Dead Empress Backwater [m] if someone asked me at the end

She had the experience now to know that the time had come, that her desire to hole up in the den meant that the cubs were soon to come, and that the pain rippling down her sides marked the beginning of it all. She wasn't sure what these cubs would mean for her and Viorel, what they would mean for the rest of her children, but it was far too late for such doubts.

She found herself twisting and turning inside the den, unable to get comfortable no matter which way she contorted herself. Vanadis wondered if the anxiety would ever abate, if after the third or fourth litter one would be calm in these moments, but as her heartbeat finally rose to a crescendo, the woman tilted her muzzle to the sky and called for him.

(This post was last modified: Jun 16, 2024, 04:14 PM by Spirit of Wildwood.)

Clover hadn't strayed very far from where Vanadis had set up her birthing den as the date of arrival drew closer, wanting to be there when it happened to provide her expertise and assistance where she could. She had been almost obsessive in checking in from afar, still unsure where they stood given everything that had happened, but not letting any of that interfere with her doing her job. She was a medic first and foremost, and that was what she would do.

When Vanadis called out for Viorel Clover jumped to her paws like she had been electrified, herb bundle already in her jaws as she just about sprinted towards the birthing den. She appeared to have gotten there first, and slowly crept towards the mouth of the den. Bundle set aside Clover sunk to her belly, crawling forward so her muzzle was just outside the mouth of the den.

"I'm here with some supplies if you need any help," she said softly. If Vanadis didn't want her assistance then she would respect the other woman's wishes and back off and watch from a distance.

The leader had been out searching for a small meal to bring Vanadis, even though he knew that now that she had retreated to her den it wasn’t likely she would eat much. But, he had long grown restless, and needed to do something to keep busy. There was nothing he could do to help her through her pregnancy or labour at this point and that was a hard morsel to swallow. So he brought her food, and when she didn’t eat it he cleared it away, stood guard, anything he could think of.

But, that meant he was farther than he wanted to be when the time actually came. Immediately abandoning the task he had started, his paws were quick to carry him back to the den, only to see that Clover was already there. Something about the site of the cream coloured woman crouched so close annoyed him and he had to consciously stop himself from growling and trying to chase her away. She would never do anything to hurt his mate, or his children, but the instinct to keep everyone away was strong.

Barking gruffly, he forced himself to resume a neutral posture as he strove forward, waiting for Clover to back away before laying on his belly. Creeping forward, he offered a low whine to Vanadis, alerting her that he had arrived, and also empathetic to her condition. He would keep her safe through this.

Clover's scent washed into the den, familiar and welcome. She still wasn't 100 percent sure where they stood, but Vana knew that no matter what happened, she'd be safe in the medic's care. "I'm glad you're here." Was all she managed as another wave of contractions rippled through her. Of course, Vana had gathered some small bits of herbs for herself, but to be honest, her focus had been elsewhere, so the collection wasn't nearly as impressive this time around. Should the need arise, she'd definitely be in need of help.

The first cub waited just long enough for Viorel to appear, entering the world moments after his whine pierced the den. It had been a long time since she'd truly felt safe, but right now, in the presence of Clover and Viorel, she felt as such.

The charcoal girl cried as Vana licked her clean, stopping only as she was nudged toward food. The second cub came soon after, a tawny bundle that hushed rather quickly. The third took his time, entering the world much more quietly than his sister's had and crying only when poked and prodded. She waited to be sure, but when she was confident that no other children would arrive, she gave a whine.

(This post was last modified: Jun 06, 2024, 02:34 AM by Vanadis.)

Sorry guys! Feel free to skip over Clo, she'll just be watching from a distance

Vana did not reject her offer to help, and a bit of hope filled Clover's chest. Perhaps things would be alright. Not that she had ever had any ill will towards the other woman, but recent events had muddled some relations, and she was unsure where they stood. She smiled at Vana, nosing forward the supplies she had brought with her to the side of the den opening. The other woman could do what she wanted with the herbs, or even nothing at all.

It was then that Viorel appeared, and his gruff announcement was a bit of a surprise. She instinctively backed away, not afraid, but feeling her chest tighten in an uncomfortable way. It was clear he did not want her there, and so without a word Clover moved further away and settled beside a nearby tree. She curled up in a ball, but kept her gaze on the den opening.

She would lie and wait quietly just in case her assistance was needed, but would not interfere.

As soon as the leader saw the uncomfortable look on Clover’s face as she retreated he felt embarrassed. He knew she would never do anything to harm Vanadis and he wasn’t even sure why seeing her so close to the den had set him off to begin with. There was no time now, so the best he could do as press his ears flat against his skull in silent apology before creeping up to the entrance.

He knew better than to get any closer, to fully see in - but at least here he could clearly hear everything that was happening. It wasn’t pleasant, the grunts and groans, nor was the scent of fresh blood and birth, but it seemed to be over more quickly than years prior. Vanadis’ whine gave him enough permission to creep forward cautiously, ready to retreat should she feel intruded upon.

Once his eyes adjusted to the dim, he could see the three healthy bundles that were nestled against the creamy fur of his mate. Once again it appeared that they pulled in the Valle direction with their salt and peppery coats, and a single tawny child as well. There was a lot of history between himself and Vanadis at this point, but when he looked at her now there was nothing but adoration and love in his eyes. Once again, she had made his dreams come true - another litter of healthy children.

He was almost wistful when he finally spoke, ”Oh Vana, they’re perfect.” In these moments, it was easy to forget all the bad things that had happened, the world felt light again.

FADE

(This post was last modified: Sep 08, 2024, 08:06 PM by Neva.)