It was coming to be that part of the day where Viorel checked on Clover following his afternoon napping before seeking out Vanadis. Tonight though, would be different, there would be no outreach to his girlfriend. Tonight would be the arrival of his first set of children, not that he was aware of this yet. They had officially landed deep into spring, and soon it would be summer, the snow had long gone and flaura sprouted all around them. The Backwater had come alive in a flurry of small, sweet smelling, purple flowers and it felt something of a rebirth for the young pack.

Following Clover's scent trail, Viorel only became alarmed when it doubled back on itself. This was unlike the cream coloured woman, and with the knowledge of his mother giving birth not long ago, and how swollen her sides had become quickened his pace. Arriving onto the scene shamefully after his cousin had, he offered his co-leader a thankful nod for his presence, though his eyes betrayed the anxiety he felt.

Coming close to the den that Clover had dug he dared not stick his snout inside. Instead he lay protectively in front of the entrance, facing outwards should there be any trouble. Calling over his shoulder in a hushed tone he said the only thing he could think of, ”I’m here Clover, are you okay?” If she wasn’t, he would do everything in his power to remedy that, but for now all he could do was lay in protection and wait.

He was not the only one who came to check on Clover, and for that Viorel was very grateful. It didn’t surprise him that it was his cousins here to support him and the healer and their children, and not his siblings. The leader was beginning to have a growing resentment with them, but now was not the time to dwell on it. He had a new family now, one that was growing as he sat here and had a mental crisis.

Clover’s words were enough to pull him out of his own head like a crack of lightning. He approached the den, slowly, ready to turn away should she reject his nearness. Taking a deep breath and holding it for a moment, Viorel did his best to steady his nerves, he didn’t want to add any kind of negativity to the scene. Dark head leaned forward, yellow eyes straining to see against the darkness.

After a couple of blinks to adjust, he suddenly was able to see, not only Clover, but the dark smudge against her belly. He gasped in surprise, surprise at how tiny she was, how fragile and perfect, ”A daughter?” Was all he could think to say.

Viorel was so wrapped up in the birth of his first daughter, and then the second child who had not yet been gendered that he had all but forgotten the pain Clover was going through. He had the blessing of being the dad, had all the fun, none of the long and uncomfortable pregnancy, and certainly did not have to suffer through the extremities of birth. That is until the woman let out a soft gasp, yellow eyes flashed away from their enamored stare at his newborns. Searching the cream coloured woman’s face with concern he could do nothing but let out a low whine.

Then all time stood still. Their third child was silent, not squealing and suckling as the other two had been. Viorel had never felt more helpless in his entire existence. Clover was licking them over and at first still nothing, but finally, after the excruciating silence, a beautiful cry. It was the most astonishing thing he had ever heard in his short life, it was shrill and it warmed his heart. Outside of the den his dark tail swung crazily as he could not contain his excitement.

He wanted to turn and announce the arrival of two daughters and a son, but Clover was way ahead of him, already thinking of names. Viorel was too ashamed to admit that he had not really thought of it, the season had been so short and full of drama that the birth had seemed so far away. So, he said the first thing that came to his mind, ”For one of the girls, Violet?” Then he softly added with a smile, ”It seems to suit a girl with a mom called Clover, and a dad called Viorel.” Or at least, that made sense in his head.