[ P ] Incredible Journey

A

fter a time, Clover's eyelids fluttered half-way open, peering around groggily without lifting her head. She felt like she might've been gone for ages, dancing among the stars with faeries, feeling light as a feather. Now that she'd come to, oh, did the world around her feel so heavy and she groaned softly, turning her face in search of her love. "Cian?" She called to him, only wanting him closer to her as her body began to feel the remnants of the physical toll it had all taken on her.

Her ears flicked to attention at the sound of a muffled squeak and Clover immediately shifted upright with a gasp. She swayed for a moment, closing her eyes as her head spun around from rising too quickly, but as her eyes adjusted, she looked down upon two surprisingly large pups. "Oh..." She breathed, her mind having trouble wrapping around the concept of the newborns existing in the same space as them.

Movement caught her eye and she looked up to find some additional company in the den as well. "Nephele, you're here." She blinked at the older woman confused, pink orbs drifting over to another younger girl who she thought she recognized. When her gaze traveled back down to the whimpering infants she lowered her muzzle to instinctively nestle them in closer until their tiny sounds of protest were soothed as they began to nurse. "I hope that I didn't cause too much of a fuss..." She murmured, glancing around at all of the faces uncertainly, still feeling like she was in a bit of a fog.

@Cian @Nephele

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

D

espair was beginning to creep into Cian’s heart and his mind, like a long shadow. He could not bear to open his eyes again, for fear that the next thing he should see would be Clover’s lifeless body. What would he do then? How could he possibly care for two infants without their mother’s nurturance? Impossible. It seemed terribly unfair – to create life only to lose a life seemed a cruel twist of fate.

He could hear Nephele’s voice, but she seemed very far away as she spoke reassuring words. Finally, Clover began to stir. His heart leapt to his throat and he bit back a sob. ”Clove, I’m here. You’ll be okay. Everyone is okay, see? W-we’re all here, together.”

Cian knew his life would never be the same. And for this, he was thankful, and his gratitude was now owed to three she-wolves. Two little lives existed, and they would never be here if it weren’t for the love of his life, his beloved Clove. He nestled his face into the soft fur of Clover’s neck, struggling to contain and conceal his emotions.

And Clover would not still be here, if Nephele and Willow had not arrived in time. He looked up to the healers with tears still in his deep amber sights. There was no doubt that a life had been saved, one that could have easily been lost. The reality was sobering, but he was cautiously happy as he regained his breath and his senses. ”Thank you. I don’t know how I could ever repay you two.” He looked at Nephele as he said, ”Our family is forever indebted to yours, Nel.”



@Nephele @Clover

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W

illow watched the scene unfold before her in silent shock. This was definitely nothing like what she had expected. Sure, things could go wrong, something could always go wrong… but to see an unconscious new mother, the panicking new father, to smell the blood, to hear the whining and squeals of the pups that were unaware of the potential deadliness of the situation… to be left without a mother?

Willow was shaken, but she didn’t look away when she wanted to, and she didn’t leave. She just watched her mother at work, doing what she did best, and felt a burst of pride – yes, that was her Mama saving the day!

But what if the worst should happen…? She hadn’t gotten that far in her quest for knowledge. When Clover began to stir, Willow’s tail unconsciously began to wag.

She was smiling big as she said to the young mother in a hushed voice, ”Congratulations, you have a healthy son and a healthy daughter. And they are quite adorable, yes they are.” The pups didn’t look much like their parents, but genetics were far beyond her current level of understanding.

”Is there anything else I can do to help?” The aspiring midwife looked to her mother for instruction.



@Nephele @Clover

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

Nephele let out a little gasp of surprise when Clover rose to her paws and moved away. It was good to hear the new mother was awake again, but Nephele was concerned about her moving around so much. Easy now, she spoke softly to Clover. You need to lay down and try not to move unless it’s necessary or you might start bleeding again, she warned her gently, obviously concerned for her welfare. Her head shook slowly when Cian claimed his family was indebted to her. She didn’t want him to feel like he owed her anything. Just being able to help people when she herself had her own struggles gave her life purpose. It’s really okay. I’m just happy you’re all healthy, she assured him, smiling with relief.

Clover. You’ll likely be feeling a little woozy and that’s normal after what you’ve been through. You need lots of rest. When you do eat, try to eat the liver of the animal and if you can get your paws on any green vegetables they’ll help a lot too. I have a herb that you can try, she explained, lifting her head when Willow asked if she could help. Willow can you gather up some parsley from the garden and fetch some more witch hazel, and yarrow please? she asked, grateful that she had her daughter with her.

Art by Ashon

T

he healer-to-be felt the sting of tears in her eyes, for a moment was both scary and beautiful, and something so filled with hope. She made a mental note of the three herbs that would help the new mother in her recovery, and she nodded quickly. ”Yes, Mama!” With one final glance at the cute little pups and one more broad smile for Clover and Cian, Willow hastily made her retreat from the den. She would return soon, but for now, she felt relief that the birth had been successful, even if it was intense. Maybe she would even get to pupsit the little ones someday soon!



[exit Willow]

@Clover @Nephele

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

C

lover blinked at Cian, her eyes widening with concern when she noticed the darkened trail where a tear had streamed down his cheek. And as he spoke to her, she could hear it in his voice how distressed he was, causing her chest to tighten at the mere prospect of something breaking his heart so. "Cian...you're crying." Her brows furrowed upward while her eyes adjusted enough for her to search his face. "Are you okay...?" She asked wearily, totally absorbed in his well-being in this moment, trying to sit herself up further to try to help only to be gently warned by Nephele to lay back down and still herself to avoid any additional bleeding.

She stared at Nephele, trying to absorb what she was being instructed, nodding even though she was not sure how much of this she would retain. But, then she could ask her later, couldn't she? Clover's gaze slowly traveled around the room landing on each of their faces before she looked down at the newborn pups again. Her ears flicked upward at the other young girl's voice as she was congratulated on her healthy bundles of joy. The name Willow, spoken by Nephele, sparked that memory of meeting the other she-wolf once before. A smile crept along her maw and she looked between Nephele and the other girl, finally seeing the resemblance. "Thank you." She practically whispered with a dip of her head

@Cian @Nephele

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

Nephele was relieved that the young family were healthy, a little shaken, but healthy. It wouldn't be long before they were cooing over their precious newborns and as much as Nephele loved pups herself she knew they would want privacy. At Clover's thanks she nodded, smiling in contentment that despite the worrying start she had a feeling it would only serve to strengthen their bond together as a family.

I'll leave you two to dote on your little ones. Feel free to pop in the clinic if you need anything, she encouraged them, wanting to head back and check in on Willow to see if she was alright. Emergencies could be quite startling, especially a wolf's first time witnessing one. A pinch of chamomile would settle her nerves and she would go over the steps she'd taken in Clover's treatment with her as a good first lesson once she was settled.


- Exit Neph

Art by Ashon

T

he young father’s head was still spinning, his heart pounding and emotions all confused. Clover’s expression was one of concern as she regarded the male: "Cian...you're crying." A weary smile crossed his muzzle as he leaned closer to kiss his mate’s cheek. ”I’m just – I’m relieved that – you’re okay, a-and the pups–” As he spoke, Cian looked down to the almost-identical pups, differing only in size and gender. A boy and a girl. In all the excitement, they had become distracted from the new lives they had created. And those new lives were now protesting with whines and chirps.

The darkness of night had faded away, replaced instead by the golden glow of a brand new day. Inside the den, light from the sunshine illuminated the small space. Nel announced her departure, and Cian gave one last grateful smile for the Lowlander she-wolf as she exited the den. Now, despite his nervousness, Cian allowed himself to breathe deeply. Now, his new little family was out of the darkness, away from the fear and uncertainty. And Cian knew he would do whatever was necessary, everything in his power to protect Clove and their son and daughter. His heart felt as if it were finally whole.

He rests his chin gently on Clover’s shoulder, gazing down at the squirmy, squeaky newborns nestled against their mother’s side. ”You did it. You’re – you are so strong. I – I love you, more than anything.” As if to argue, even though he could not hear his father’s comment, the boy pup gave a sharp sound. ”I love you two, as well, so much. I can’t believe… Just look at them, Clove.”

What color would their eyes be? What would they be like? Would they be creative and sweet like their mother? Would they have a nervous stutter like their papa? It was amazing how, only hours before, the pups had been this vague concept, something yet to be. Now, here they were. Cian took in their precious scent as a thought occurred to him. ”What should we call them?”



@Clover

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

A

s Cian leaned down to give her a cheek and soothe her worry, she tilted her head to return a kiss intent on wiping away the remnants of his tears. Clover watched with a small smile as Nephele departed, deciding that she would surely make it up to the woman for helping her. Perhaps she could assist around Haven, her garden, there had to be something she could do to repay her kindness. A weight on her shoulder turned her head slightly and she gazed upon Cian adoringly before closing her eyes and pressing her forehead against his cheek.

She opened her eyes, soft pink orbs coming to rest on the precious newborns that squirmed against her side while they nursed. Clover was quiet for a time as she soaked everything in. All of it had happened so fast and she was still reeling in the physical strain and emotion of it all. Leaning against Cian she smiled as he expressed his love for her and then their children. "You are my entire world...all of you." She cooed to both her devoted mate who had not once left her side and the newborns that she was certain he would care for just the same.

Clover lowered her muzzle to press gentle kisses upon the heads of each of her pups, remaining there for a moment as she rested her eyes. Her ears flicked as a very important question riddled her mind and she lifted her head again, studying the sweet little bundles. "Oh yes, of course, they need their names..." She sighed pleasantly, thinking back on everything that had lead up to this point. "Gosh, what a journey you two have been on..." Clover blinked and looked to Cian with a curious expression. "What bout...Journey?" She looked back down at the two and nestled her nose in next to her daughter. "For our baby girl?"

@Cian

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

O

ur baby girl. The newness of it all, the intensity of the accompanying emotions, threatened to overwhelm Cian once more, and he exhaled deeply. This unexpected journey had given Cian the greatest joy, and the journeys yet to come promised to be just as incredible. ”Yes. It’s perfect. Journey.” As if to approve of the choice, though she was still unaware, the little girl pup gave a loud squeak.

He had never smiled so much, and Cian hummed thoughtfully as he gazed down upon the smaller newborn. ”And for a middle name…” It had to be perfect, fitting, and meaningful. After a second of contemplation, he offered: ”Journey Fae. What do you think? If not for them, none of us would be here right now, you know?” And, besides, perhaps the fae of the forest would show favor to the girl, should they visit their grandparents in the mystical wooded realm, Clover’s former home.

Not to be left out, the boy pup had strayed a little ways from the comfort of his mother, and he began to whine - the saddest, cutest sound that Cian had ever heard. ”As for you, little guy – or, rather not so little guy.” He leaned closer to gently push his son next to Clover again, using his large muzzle gingerly. The infant seemed so fragile, and the pup didn’t seem so large, but when he was beside Journey again, it became clear that he was, indeed, destined to be a giant like his sire.

Cian paused for another moment, taking in the sight of the pups’ shared, swirling coats. ”For our son, how do you feel about Summit?” The new father paused to collect his thoughts. ”That’s – that’s where we really began, Clove. When we found each other at the bottom of the mountain, of Tir Na Nog – it was amazing to find you there. And as we climbed, I just – I just knew. And that night beneath the colors in the sky. I never dreamed it would lead to this. Our – our family.” Together. It was kismet. And he planned to keep it just like that.

Gazing in wonder between the pups and their beautiful, strong mother, it still seemed an impossible story, a fairytale materialized into reality. Cian commented in a voice barely more than a whisper. ”It’s even better than a dream.”



@Clover

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