Dead Empress Backwater [M] Did you really think that you could fix me

Clover's birthing thread! Mature for slightly detailed birthing process. All DEB members welcome to join, but likely only @Sharlee and @Viorel will be allowed close to the den :)

She had made sure to be prepared for this day. A new den had been dug on the outer reaches of the territory; it was away from the main den, but not too close to the border, and appropriate herbs had been gathered and stored in said den so that whatever happened she would have them available to use should she need them. Clover had mostly stuck to lingering around the den, not straying too far, with each passing day leaving her with more anxious feelings than the one before. What if something bad happened? What if she was unfit to be a mother and ruined it all?

Her thoughts went in circles, and so did her paws as she walked, feeling discomfort in her sides that she did not quite have the words to describe. The entire day it had felt like it was all building up, until as the dun began to dip towards the horizon, she felt a searing pain in her abdomen that left her momentarily breathless. Undeterred, she continued on her walk, sure that it was just the pups moving around, but a couple minutes later when it happened again, she stopped. A small amount of panic began to well up inside her as she realised that it was finally time, the day had arrived.

Without a moment to lose she made her way back to the den, quickly slipping inside and laying down so her snout was facing the entrance. Her breathing was more shallow and rapid as the contractions began, breath hitching briefly in her throat with each one as they became more and more frequent.  She nibbled at a few leaves of the sweet grass she had stored in the den, leaving some for later when they would surely be needed again. It felt as if time simultaneously sped up and slowed down as she lay there, attempting to keep her breathing even as the contractions increased in severity and frequency, internally wishing that her mother was here to help her through it all. But she was on her own, and the thought to call out for one of the other Backwater members did not cross her mind as she lay there, waiting impatiently for the next part of the birthing process to begin.

what i really need now is a double shot of crown

Vayko’s healing was still going slow, or at least slower than he would like. He could at least start putting weight on it now, though he still had a nasty limp that made hunting a rather useless endeavor and fighting out of the question. Still, he found other ways to be useful, in the form of scouting though he could still really only go short distances. It didn’t stop him from tracking herds and passing the information along to someone who could actually use it, and of course he could still act as a leader, even if he felt foolish leading with a broken paw.

Mostly, he had turned to watching over his grandmother silently from the shadows and confiding in Modesto, asking her to be his eyes and ears while he was otherwise out of commission. He heard the call, and his eyes widened. He knew that Clover had grown plump and that it wouldn’t be long, but now that it was here he felt on edge. It was time to start finding out how screwed they were. He moved, staying a safe distance away from the den as he offered his silent support in her endeavors. He wasn’t exactly friends with either of the floozies, at least not like he probably should be, so he figured his presence close to the den would only upset Clover. He had been raised better than to upset a pregnant woman… even if he did not always act on it. He sat there, paws in front of him as he simply waited for his cousin to arrive to see his first children born.

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.

Sharlee knew that the time for Clover and Vanadis's pups to be born was approaching quickly. The closer the time came she became more nervous. Though she'd recieved some medical training to help out she was still worried that something might go wrong. Still she tried to stay close checking on both women a few times a day and reassuring them that she wouldn't be going too far. 

Of course the one moment she'd stepped away to go amd take care of a few of her own reaponsibities things something would happen. Sharlee had been on her way back when she noticed Clovers scent. Her paws quickened and as she neared then den she was met with her brother and cousin. 

Viorel was already there at the entrance and her brother wasn't far off. She gave Vayko a worried looked before moving closer to the den. She had no worries about upsetting Clover since it was planned she would be close by. "Clover," she called quietly into the den, "I'm out here if you need anything call out." Sharlee didn't want to disturb the new mother too much but it was important she knew she wasn't alone. 

She was unaware of how much time had passed when she heard Viorel's voice coming from outside the den, but it brought her some comfort knowing he was there. "As okay as I can be," Clover responded in a strained voice, feeling that it was better to spare him the details of exactly how she was feeling. It would only worry him unnecessarily. Another contraction came and went, and then she heard Sharlee's voice outside as well, and she responded with a soft huff of appreciation and a partially mumbled "Thanks,". Hopefully her assistance would not be needed, but it was good to know she had someone there should anything happen.

She was mostly silent as the contractions continued, save for the occasional gasp as the pain flared through her body, until a particularly large surge of pain spread down her body, and with a grunt she pushed, teeth clenched tightly. As soon as the pain flared it was gone, and immediately she curled around to lap at the dark wet bundle, gently using her teeth to tear the sac. Her tongue brushed over its face, willing the pup to take in its first gasp of air, and after a few worried moments she relaxed as it let out a furious squeal.

Clover brought the pup closer to her stomach, nuzzling the dark form gently as it latched on and began to suckle. Warmth filled her as she realised her first child was a girl, and she wondered if her mother had felt the same affection for her and her siblings when they were born. She immediately knew she would do anything to protect her daughter, no matter the cost. After a few more gentle licks and assurance that the pup was still suckling she lay her head down again, muzzle pointed towards the den entrance as she snuffled loudly to get Viorel's attention. "You have a daughter," she said in a hushed tone even though she knew her words would not disturb the small pup at her breast, and wondered if Viorel would feel that same feeling about their child.

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.

A small smile appeared on her face at the look of surprise from Viorel, knowing that he too was likely feeling the same way about their daughter as she was. It was a mix of emotions, ones that she was unable to decipher at that moment, but she knew there would be nothing in the world that could stop her from loving her child. Now she felt like she understood what all the adults in her birth pack said about a parental instinct when a wolf became a mother or a father.

She clenched her teeth again as another contraction rolled its way down her sides, and just as quickly as the first time, another wet bundle appeared, this time as light as her own pelt. This one squealed without any assistance from her, and it brought a sense of ease to her as she ushered the lightly furred body next to her firstborn. Both of them were so tiny next to her, so tiny and helpless, and she could feel emotions bubbling up inside her at the thought that they were hers to care for and protect. They were a gift that she would treasure until her last breath in this world.

Clover barely had time to realise that her second child was a boy before another set of contractions wracked her body, this time eliciting a soft gasp of pain as she did what her instincts told her to do. Tired from pushing out her first two children, it took all her effort to muster up the energy to continue pushing. Finally a third bundle appeared, just as dark as the first, and she quickly did the same as she had the first two, gently licking the child's face. When there was no squeal after a few seconds worry set in, and Clover brought the pup closer to her breast, nosing at the small form to tip it on its back so she could run her tongue over its chest as well as its face. She remembered her mothing doing the same the prior year, and hoped it would work this time as it had then.

Relief washed over her as her third child finally let out a small cry, and she gently pushed her second daughter against her breast, watching the three of them as they all suckled gently. At least none of them had issues there. Feeling a sense of bone tiredness that she never had before, Clover lay her head down, allowing her eyes to close for just a few moments as the pain from the contractions slowly lessened. It seemed it was all over, and she now had three beautiful children curled up next to her.

She opened her eyes to look up at Viorel, a tired smile upon her face. "Two daughters and a son," she said softly. "What names do you think we should give them?" There were a few she already had in mind, having had thought about names for a while yet, but they were also Viorel's children and so he deserved the chance to help her decide.

Feel free to have Clover name the others!

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.

Sharlee had settled down outside the den once she'd made her presence.known. She didn't know how long it would take for Clover's pups to make an appearance. She was ready for anything to happen to rush to the healers side but she really hoped it wouldn't be necessary. She wanted Clover to have an easy delivery. Besides she wasn't sure their leader could handle the stress if anything did go wrong. 

Sharlee was curious about what was happening inside the den. It of course was something she'd never experienced for herself but the day might come. She liked being prepared for lots of things and coming into motherhood wasn't any different. As curious as she was she remained outside giving the other way the space that she needed.

Finally after what seemed like so many silent hours Clovers voice sounded so quietly from inside the den. The first puppy had been born and it was a girl. Sharlee smiled to herself before raising to her paws and nudging Viorel's shoulder, "Congratualtions," she told the new father.

what i really need now is a double shot of crown

Vayko waited with apprehension, watching the den and sticking close to his sister. He would not be rushing to Clover’s side in the event of an emergency. He was almost certain that his presence would simply make the situation worse. He tended to have rockier relationships with those he was not related to within the pack, not intentionally… just because they were simply not used to his brash manner though he liked to think the relations between them had made things better with his recent mishap.

Still, he heard her voice, craning his head to try and catch a peek as his ears shifted to hear more. He smiled softly, daring to creep forward just a little more in order to congratulate the new parents. “Congratulations, Vi, Clover.” He offered with just the faintest hint of a smile on his features. Technically, these pups were his second cousins, but as far as he was concerned they were his nieces and nephews. He had always been so close with his cousins that he would see it no other way.