Dead Empress Backwater just one look and now you're seeing double

For @Vanadis @Archer @Eros @Oleander and possibly @Clover if she wants to join. Others are welcome to join if they wish. Viorel and Vanadis are ready to tell the kids they are going to be older siblings. At this point in her pregnancy Vanadis' belly is just beginning to swell.
Dusk, overcast, 3C/37F

Spring was well and truly underway in the Backwater. There were still signs of snow in the deepest parts of the woods, but for the most part it had receded to reveal brown grass underneath. The trees while not blooming, had begun to bud and birds had returned from their time to the south. It was generally a wet and mucky time of year, but Viorel did not find himself overly bothered by this, he was wrapped up in the other part of the spring season.

It had not taken long for Vanadis to begin to show signs that they had successfully conceived another litter this year, first in scent, and in the last few days in her appearance as well. They had been discussing privately when would be best to tell their kids but now that her belly was beginning to swell there was no more time to procrastinate.

Viorel had managed to dig up a freshly laid nest of snapping turtle eggs - perhaps laid by Vayko’s infamous foe and had pouched as many as possible in his cheeks. Carrying them back carefully towards the den he and his mate had been working at digging out, he laid them onto the ground. He barked a few times, calling for his family who may be nearby.

Archer Valle

Archer was avoiding his parents - not only because of the incident with Eros, but because of their smell. Ma was smelling weirder than ever, and both of them were acting funny. He knew it was because of the season, and he didn't want to be involved. No thank you. Not for him. Maybe they'd let him visit the mountain again, where he could escape all this madness.

He didn't want to go with Eros acting this way, though. He was afraid of what might happen if he wasn't around to provide a buffer. He was keeping half an eye on his brother while still trying to give him his space. In essence, he didn't go far.

It was starting to get dark - the days were growing longer, thank the sun - and Archer was looking for somewhere to bed down for a bit before getting up for his late-night wandering when he heard Da call. He looked up. For an uncharacteristic moment, he considered ignoring him and heading further away, but with a heaved sigh he turned to join him at the new den his parents had been constructing. Several eggs lay at his feet, which drew the youngest Valle boy's curiosity, but he said nothing and merely sat a short distance away, patiently waiting either for everyone else to assemble or for his Da to explain why he'd called.

Archer is very haggard and thin; it is obvious he is not doing well.

Sharlee had been going through her daily activities but her heart wasn't really in it. Since her return her thoughts had been on her absence from the pack. The things she'd spoken to others about. What it could all mean for her. It was much too late for her to accomplish what she wanted. Some would say that there was next year but she wasn't sure that would be possible for her either.

She sighed as she finished shoving the dirt over the cache she'd dug up. A fat rabbit had been place there for someone to snack on later. She was just about to return to her den when she heard Viorel calling. Curious what it might be about she made her way that direction.

What she found was Vi in front of a den that was clearly not complete. She kept her distance choosing to remain just close enough she could hear what Vi said.

Thus far she'd been lucky with cramping being the only symptom. Well, that and the characteristic swelling of her sides, but that was to be expected. Perhaps that's why telling the boys had been so easy to put off, or maybe it was simply her mother's superstitious nature bleeding through. Whatever the reason though, they need not ignore the obvious any longer.

Vanadis was not surprised when her mate's call came, pouring over the horizon and beckoning forth their.. unique family. She made her way to him, noting Archer and Sharlee's presence before taking a seat. She was nervous for some reason, a trait that Vana would hardly associate herself with, but one that was all too present in the pit of her stomach.

Oleander had been busy sulking between the roots of a tree when his father's call pierced the air. Just within earshot, his ears only perked up at first. But then came the assumption that if no one showed up, at least he did...

Lanky legs had finally reached their full length. The first shed of his winter coat still clung to his spidery frame. It was with his head low and ears pinned back that he crept close to where Viorel had stood. He was the embodiment of grief entangled with the likeness of frostbitten lichen. From behind a tree, dull yellow eyes spied the back of Archer's head. Off to his side, he sensed Aunt Sharlee was close but he did not immediately see her in the gathering dark.

He stared at the Leader's face, hesitant to come any closer. His mother was not present, but Mama Vana' was. Maybe he was not supposed to be here.

they say pray it away, i swear,
OLEANDER VALLE
that I'll never be a saint, no way

Given the conversation he'd had with his mothers months ago about where children came from, Eros was far from at a loss with the changes Spring had ushered into his pack. He knew that his parents' odd behavior meant that new siblings were coming, but what he couldn't understand was why @Clover appeared to be left out this year. Was this just how it had been before, or was something different? Why did Dad only care about Mom and not Ma too? It didn't seem equal at all in his eyes, and Mama Clo wasn't changing in the same ways his mother was either. Her belly hadn't gotten bigger with what he knew to be growing puppies and that was far more concerning than any kind of apprehension he might have been expected to feel over the coming litter.

He'd been filling a cache and entertaining his thoughts when his father's summons reached him. Eros lifted his head from his work, regarding the call with wonder for a moment before shoving the rest of the earth back into place and heading off toward the origin point. He happened to come along the same path that Ollie had tread, and saw his pale frame first. Wordlessly, he passed his brother with a fond brush of his side against @Oleander's before taking his place at @Archer's side.

Expectantly, he looked to Viorel and waited.

His family was uncharacteristically silent as they all began to filter through the tress one by one. Viorel didn’t like it. He much preferred the sounds of a boisterous pack, and the silence made his heart ache for his daughters who had chosen to leave. They should be here right now, but they weren’t and he needed to lead the pack and parent for those who were left.

The leader had originally brought the eggs for his wife who was eating for multiple, but seeing his sons eye them he smiled. Rolling the eggs, one to each he saved a couple for Vanadis, nudging them towards her paws. While he was there he nuzzled her chest and throat for a moment, breathing her in, rejuvenated by the new life they were bringing into the world.

Looking back at everyone gathered he beamed, ”I know most of you know by now, but I wanted to make the official announcement that your mother and I will be having more children soon. You will all be older siblings.” Viorel was pleased with himself, and looked over his mate with pride, she had been doing so well with everything. He could only hope that this year’s announcement would go smoother than last year's.

Archer Valle

Most of the rest of the family assembled without too much delay, Ma and Aunt Shar arriving along with Oleander and Eros. Archer shot his pale half-brother a brief glance; it had only been a few days since he'd attempted to poison the medicine den after all. Still, he was family, and Da had called for all of them. Archer was surprised @Clover hadn't come; she usually answered when summoned.

As soon as they were gathered, Da wasted no time explaining why he'd called: Ma was expecting more pups. Archer's ears flicked. He was surprised, and a little embarrassed to be so. Of course there were going to be more siblings. That explained everything that had been happening this month. He might not be as knowledgable about it as Eros - which he knew he needed to rectify right away - but he at least knew that much.

Moreover, it was Da's language that caught Archer's attention the most: 'your mother'. He glanced again at Oleander, this time perhaps with a little more pity. This wasn't his Ma. His ma hadn't come. Was that why? Was she not part of the family anymore? That didn't seem right, even to Archer who'd always been a little salty about sharing Da with her children. He looked to Eros to see what he would say.

Archer is very haggard and thin; it is obvious he is not doing well.

Sharlee waited to see if anyone else would arrive before Viorel said what he'd called them there for. Oleander and Eros were the last to join them. She turned her head away when Viorel gave Vanadis his affection. It wasn't something she cared to see especially not right then. The Valle woman didn't look back until Viorel's voice sounded in the air around them.

They quickly learned that the reason he'd called was to announce Vanadis was pregnant. No surprise there as it was to be expected. Sharlee felt sadness and a bit of jealousy overcome her but she remained silent for now. As her gaze drifted over the soon to be yearlings she didn't think she could watch another litter that wasn't hers grow up.

She leaned into his touch, her nose crinkling as her smile deepened. Viorel was nothing if not thoughtful and attentive. From his words to his actions, the woman literally could not have chosen better for herself. He made carrying cubs almost too easy, bringing her little gifts and making sure that she was cared for. Even last spring he'd somehow managed to keep her placated, though his time had inevitably been split in thirds.

Vanadis listened as he spoke, her peachy gaze searching the crowd to find their son's reactions. She could only hope that they'd be happy to welcome in another set of siblings, though she knew that having some reservations about it could be perfectly normal.