[ P ] Incredible Journey

T

he sweetest dream of her pups playing in the meadows of Melrose was cut short by pain that roused her in the middle of the night. Pink eyes fluttered open, glowing in the darkness as she lay in their temporary den. Clover glanced over at Cian and then went to sit up quietly, thinking it best not to disturb him since he was likely exhausted from constantly fussing over her. She lowered her nose, inspecting her swollen belly, it felt as though there were a ripple in her muscles and then another wave of pain drove through her.

She gritted her teeth and then waited, peering over to Cian again, not wanting to wake him for these little cramps. Clover thought they'd subsided, but suddenly they ripped through her, this time stronger, more frequent, and more agonizing than the last. "Cian?" The now terrified girl rasped in between her panting. "Cian, w-wake up, something...s-something's wrong! It hurts!" Clover cried, filling up her eyes as she was forced to lay back down on her side, whimpering and trembling as she anticipated the next painful shift in her womb.

@Cian @Nephele

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

S

pring had finally arrived in the Lowlands. The sweet smell of honeysuckle filled the cool air. The weather was no longer frosty and frigid, replaced instead by the promise of warm days still to come. Cian and his mate Clover were now fully grown – in the eyes of their kind, they were adults, officially. They were also due to become parents for the first time, at any moment. It was exciting, terrifying – so many things, all at once. But he had to be strong, for Clover and for their pups. For now, Cian slept fitfully during the darkest hours.

As Clover’s belly grew and grew, sleep had become ever more elusive for the flame-colored brute. He tried to conceal his worrying and fretting, but Clover knew him too well. Still, he was able to maintain some semblance of calm while he was awake. He spent his days hunting for three (or four, or five?), learning more about what was to come from Nel the medic so that he had a clue of what would happen to Clover, what was normal. But mostly, he was glued to Clover’s side. Thoughts of any minute now consumed his waking hours.

And while he slept? That was when his anxiety really ran rampant, in the form of stressful dreams, everything from not being able to find Clover, to there being a dozen pups just waiting to be born. He woke frequently in the night to look beside him, just in case, and was comforted by the familiar sandstone coat of the woman, but more often than not, his love was still fast asleep.

That was where the early morning found them on this particular day, when Clover woke with a start. Cian jolted awake, deep orange eyes flicking about their shelter. ”What – what’s going on? Is it time?” The question had scarcely left his lips when his focus settled upon Clover, and it became plainly clear that, yes, now was indeed time. ”Oh! Oh, Clove, I’m – I can go get–”

But something in her rose-colored eyes and her frightened tone suggested that he shouldn’t leave. How could he? She was already suffering so much. Now more than ever, he needed to be strong brave, and assured that everything would be okay. Because, everything would be… Right?

A deep frown clouded his expression as he lowered himself to the ground before Clover. He tried to push the scary thoughts aside for hopeful ones instead. His voice was low, soothing: ”Just think, our pups will be here s-soon.” His nervous stutter threatened to resurface, but he flashed a big smile, leaning closer to nuzzle her cheek. What more could he do now? "Just -- just try to breathe," he said hurriedly.



@Clover

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

C

lover's paws scrabbled at the ground, reaching for Cian when he started to say he was going to go and get someone. "N-no, don't go! Please, Cian, p-please stay!" She practically begged before another wave of pain incapacitated her and she felt the imminent change of her body, now understanding that the pups were ready to greet the world.

She looked up, having to blink the overflowing tears away to see Cian clearly as he shuffled closer to her. Clover only had enough energy to nod as he tried to soothe her with the thought of their pups being there with them. He leaned in to nuzzle her and she made a feeble attempt at returning the gesture. Cian encouraged her to breathe and she took a few deep breaths in the midst of her panting, but it hardly helped the worsening pain as it progressed.

It felt like an eternity before she felt her body making the efforts to naturally expel the cause of distress. Clover cried when she gave unto the urge to push to assist her own muscles even though she was already exhausted. What she thought was pain before, transformed into absolute agony when she strained against the unbelievable pressure in her lower body. She gritted her teeth and screamed, feeling she might split in two before a smaller form appeared. The tiniest cry was heard, causing Clover to gasp for breath and she leaned upward until she set eyes upon the damp bundle of a surprising coat of white with what looked like ember markings.

She felt numb, but instinct drove her onward to lick the pup to warm and clean it, turning it with her nose to examine it. "It's...it's a boy..." She panted, starting to try to move him closer to her when another wave of pain coursed through her. "I...I can't do this, Cian! I can't-!" She sobbed, wanting it all to be over.

@Cian @Nephele

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

A

ll around was darkness, as the sun had not yet risen, but he was wide awake, heart pounding furiously in his chest as he gazed upon his love. He had never seen her like this before, and it was distressing to the point of panic inducing. But this was not the time for that. Cian looked outside of the den nervously before his sights returned to the laboring wolfess. He watched his mate in utter helplessness, for there was nothing he could do to ease her suffering. ”I – I’m sorry, Clove.”

Cian felt angry at himself – it was his fault, after all, that Clover was suffering so intensely. If he hadn’t – if he had never had that urge, then Clover would have been spared this agony. It was difficult to watch her pained expressions, to hear her cries, and he prayed to the gods of his ancestors that it would be over soon, for Clover’s sake.

It felt as if hours had passed, though he was unaware of time, only that when he looked again, the eastern skies were golden as the sun was crawling closer to daylight. But he could only beyond their shelter for a second when the pain, somehow, seemed to increase to an impossible level for the she-wolf. ”You can do it,” he said quietly, though he was unsure if she could hear his soothing tones over her own tortured screams.

Finally, their firstborn arrived in the world, with a coat that was surprisingly white. Cian watched, amazed by both the birth of their pup, and by Clover’s strength. "It's...it's a boy..." And it was not a little boy, not by a long shot! Were pups supposed to be this big? ”A boy,” he repeated, though his eyes still could not believe what was before him. He lowered his muzzle to take in the scent of this new little life, one that couldn't see, couldn't hear, but knew exactly who his Mama was as he nestled in beside Clover. ”He’s – I can’t believe…”

But there was no time to wait, as a younger sibling for their son was on its way, and quickly. Clover’s sobbing was heartbreaking to hear, and Cian would settled in closer to his mate so that she could use him to lean against, if she would allow him. ”You – you can do it. Our boy - he's amazing, and so are you, Clove. You’re a-almost there,” he offered, biting back tears of his own – both the happy kind, for their son was beautiful, but also because he was afraid, too. If anything should happen to Clover…




@Clover + @Nephele

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

C

lover felt Cian shift closer in behind her and she turned her face to cry into his flame-touched coat as the pressure intensified. The second pup arrived much quicker than the first, but hurt no less than it's brother as it came tumbling out. As she sat up to gather the newest infant, she was surprised to find that this one was almost an exact copy of the first one. She groomed the small form until she heard the squeaks of the little one, nestling it closer to her.

"A...girl..." Clover panted, her lips turning upward in an exhausted smile as she shared this moment with Cian. She felt her body shaking with the exertion and she began to sway slightly where she sat, her eyes becoming unfocused and breathing unsteady. "Cian...I...I don't feel...so...good... She whispered just before she collapsed back on her side, losing consciousness as she continued to lose blood in a frightening amount.

@Cian @Nephele

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

T

he sun had barely peeked over the horizon, the sky brilliant with golden and scarlet colors, when their next child was born. The second pup arrived swiftly, and was, blessedly, considerably smaller than the first had been. His eyes shimmered with joyful tears. ”A girl!” Like the first, this pup didn’t look much like either parent – rather, she looked nearly identical to her barely-older brother, except for the differences in size, with a faint trace of auburn swirls on both coats.

One boy, and one girl. The young male was relieved when it seemed the suffering would finally subside. Two pups. His pups. And Clover’s! Their own little family. Could anything be more perfect?

We are a family now. It still did not feel real. What had he done in his life to deserve something so good, so pure? ”I’m so proud of you, so–” But the joy of the moment faltered as he gazed upon his mate as she languished, still suffering even though the pups were here now. Within moments, she had collapsed, as if she had suddenly fallen asleep. ”Clo– Clove! Wake up!”

I have to get help.

But he couldn’t leave her, not now. ”I promise, I’m not leaving. I just – if I call for help –” In desperation, he scrambled to his paws and found his way out of the den, tilting his head back to offer unto the dawn a long, troubled howl. A deep sigh escaped as he turned back to the den. ”I hope you can hear me, Nel.”



@Nephele + @Willow + @Clover

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

As the days passed Haven was slowly returning to its former glory. Old patients were coming back for treatment and Nephele was enjoying busy days again. With Willow and Anthe studying at college most days the nurse found herself with too much free time if the clinic was empty so it was nice to be working again. The darling young couple remained on her mind as the days passed and she hoped things were progressing well with Clover’s pregnancy. Pups tended to arrive at the most surprising of times so she tried to keep her schedule flexible the closer it came to the sixth week of gestation.

Hyper sensitive ears danced at the sound of a desperate howl calling for her. She tried not to show how worried she was when she sought out Willow. Willow. It’s time, she called for her daughter, knowing that a pair of eyes would prove useful if they ran into any difficulties. She’d put together a small pouch of herbs for Clover, though she hoped she wouldn’t have to use any of them.

Travelling together with Willow she found the den that Clover and Cian were residing within, nose twitching at the strong coppery scent of blood. Her heart clenched with fear at the thought that she might have been too late. Cian? Clover? she called softly, stepping inside their home. Using her sense of smell to guide her she found Clover and with a sigh of relief confirmed that she was alive, but she had to act quickly. Willow. Can you check over the pups while I tend to Clover? she asked, knowing that they would be safe with her.

Nudging her pouch she spilled the contents out onto the floor, a poultice of ground yarrow powder to help with the bleeding and witch hazel which would also help to slow down the bleeding, but would act as a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial aid. Gently and slowly she applied the poultice, taking care not to cause Clover any unnecessary pain. Once the poultice was set she took some scraps of cloth from the pouch and pressed it firmly, applying pressure where Clover was bleeding, silently hoping that it would be enough to stop it.

Art by Ashon

W

illow was still in a deep slumber when her mother beckoned her. ”It’s time.” Her green eyes were still bleary, blinking as she tried to understand what her mother was saying. As the potential gravity of the situation settled in her mind, the tiredness vanished in a wave of adrenaline. Her first time assisting Mama! And to see pups born! Finally, she would be able to do some good for wolfkind, and her tail swayed behind her with eagerness. ”Let’s do this!”

As her mother sought the young couple, Willow was close behind, her head filled with cheerful thoughts of adorable little fluffs and blissful new parents. Inside the dwelling, however, the heavy metallic scent of blood greeted her senses. They had already missed the pups being born, it seemed, but Clover lay on the earthen floor of the den, lifeless. Her head snapped toward her mother, brows knitting with concern. It should have been a happy moment, but instead, it was uncertain.

She was instructed to check the newborns, and she nodded quickly, feeling a wave of nervousness as she inched closer to where the pups lay, not far from where Clover had fallen. After one more anxious glance at the new mother, Willow lowered herself closer to the pups, who seemed aware of a new presence as they squeaked and whined. ”Hi there,” she whispered, though she knew they couldn’t hear. After a quick inspection, very cautiously turning each one over, she informed Nephele, ”They both look healthy, Mama. One boy, one girl.” Willow moved back toward the entrance of the den to get out of the way now.



@Clover + @Nephele + @Cian

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

T

he healer and her apprentice arrived quickly, but the wait felt like many agonizing hours. He failed to notice when they had arrived until the dual-colored medic was beside Clover. He opened his mouth to speak, to offer some sort of greeting to them, but no words found their way to his tongue. Stupefied, he watched, more helpless now than ever.

It was a relief to learn that the pups, at least, were healthy. As for Clover… Cian watched Nel as she worked, eyes wide with fear and anticipation. ”There – two pups. But the first one –” Clover and Cian’s size difference had always been notable, but he didn’t imagine it would matter, not like this. His own mother had birthed three behemoths in one litter, and had survived the undoubtedly brutal experience.

”Is she – will she be–” He couldn’t get the question out, his legs trembling beneath him. He settled down beside Clover again, as close as he could manage while she was being cared for, and though he was not sure if she could hear him, he whispered in her ear, ”They’re – they’re so perfect. And you–” A sad tear trailed down his cheek. ”You did it, Clove. You’re perfect, too. I – I love you so much. All of you.” His eyes closed tightly, breathing haggard and head spinning.



@Clover + @Nephele + @Willow

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

Once the immediate danger was over Nephele finally turned her attention to poor Cian who was no doubt traumatised by the whole ordeal. Her ears flattened when she heard the boy telling his mate how much he loved her and their new children. It was a lot for a new family to go through and her heart broke that they’d had to endure so much on what should have been a happy moment for them both. She’ll be okay, sweetie. The bleeding is slowing down and her pulse is nice and strong, Nephele assured him, trying to give him what she hoped was a reassuring smile.

It happens sometimes with bigger babies, but she’ll make a full recovery, she promised him, still maintaining pressure on the poultice and she would until it completely stopped. Her chin lifted and she turned her head towards where Willow had stepped back. You’re doing great, honey, she praised her, feeling a burst of pride for how calm and in control her daughter was despite it being her first time assisting in an emergency. She had the makings of a very capable midwife and Nephele couldn’t wait to boast to Kylar about how brave she’d been. It was a mother’s duty after all to brag about her children and she was sure that Ky would happily join in.

Art by Ashon