grumbles more, a few choice words saved for her mate.

Aubri laughs and wingwaves. "Later!"

Krrk watches him go.

Dove pads over to Moon, "Need any help there, Moon?" She nuzzles beaks, smiling.

MoonFrost looks up to her friend, "Aye.. no.. I dunno.. just feeling funny today. Can't get comfortable no matter what position I try."

Krrk says, "sounds like time is closer then she thinks."

Dove looks her oversized friend over for a bit and asks, concern in her voice, "Think it'll be any time now that you'll lay?"

MoonFrost shrugs, "I dunno, been feeling this way for the past few days, so I guess time is near. Of course, Stormdancer would pick today to send Windshadow out on some sort of mission." She lets out a sigh, finally giving up on sitting and just stands.

Krrk nods "I think it will be today myself."

Dove hmms, looking at the ground beneath you, thinking...she asks, almost without thinking, You must be uncomfortable standing, but can't get comfy, huh?"

MoonFrost shakes her head, then starts grumbling about her mate's shortcomings for some reason, in a bad mood.

Dove chuckles softly, shaking her head. "I don't know whether to feel sorry for you, or be jealous of you, Moon. Having to be so uncomfortable for so long, yet being able to give birth...I don't know." She sighs, nuzzling MoonFrost again.

MoonFrost returns Dove's nuzzle, feeling her friends hidden pain. A gleam suddenly appears in her eyes as a thought comes to mind... she'll have to think and discuss it later with her mate.

Dove stands next to MoonFrost, hopefully helping her with standing up. She looks over at Krrk and asks, "So what have you been up too, Krrk?"

Krrk says, "Oh, someone thought a gryphoness would make a good warmount, I just corrected their point of view"

MoonFrost seems to lean against Dove, not really for support, just for closeness. She tilts her head, thoughts running all over the place, yet still listens to the other two.

Krrk says, "Can I help at all?"

Dove looks disturbed at such news. She growls softly and asks, "Who would make such a missstake?" She's obviously upset about the topic of being used by another...

Krrk says, "A halfgriff..I think they are called felines, he found I was a bit too much to handle......"

MoonFrost preens Dove's shoulder feathers, trying to calm her friend, "Yesss... who?"

Dove looks somewhat surprised that a feline was so stupid. "I'm glad you showed him that we are not prizes and petsss." She's getting more upset. Her feathers are even starting to raise on end.

Krrk says, "Shhh be easy Dove, your friend needs you."

MoonFrost glances at Krrk, then back to Dove, chirring softly as she preens a few feathers. "It'ss ok Dove... "

Krrk says, "Please do not upset yourself dove, When I first arrived I saw you upset, I like you better calm." she grins.

Dove growls, but cuts it off and is visibly trying to calm herself. She settles down and little, sighing, "I'm sorry you two. Still haven't gotten over...I don't think I ever will to tell you the truth..."

Krrk doesn't know of what she speaks but gently preens her feathers if allowed, to calm her.

MoonFrost nods softly, chirring to her friend, nuzzling against her shoulder, "Don't think anyone could... but.. it iss in the passt... we learn from passt..."

Dove allows both friends to help calm her and preen her feathers back down. She chuckles humorlessly at Moon's words, "Learn from the past? You forget, I *am* the past. And I'm learning more. Probably more than my creators first thought..." She shakes her head, trying to clear it.

Krrk says, "Should I catch you a hind?"

Dove looks at Krrk, not understanding what she's asking...???

Krrk says, "A hind..a deer........are you hungry?"

MoonFrost laughs softly as she nods, "Sso, we learn from passt, and from future..." Sometimes her thoughts aren't all together, jumbled, as she babbles on a little more about this and that.

Dove laughs, shaking her head. "I'm sorry, I didn't understand you at first. I must really be losing it. I've been so busy..." She turns to MoonFrost and asks, "You hungry? I am." She turns to Krrk and nods, "I would like that very much if it's not a problem for you, Krrk. Thank you."

Krrk says, "One moment, I scented a herd just a ways to the south."

Krrk flies upwards, into the sky.
Krrk has left.

Dove and MoonFrost chat a bit about little things while they wait for Krrk's return.

Krrk sweeps down from above.
Krrk has arrived.

Dove watches as Krrk returns shortly.

Krrk returns hauling a huge buck deer, her wings barely able to carry it and she breathes heavily.

Dove smiles and nods. She calls out, "Very impressive, Krrk! And in such good time too! The Aerie should be proud to have such a huntress as you!"

Krrk shakes her head "it was older, I just happened to see it on my way here.....but please have some...I am glad Dove that you do not find me a danger..."

Dove nudges MoonFrost ahead of her towards the fresh buck before following. She looks oddly at Krrk and asks, "A danger...? I don't understand."

Krrk says, "When we first met, you worried about me, you caged me."

MoonFrost shakes herself out of her thoughts, giving Krrk a smile as she softly agrees with Dove about her kill. She waddles towards the fresh kill, one ear listening to the conversation as she tries to settle down.

Dove sighed and nods, "Yes, but that was then. You have been calming down, or so I've heard." She looks at Krrk closely and asks, "Are they right in telling me you've calmed down and aren't a danger anymore?"

Krrk says, "I have never harmed anyone who did not attack me.......I have heard.......others speak of me when I am not around....."

MoonFrost takes a small bite from the deer, savoring the taste of the still warm meat. Ah, good.. perhaps this is what she was needing after all.

Dove smiles as Moon digs in at the fresh kill. She waits a bit before taking a bite herself. She uses the time to collect her thoughts before going on...

MoonFrost tears another bite off, head arching back to swallow. Tail flicks behind her as she enjoys the meal.

Krrk sits licking off her talons.

Dove looks at Krrk and asks, "What have you heard others say about you?"

Krrk says, "Only rumors, of what other say, that I look only for breeding.....that I swallow children."

Dove looks oddly at Krrk and hazards it by saying, "Well, as for the breeding, that's all yours, but I seriously hope someone was exaggerating about eating children. I don't think the Shkrill are bad enough to even do that..."

Krrk says, "I do not eat children.....I may RUN from them but I do not EAT them."

MoonFrost chuckles softly at Krrk, her eyes gleaming brightly. "I think many would run from kidss..."

Dove quirks a smile and nods, "I understand that. Whatever did happen to that rather loud one? The one that keep screaming all the time?"

Krrk says, "I do not know I have been gone a while."

MoonFrost blinks, loud one? What? Huh? Shrug of shoulders, she turns back to the deer and takes another bite.

Krrk watches Moonfrost a bit enviously.

Dove shakes her head, "Never mind. It has been so long since that little one was here....I lose track of time too easily..."

MoonFrost takes another bite, the steps away to begin cleaning herself. Can't have herself looking messy when her mate returns. Nope! She carefully preens feathers, licking away any blood she finds. "Thank you Krrk... "

Dove nods, "Yes, thank you, Krrk."

Krrk nods "It is my pleasure."

MoonFrost stops her preening for a moment, looking up, lost in thought, then continues with her preening.

Dove looks at MoonFrost and asks, "Everything okay?"

MoonFrost looks towards Dove, a funny expression on her muzzle, "Dunno.. just felt funny." She shrugs her shoulders, "Perhaps the food settling.." she offers as an explanation.

Krrk says, "I am a healer in my past..she's close......."

Dove tilts her head, as if looking at her from another angle. She looks back up and asks, "Shall we head to the hatchery then? I can send someone to go look for WindShadow and Aubri...but it'll take a bit to find them if they're out on patrol..."

Krrk says, "You will have someone there that can care for her?" She sounds hopeful.

MoonFrost frowns and stands, nodding her head, "Perhaps it would be better.. much easier than climbing into my cave at any rate."
 
 

Dove nods to Krrk, "I'll send for one of the hatchery attendants. You can come if you want." She turns to help MoonFrost, "Shall we start to head over to the hatchery then?"

Krrk says, "I do not think that would be good for me, Good luck Moonfrost."

MoonFrost nods again, turning to waddle slowly towards the hatchery.

MoonFrost turns back to Krrk, "Thank you again for the meal..."

Dove nods to Krrk and says, "As you wish." She helps MoonFrost waddle her way down to the southern plateau and the Aerie entrances there.

Krrk says, "You are welcome."

MoonFrost walks south, to the main aerie.
MoonFrost has left.

Base of Grylra Aeries - Churnel Mountains
This long plateau deep in the Churnel mountains runs roughly north/south. Great towering gray rock rises in all directions around you, and the only way out of this valley is by a narrow trail that follows a rocky ledge to the north east. At the western end of this plateau are several dozen cave like openings, probably gryphon aviaries. At the base of the southern mountain, easily reached from the ground, is a large opening into what seems like a large hall. In a central location, in a broad clear area, are the remains of a huge design in wood, stone, and earth, tens of meters across. In the middle are the remains of what was obviously a huge bonfire. Long cold, the ashes are being carried away by the winds, day by day. Snow hides from the sun, building up in the shadowed places, and along the northern edges of boulders.
To the North, the plateau continues on, rising at a gentle but steady slope. At the base of the western cliff face, a wide, low cavern leads to the common sleeping area. To the southwest, a much larger opening leads to what seems to be a formal gathering area. Enormous stone spires arch upwards, like smooth ebon gate-posts, on either side of the pass leading northeast, downward and away from the plateau.

Great Hall - Grylra
This is the great hall of the Grylra aeries, where official ceremonies are often held and the population often gathers for celebrations or just to mingle. You can tell this was once a much grander place than it is now, but it is still quite impressive. The floor is very flat, but lightly textured with interesting abstract patterns swirling through it. The walls are very high, at least eight meters at the lowest point, with great vaulting arches that rise to the ceiling. These arches seem to produce a steady, warm light which fills the room, though there are some randomly shaped areas that are dark.
At the south end is a large raised platform, apparently for speakers, musicians, or other kinds of performances. At the north end is a wide opening to the outside, flanked by a pair of alert watchgryphons.

Gathering Hall - Grylra
This is a very large room, actually a little larger than the Great Hall. The walls are decorated in various motifs of majestic gryphons soaring the skies and reigning dominant over their mountain cliffs. There is even one motif that looks newer than the others. It has a rather large black gryphon silhouetted against a large, bright lightning bolt in a nasty storm.
On the east wall two large arches lead to the main hall. An arch on the south wall leads to the workroom, while a narrower to the north one leads to a tunnel that spirals down to the hatchery. A very wide opening leads west, out onto a wide ledge.

Hatchery - Grylra
This room is full of large nests upon a floor of soft sand. The room is of rather decent size, with one exit leading to the Gathering Hall to the south, and one leading west to the Playroom.
A few nests have eggs already in them. Bits of eggshells litter the floor around a couple of empty nests. Several nests are now occupied by gryphons, who are tending to newborn gryphlets.

MoonFrost makes her way slowly into the hatchery, skirting the empty nests till she finds the one Windshadow had prepared for her. She settles down as best as she can, tail flicking behind her.

Dove helps you as best as possible, chirping like a gryphlet, teasing you playfully.

MoonFrost lets out small laughs occasionally, glad to have your company at this time. She's quite nervous, and was afraid she'd end up without anyone around.

Dove chuckles and nuzzles, "That nervous huh? Don't worry, it'll be okay. Let me go find someone to hunt down our mates and a hatchery attendant. You stay put and don't go anywhere."

MoonFrost gasps softly, her sides trembling for a brief moment as she looks to Dove in surprise, then nods her head, "Aye... and tell them quick!"

Dove looks surprised that the time just might be so close after all. She dashes out the tunnel quickly. After a few brief minutes, she comes back, a skin of water handy. She smiles and nods, "Messengers sent. I thought you might get a little thirsty, so I brought this. You want a bowl to drink it from though?"

MoonFrost nods her head, "That would be easier.."

Dove nods and pads over to the ground before you. She pats the ground before you, causing the stone to lift up, forming a sizeable slab. She then rubs her hand over the middle of it, hollowing it out. The whole process takes hardly any longer than to make the motions. She then pours the water into the new stone bowl between the two.

MoonFrost smiles, head shaking as she watches her friend perform her magic, "Sometimes... you're amazing Dove.. and very special.. I am glad to call you friend." She blinks, then lowers to lap at the water.

Dove lowers her head, smiling. She replies softly, "Thank you." She points with her beak at the stone bowl and adds, "I've been practicing my abilities with stone and a little with water. Unfortunately it takes much out of me, not just energy. I lose track of time and much more sometimes..." She sounds a bit saddened, but a little proud too.

MoonFrost nods her head, eyes looking over the bowl. Another gasp is given, "I think they're trying to tell me today will be the day.." She looks worried, hoping that Wind will be found in time.

Dove looks over your shoulder, as if she can see the eggs being laid already, but only sees your back. She nods, "I hope he's found soon too...and that an attendant will show up soon."

MoonFrost cries out softly as the next wave hits her, the feeling of the contractions totally new to her. "In a hurry.. big hurry it seems."

Carla, the hatchery attendant asks, "What's in a hurry? You ready so soon, MoonFrost?" She pads in from the entrance, a satchel of materials slung over her shoulder. She comes close, nuzzling in greetings and checks you over.

Dove looks over and nods to Carla, "Yep, sounds like those eggs want out." She giggles at the growing excitement as it appears Moon will lay soon.

Fyrn enters, padding quickly towards Moonfrost as she has heard that it is the gryphonesses time. The healer casts a concerned glance, then nods to Carla.

MoonFrost makes a sound under her breath, somewhere between a snort and a chuckle. Her glance keeps returning towards the entrance, hoping that the next to fill it is her mate.

Carla rubs a foreclaw down MoonFrost's back reassuringly. "I'm sure he'll be along any time now."

Fyrn moves around behind Moonfrost, laying a comforting claw on her back as she feels along her belly. Eyes closed, she concentrates for a moment, then nods her head, "Aye, they are ready... "

Dove nods, "It shouldn't be too hard for someone to find him with such news..."

Windshadow comes out of the tunnel on the east wall.
Windshadow has arrived.

MoonFrost stills under the soothing claws, "I hope so Dove... "

Dove stays near the front of Moon, letting the two healers have all the room they need behind her.

Windshadow slips in and pads past unoccupied nests, torn between the need to be by MoonFrost's side and his trepidation over the whole incredible moment.

Fyrn glances up, catching a glance of the proud father-to-be and nods, good, everyone is here. Moonfrost should not be worried anymore now that he is here with her.

Dove notices Fyrn looking and turns to look also. She smiles and motions WindShadow closer. "And here is the devil himself, Moon."

MoonFrost chirrs happily as finally her mate's form enters the room, "Windsshadow..."

Windshadow quickens his pace, not quite loping the last few yards to join Dove by MoonFrost's head. He clicks beaks lovingly with his mate, feathers roused up all over his body with both pride and anxiety. Ever cool under pressure, his calm has been cracked by the impending clutching of his offspring. "I got your message, glad I'm not TOO late..."

Carla looks up long enough to say, "Don't worry, I have a feeling this laying will take a while. Especially considering she's larger than usual."

MoonFrost trembles as yet another contraction makes its self known to Moonfrost. She nuzzles Wind, so glad he was found.

Dove tries to keep the mood light by joking, "So you're saying if I were to lay an egg it would be over in a matter of seconds?" Being much smaller than MoonFrost, especially now, it's amusing.

Fyrn nods, agreeing with Carla, "Aye, much larger than normal.." She watches Moonfrost carefully, her glance turns to Carla as she turns to prepare things for the upcoming clutching.

Windshadow responds by quipping I na similar light-hearted vein, "I'm afraid you egg might be bigger than you, Dove dear."

MoonFrost chuckles softly, turning to nuzzle her friend. She mumbles something else, but her words are quiet.

Dove shrugs half-heartedly, looking away, "I guess we'll never know....will we?" She turns back, nuzzling MoonFrost, trying to give her as much support as possible.

Windshadow eyes Dove with a look of sympathy, and nuzzles her reassuringly before returning to delicately preening around MoonFrost's beak. "I'm in for the duration, love... I'll be right here."

Aubri comes out of the tunnel on the east wall.
Aubri has arrived.

Aubri hurries in and grins. "I came as quickly as I could," he explains.

MoonFrost glances towards Windshadow, her eyes bright with her love for him. Of course, there's a shadowing of nervousness.

Dove looks brighter at seeing her own mate enter. She waves him closer. She and Windshadow are by MoonFrost's front end while the two healers are at her back end.

Fyrn moves back to Moonfrost's rear, a claw settling on her rump, "Do not be nervous Moonfrost, you are doing fine so far. I am just going to check you..." This being said, she peers under Moon's tail, nodding her head at what she sees.

Windshadow has spent plenty of time it the back end, which is what put MoonFrost in this situation in the first place. now he lovingly preens and nuzzles her, chatting quietly and generally comforting her.

MoonFrost chirrs softly as Aubri joins the growing crowd around her. She reaches up to nuzzle his beak, then settles back down as best she can in the nest.

Carla quietly confers a few things with Fyrn over the imminent clutching. She's concerned about the outcome, but doesn't want to alarm anyone, especially MoonFrost herself.

Altair comes out of the tunnel on the east wall.
Altair has arrived.

Fyrn pat pats Moonfrost gently, "Aye, doing fine... it may be awhile yet, but it being your first clutch you never know." She turns to speak with Carla, head nodding as whispers are passed back and forth between.

Dove looks over and smiles as Altair enters. She tells Moon, "Hey, Altair's here. She's done this before, so she can help you really well!"

Altair says, "Humm? What's going on here?"

Dove smiles and giggles, "Moon's about to lay finally!"

MoonFrost chirrs softly, perhaps a laugh escapes at Dove's comment? She turns to watch the two healers, straining to hear what they're talking about.

Altair walks over to the two healers and soon joins in their muttered conversation, looking up once in a while and glancing at Moon.

Carla lets Altair know her concerns for the clutching, pointing out how Moon is exceptionally huge. There's a possibility of really large eggs, swelling, or maybe even three eggs.

Altair blinks, and mutters with them, "Another with 3 eggs? What are the chances of that happening, any way to tell?"

Carla shrugs, "Don't know. Won't know either, till she actually lays. See if you can help keep her calm, though. Last thing we need is for her to start panicking..."

MoonFrost trembles as another wave hits her, and she leans against Wind for support.

Fyrn consults with Carla, "Her contractions seem to be getting closer, her time is surely drawing nearer..." Fyrn also nods, agreeing with the other healer, "We must keep her as calm as possible. "

MoonFrost lets out a held breath, eyes searching for Wind, "I hope you had enough fun..." What exactly her words mean is anyone's guess.

Windshadow moves in somewhat crossways to Moon, offering his fore shoulder and side for her to rest against without crowding the healers. "Just let it fly its own course, love."

Windshadow responds, "Just imagine our hatchlings under your wings..."

Dove nuzzles Moon comfortingly. She croons reassurances to her.

Windshadow nuzzles as well, simultaneously with Dove for twice the love and comfort.

Fyrn checks Moon again, surprised to see that she has come so far in such a short time. "Seems they are more than a little ready to fly.."

Aubri sits back and lets the crowded affection pass, nuzzling Dove briefly and grinning at Moon.

Windshadow bites softly at moon's beak, "I am not surprised, Fyrn. Any young of ours will be quite the clawful."

Carla opens her satchel, pulling out the birthing cloths for catching and drying the eggs with. She sets those nearby along with some small jars of ointment.

MoonFrost closes her eyes, the comforting feel of her friend and mate beside her. A chuckle rumbles in her chest as she nods agreement with Wind.

Aubri glances at Moon and Windshadow. "I don't suppose either of you had really calm parents." he jokes.

MoonFrost chirrrRPS as another contraction hits, leaving her gasping in its wake. She glances at Windshadow with something of an accusing expression.

Dove chuckles at Aubri's words. She pokes a foreclaw at Wind and says, "Especially you. Even an adult, you're still a clawful."

Altair whispers aside to the healer about having someone ready with a full kit, just in case.

Fyrn nods, yesss, soon. Her claw scritches Moonfrost on her rump as her eyes watch her progression. She turns to whisper to Carla about getting the cloths ready only to see that the other has already done so.

Carla tells MoonFrost, "Don't worry, you're doing fine, dear. Just go with it. You feel the contractions becoming slightly regular? Good, every fourth one, hold your breath and push with it. That will help keep the rhythm and the pushing steady for the egg."

Aubri leans over to offer his own nuzzle to Moonfrost, purring.

Windshadow fluffs up and looks innocent. "I didn't hear you complain..." he mutters.

MoonFrost nods her head to the healer, panting softly.

Windshadow has to grin aside at Dove. "Just ONE clawful?"

Fyrn nods to Altair, "That would be a good idea." is whispered, her concern showing on her muzzle.

Dove nuzzles Moon, comforting her. She also nuzzles a bit with her own mate now and then, glad to have a chance to be with him finally...

Altair nods, "Be quick, not sure how long there is, and I know how this can be if there are three.

Carla nods to Altair and Fyrn, whispering, "You two take care of her, I'll take care of the eggs when they come." She looks concerned, but tries to hide it so as to not worry and panic anyone.

Windshadow says to his friends but loud enough that his mate cane hear, "When this is over and done with, she's going to kill me. I know it."

MoonFrost bares down as suggested by the healer, squatting over the nest. Her expressions run from a wild range.

Dove looks at MoonFrost with sympathy and nods at WindShadow, "Yes, I think she will. And when she's through, I might take a chunk from you too." She says this playfully, though, to try to keep Moon in good spirits.

Fyrn nods to Carla, "Get ready then... " She says as she spots the first egg.

Aubri whispers "Just no really /important/ chunks, if you please..."

MoonFrost laughs, "You more than have my permission to do that Dove... if there's anything left of him!" She bares down again, her stomach rippling with the force.

Aubri leans over and whispers to Dove with a grin.

Carla nods, grabbing the first cloth and positioning herself directly behind MoonFrost and under her upraised tail. She rests on her elbows, claws crooked up around the blanket, forming a little padded nest for the egg to simply fall into.

Dove grins and nudges Aubri, "Why Aubri, I didn't know you cared about him so much..." She's baiting him, teasing.

MoonFrost mrrps, baring down again, hunched over the nest. Fluid leaks from Moon, signaling the coming of the first egg.

Altair nods just a little, walking closer to Moon, moving just a little between her and Wind, "That's it Moon, not too much longer now.

Aubri shrugs a little and asks Wind, "Do you think you might possibly want to have more chicks some time?"

Windshadow suddenly sucks in a breath and craaaanes his neck, for the first sight of his first-laid offspring...

Carla croons encouragements to MoonFrost, "That's it, every fourth breath...doing fine...almost there...now push!"

Fyrn adds her encouragement with Carla's, urging the young mother to push.

Aubri cranes his neck too, the joke left hanging.

MoonFrost pushes, her tail flicked over her back as the egg slowly emerges to drop into Carla's waiting talons. MoonFrost exhales, then cranes her neck back, wanting to see her egg too...

Altair hisses softly at Aubri's joke, irritation flashing over her eyes.

Carla takes the egg, showing it briefly to MoonFrost and WindShadow before wrapping it up in more birthing cloths. She looks over to see how close it is for the second one. She has another cloth at hand already.

Dove pokes Aubri in the sides, "Don't worry about him, love." She winks at him, not realizing the healers and Altair's concerns.

Aubri grins and murmurs, "Congratulations."

MoonFrost pants, the contractions easing somewhat now that the first egg has left her body. Eyes still watch her egg... HER egg.

Windshadow's crest flicks up tall and he seems to swell with fatherly pride. THEIR egg.

Fyrn checks Moonfrost as Carla moves off with the egg. Everything seems ok so far. She continues to scritch Moon's rump softly, noting how the contractions have eased. "Well, perhaps the first was in a hurry to join the world..."

Dove nuzzles MoonFrost, "One down...You're doing just fine, Moon!"

Windshadow proudly watches the large and impressive (in his eyes) egg be carried gently aside. "Sounds like ours... eager to take charge of the situation."

MoonFrost chirrs softly, nuzzling Dove back, yet her eyes remain on the egg, following it.

Carla calls out softly as she sees MoonFrost's attention be distracted, "We're not done yet, dear. You still have another one to drop. Keep your breathing regular and focus on the contractions. Let us know when they get strong again. I'll let you know when to start pushing again, okay?"

MoonFrost frowns for a moment, chirring again as another wave of pain hits. She decides now is the time to discuss this business of HER having the eggs while he struts! She listens to the healer though, nodding her head, "I.. I will..."

Fyrn frowns, motioning Carla over to consult as something is seen. Quiet whispers fly between the two for a brief moment.

Dove finally notices the whispers and looks between the two healers and asks, "Is everything okay?"

Fyrn mutters, "... ... ... more blood..... .... ... usual." to Carla.

Carla looks down under MoonFrost's tail and nods, agreeing with Fyrn. She looks up as Dove asks her question and nods, "Nothing to worry about..." Yet. But she doesn't want to worry the others. She whispers to Fyrn, "....can you stop......"

Altair nods to Dove, "Everything's fine Dove, don't worry."

Windshadow's plumage starts to compress a bit as he glances back and forth among all present. "What is it, tell us."

MoonFrost continues the breathing, caring down each forth, though this next egg doesn't seem to be in quite the hurry as the first.

Dove doesn't look very reassured, but tries to not show it. She also understands the importance of not concerning Moon right now. She tries to comfort her instead, preening her neck feathers.

Fyrn shakes her head, "Nothing Windshadow.. she is doing fine. Just comfort your mate." She nods in answer to Carla's question.
 
 

Windshadow cocks his head slightly, not liking to be mislead but understanding the need to reassure MoonFrost. He calms himself and continues to nuzzle her softly and murmur loving words.

Fyrn bends down behind Moonfrost, "Moonfrost, I am just cleaning you up a little so I can take a better look.. do not be worried." She begins to do things, cloths are picked up and used among other things from the healers kit.

MoonFrost nods to the healer, her eyes close as she listens to her mate's words. She gives him a nip on the shoulder as another wave hits, letting him get a taste of what she's going through.

Carla positions herself near enough so she's ready to catch the next egg, but still giving Fyrn plenty of room to work on MoonFrost.

Altair cocks her head a little, and watches, knowing there is little she can do if something goes wrong, and also knowing that if she gets to close she might let something loose before its time.

Aubri spreads a wing over Dove and purrs softly. "How many more?" he asks the room in general.

MoonFrost mrrrrrps again, her beak tightening on Wind's shoulder as she bares down. Sides heave, trying to expel the next egg, wanting it OUT!

Carla looks at Fyrn and Altair, wondering if she should tell about the guess on how many eggs...?

Altair nods her head almost imperceptibly to Carla.

Fyrn nods to Carla, not seeing any reason to keep it from them now.

Windshadow rrrrrrs, tensing as the beak clamps... TIGHT. A foreclaw wraps around MoonFrost's foreleg and strokes reassuringly, as he grits his beak and focuses out the pain.

Carla clears her throat before answering Aubri's hanging question, "We believe she may have three eggs. It would explain her rather impressive size and such. It's very rare for there to be three in one clutching, though."

Dove looks at Moon, wishing there was some way for her to share the pain somehow, but knowing there is not.

MoonFrost bares down, sides straining, yet the egg doesn't appear. Breath exhaled, she pants a few times before trying again. Stupid males! See what you did!?!

Carla sees MoonFrost trying to hurry the process and warns her, "Calm down, MoonFrost. Take it easy. Pushing more is likely to drag it out. Every fourth breath again, not any other time, got it? It will come on it's own time. I know it's rough, but you have friends nearby..."

Windshadow murmurs, "Calm, my love, find your center. Let it flow..."

MoonFrost pants, nodding to the healer, trying to keep herself from pushing. Eyes roll at Wind, finding something funny in them, yet somehow she takes comfort as the same time.

Dove preens Moon's feathers, trying to help out by making her feel any bit more comfortable.

MoonFrost bares down again, straining hard to expel the egg from her body, yet once again, the egg refuses to budge within.

Carla looks concernedly at Fyrn, seeing the trouble Moon is having with this second egg and worrying about the third, if there is a third...

Fyrn shakes her head to Carla, the same worries filling her mind. She bends back down, trying to see if the egg can be spotted inside. A shake of her head, she turns back to Carla, silently communicating her concerns.
Aubri puts his claw on Moon's, inching closer and giving her a smile. "You're doing fine."

Windshadow has a difficult time keeping himself calm as the healers get more and more suspicious. Every time he is on the verge of demanding they explain what is so worrisome, he bites it down and makes himself relax somewhat out of concern for MoonFrost's mental state.

MoonFrost tries again, holding her breath as she pushes down, willing the egg out. Shaking her head, she lets out the breath, chirring softly, "It won't come..."

Fyrn lays a claw on Moonfrost's back, "Once more Moon, it's almost there. I can see it now..."

Carla speaks a little more forcefully at MoonFrost, "Yes it will, you just need to relax and focus. Straining too hard tightens the wrong muscles and prevents it from coming. Now just relax and only push when I saw too. now...push!"

MoonFrost nods, pushing as commanded, putting her whole body into it. Slowly it seems, the second egg begins to emerge from within MoonFrost, finally to drop to Carla's waiting talons.

Aubri smiles and squeezes Moon's claw, nodding. "There you go, just one more..."

Carla catches the second egg as it slowly emerges. She shows it to MoonFrost, "See there? Now, let's get this one wrapped up and see if there's any more in there." She wraps up the second egg as she speaks, walking back behind MoonFrost.

MoonFrost pants, this last egg seeming to have taken a lot from her. She leans wearily against her mate, eyes closing tiredly.

Windshadow leans into MoonFrost's weight, supporting her and resting his head against hers. "You're doing so well, love, you're nearly done... think of the new life you're giving us."

Fyrn stands, claws going to MoonFrost's side, pressing inwards carefully. "Aye, there's another inside. Take it easy, rest for a moment if you can."

Fyrn starts whispering to Carla again, her glance going often to MoonFrost as she leans against her mate.

MoonFrost nods, to both mate and healer as she opens her eyes, looking for the last egg, then closing again. "Soo.. tired..."

Carla shrugs to Fyrn, looking back at MoonFrost, concern openly on her face this time.

Fyrn shakes her head, then says softly to Windshadow and friends, "Do not let her go to sleep, keep her awake, yet calm. "

Dove rubs Moon's neck, patting it softly. She tries to encourage her and lift her spirits by asking, "You really don't think you'll be able to sleep with that egg in your belly, do you? It'd be like sleeping on an excited mate's belly! Let it out, then you can sleep."

MoonFrost doesn't even laugh, her head shakes gently, "No.. sssleep.. tired."

Windshadow nods to Fyrn over MoonFrost's neck. Nudging his mate, he shifts her against him to keep her awake. "Almost through, my dearest, keep at it. Our young need you now." He adds a sharp nip to her nape, a bite she cannot ignore.

Dove pokes at Moon's neck this time, "Oh no you don't. Healer's orders. You don't sleep till we see that egg. Now come on, you can do it."

Fyrn becomes concerned, more so now as she notices that MoonFrost is bleeding more than usual. She turns her gaze to Windshadow, allowing him to see her worry for the first time tonight. "Hold on to her."

MoonFrost tries, the tiredness pulling at her, speaking softly to her to sleep, to forget about everything else. With the nip, she opens her eyes, looking at Windshadow, then nods her head. She pushes, though not with the strength she had earlier.

Windshadow glances at Fyrn, and murmurs, "Find a healer mage, we may need to stack the odds." He has decided that alarming MoonFrost is worth it, if worry will make her fight the urge to slip away."

Dove doesn't like the way things are going. She just stays quiet for now, preening and occasionally poking MoonFrost to keep her awake.

Fyrn nods to Windshadow, then looks to Carla, "I will go search for one of healer mages..." She turns and pads quickly out of the room.

MoonFrost doesn't seem to hear the conversations going on, caught between trying to clutch this last egg and wanting to sleep. She pushes again, though lightly, hardly doing any work.

MoonFrost becomes weaker still, her occasional push doing hardly anything to expel the egg from her.

Windshadow refuses to leave MoonFrost's side, but looks to Aubri and says, "We need a healer. Help find one, or we could lose her."

Fyrn returns, another gryphon with her, both padding quickly to the nest. Fyrn has told Fonar everything, and he quickly sets up behind MoonFrost.

Carla helps answer questions Fonar gives, pointing out different things. She also helps MoonFrost stay awake, encouraging her to push at key times.

Fyrn steps aside, letting Fonar have all the room he needs to work, yet close by if needed.

Windshadow nods to Fonar, "Please, help her." His gaze pleads with the healer to do everything possible for his mate.

Fonar nods to Windshadow, then starts by making his own examination of MoonFrost's state. Talons go to her sides, mimicking the moves that Fyrn did earlier, "Yess, there is another here Fyrn.." Eyes close as he concentrates, trying to 'see' what's wrong inside.

MoonFrost is tired, beyond tired. Hearing her mate's pleas, her eyes open slowly. Somehow she knows, something isn't right and she tries to calm him instead. Another small push is given when Carla commands.

Fonar helps MoonfFrost push, his talons pressing inwards and back, urging the egg along the right path, positioning it closer to the end. Bending back down, he chiirs softly, seeing the amount of blood already lost and begins to concentrate again, eyes closed as he touches certain areas, closing off any bleeding he finds.

Carla watches silently, concerned very much. She stays quiet for now since Fonar seems to have things in hand. She has another birthing cloth ready.

Altair keeps quiet, staying in the background, watching everything.

Dove quietly and softly brushes her foreclaw over Moon's neck, helping her relax, but occasionally poking her again if she seems to doze off any.

MoonFrost turns, her voice soft as she speaks to Dove, "Promise me... " It's broken off as another pain hits and she tries pushing, this time trying harder.

Aubri nods encouragingly, "That's it, keep it up... you can sleep later..."

Windshadow nods softly as he watches the mage work, feeling his confidence grow to know that magic is being used to help. "You're in good claws now, we aren't going to let anything happen to you."

Altair bobs her head just a little, then steps close again, lifting a foreclaw up and placing it on Moon's shoulder, giving Moon strength through her magic.

Fonar again helps, his talons pushing harder. A quiet deep voice mingles with the others, "Push MoonFrost.. I can't do this all by myself."

Dove rubs and pats MoonFrost, "Don't worry, I promise." She doesn't know what yet, but is sure she will do whatever it takes to fulfill her promise.

MoonFrost pants softly, attempting to finish what she started to say, "Promise me, if anything happens, you will help take care of them... promise me..."

Fonar grunts, feeling the egg move into place for a final push. He leans in hard, urging MoonFrost to hush and push again.

Windshadow taps MoonFrost's beak with his. "None of that talk, love, you're already giving in. you have to fight it, fight for your children. Stay with me, right here, right now..."

Dove nods and pats MoonFrost, "I promise. And I promise you'll be right there with me to take care of them, you hear me?"

MoonFrost hears Dove's promise, then nods to Fonar, breath taken and held as she pushes again. With Fonar's help, the egg slides out, and MoonFrost falls.

Windshadow lowers himself, ducking down to support her fall as he slides his body beneath her breast. "Careful love, careful... you did great, an inspiration to us all..."

Carla catches the third and final egg with a small cry of triumph! She brings it around to show MoonFrost and Windshadow. Doing so also takes her from Fyrn and Fonar's ways so they have room to work.

Dove smiles and rubs MoonFrost's neck feathers. She looks back at the healers to see if it's okay now for Moon to sleep or if she's not out of the woods yet...?

Windshadow crooons gently to the small egg, nuzzling it tenderly with his beak. "Big surprises come in small packages... I bet this'll be a feisty one."

Fonar begins to work on MoonFrost as Fyrn steps to his side to help. Quiet exchanges of words as they work to finish closing off bleeders. After awhile, Fonar nods, moving a short distance away. He catches Dove's glance and nods, "It is ok for her to sleep. Rest is probably the best thing for her right now. " His worried glance shifts to Windshadow, but decides that he will talk to him later.

Aubri crowds in close, nuzzling Moon and trying to catch a glimpse of the third born egg.

Dove nods, whispering her thanks to both healers. She looks down, whispering to MoonFrost as she helps settle her more comfortably, "It's okay, Moon. It's all over. You can sleep now. Sleep and you will see your beautiful eggs when you wake. Now get some rest."

MoonFrost looks to the third egg, nodding at Windshadow's comment before settling down with Dove's help. Her eyes close and she is soon asleep.

Dove smiles, seeing Moon asleep finally. She looks over at the healers and Carla, "Thank you all. If there is anything you need, simply ask."

Carla nods, "I'm just glad and surprised that she survived. It's rare for a gryphoness to lay three, even rarer for her to survive it. But I don't know if she'll be able to do that ever again. I don't even know if she'll ever be able to conceive at all. Only time and the healers can say for sure. But keep a close eye on her. Any signs of change and you get us, hear? Now you look tired enough. Why not stay here in an empty nest the night? That way when she wakes, you're still nearby. Besides, one of you has to sit on these eggs until she's awake enough for her to sit on them..." She looks around for volunteers.

Aubri strokes Moon's neck and gives Carla a friendly glare. "Shut up," he shakes his head.

MoonFrost sleeps like the dead.. and hears nothing.

Dove looks at Aubri, somewhat shocked and surprised. She hmphs, poking him in the ribs, "Just for that," She turns to Carla, "He'll sit on them for Moon, Carla."

Fonar calls to Carla, giving her a glare, for she spoke too much. He gives a tired sigh as he watches the sleeping gryphoness. "I will be back, or another healer mage to check on her a little later..." He turns and pads out of the room.

Carla chuckles and looks at Aubri, asking, "Well? Are you male enough to handle such a responsibility, Aubri?" She grins at him, almost challenging him to say otherwise.

Fyrn nods to Fonar as he leaves, and then moves off to speak with Windshadow after he sees to her comfort.
 
 

Aubri ruffles his feathers with much aplomb. "I would be honored to do anything I may for the gryphoness." he smiles.

Altair pokes Dove, "You and Aubri do it."

Dove sticks her tongue out at Altair and nods. She turns to Carla and says, "We'll both stay here in one of the larger nests and both keep them warm. Just let us know if you need any help cleaning them off."

Carla nods, "Just grab one and it should be ready to wipe off. The fluids should be dried. Simply crack and peel it off and settle it carefully in the nest. Then good luck getting comfy on three of them."

Fyrn takes an egg and starts cleaning it, cracking away the dried fluids then settling it in the nearby nest.

Dove reaches for another egg and starts cleaning it off as well.

Fyrn grabs the last egg, quickly cleaning it and setting it with the other two.

Dove steps into the nest, getting comfy, pulling the smallest and mid-sized one to either side of her. Aubri pads in, pulling the large one close as he drapes a wing over both it and Dove.

Windshadow is right there as well, finding himself a position close against MoonFrost to keep her warm and safe through her recuperation.