Happy Mother's Day, all!

I know for some, this can be a sensitive topic; know that no matter what, you are seen, even if it may not feel like it.

Some may not have a mother still living. Some may have an abusive relationship with her. Some may be losing her to dementia or other degenerative conditions. Some may be those who wish to be mothers themselves, but cannot for one reason or another. And some may be a mother who feels as if she is failing.

Some out there may be husbands with a wife who is struggling. Or perhaps someone single and hoping, but don't have someone of his own to celebrate Mother's Day for. You are seen, too.

But in any case, we all owe our existence, good or bad, to a mother.

This piece wasn't totally planned to land on today. I'm mostly winging it.

I imagine if the proportions of the full image were a little different, this could end up being a banner. Might try it anyway.

Giving the marten mother a little attention; also included is an original species, the Ohja.

During this last year, I realized that most species were closer to human scale; before, I had thought they were 2 feet tall or less.

The ohja, however, are really short.

And they are basically nature's midwives.

Female ohja are twice the height of males; they also don't possess traditional wombs like other mammals, but instead grow one for a given gestation. Sometimes, there can be more than one womb simultaneously.

These wombs will spend the entirety of their temporary existence in a special type of pouch, similar to marsupials, but structured quite differently. When a female is mated, her male will actually attach a sort of umbilical cord between both of them, allowing him to basically live inside this pouch, watching over their growing young.

The other advantage this has is allowing the male to exist within confined environments in which there is limited air, as long as the umbilical can remain unaffected. This means male ohja can actually venture into the birth canals of expecting mothers of a variety of species in order to assist with labor. Breached baby? He can help turn it around. Umbilical cord wrapped around the unborn's neck? He can unravel it.

Because so many species depend upon the services of ohja, there is a universal protection for them, especially since ohja have zero loyalties outside of caring for mothers and children, born and unborn. They also produce a pheromone to induce a sense of calm in everyone who is in close proximity. So basically, anyone who hurts an ohja intentionally will have to be very determined to do so, guaranteeing that even sworn enemies will be inclined to unite, to hunt down anyone who would dare to hurt an ohja.

Because male ohja basically live inside their mate's pouch, she will always look heavily pregnant, except when he might decide to venture out.

Anyways... apologies for how long this has gotten. Also, apologies for those that expected the marten mother to be the center of attention.

I hope you enjoy, pregfurs! Please don't use without direct and written permission. Don't forget to favorite this if you liked it, and leave a comment, as long as it stays at the appropriate maturity level.

You all are awesome and wonderful!