Stardust

A

game of hide and seek had been initiated and despite her size, Clover was more than willing to play along with her children. They'd giggled through a round where the pups were found and then they insisted that she hide. It took her a moment to think about where she'd even be able to conceal herself with such a massively swollen middle, but then she remembered the perfect spot. A hollow at the center of one of the oldest trees in the wood. Oh, what stories that tree could tell, she wondered.

Easily, she squeezed her way into the natural den and smiled, already claiming her own victory as the best hider among them. With all of the overgrowth, they might never find her! When she looked around her, she felt her heart flutter to recall nooks and crannies that she had stuffed collections of rocks and other tidbits into. Clover was pleasantly surprised to find a lot of the items still there, including pieces of bark that she'd painted or etched drawings into. A blush crept across her cheeks when she noticed that some of them were doodles of Cian or of her and Cian together. “Well, would ya look at that..."

She reached for another of those bark drawings, enjoying reminiscing on her childhood fantasies when a familiar pain ripped through her lower half. She gasped and blinked, eyeing her belly that began rippling, another sign she knew well. Clover scrambled, the drawings and rocks scattering across the floor as she tried to stand up. “Oh, no, babies! Couldn't you have at least waited until the game was over?" She whimpered as another jolt of pain forced her to sit and eventually lay down. “Hgghnn...I'll take that as a no..." She then lifted her head back and howled urgently to whatever family was nearby for help.

@Cian @Fern @Journey


@Cian

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

L

ife was peaceful, despite the threat of war, for his was a family united. They had returned to the Highlands in a hurry, and no further news of brewing conflict had found them there. The Eithne clan was back to their normal routine — almost.

They still came together every day, spent time together. They still played games together, too, but change was coming, and their free wanderings had ceased for now. Soon, their family would grow, and Cian was over the moon with excitement. When a game of hide and seek was suddenly interrupted by the unmistakable howl of his wife, the large brute didn’t hesitate. He launched himself into a run, stopping only when… he couldn’t find her, triggering instant panic. ”Clove? Where are you? Is it time?” As he called out, he foubd her on the hollow of a huge tree; her pained expression answered before the wolfess could. ”Don’t worry, I’m here.”

If any of the children had followed — as Summit had — Cian would turn to address them as calmly as was possible, given the situation. ”I’ll call you pups back when Mama is all done,” he promised with a grin. ”Your little siblings will be here soon!” Summit’s eyes were wide with worry, but he definitely didn’t want to see what was going on, so he was gone like a scared deer.

Cian didn’t want the yearlings there… just in case. He squeezed into the tree den — it would have to do. ”Do you feel okay? So far?” With a quick lick to Clover’s forehead, he attempted to exude serenity, but he could scarcely hold still. ”I know you can do it, Clove.”


@Clover

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

W

illow was relaxing in her own little nesting space, eyes closed and breathing even. She was there with a greater purpose now. There was at least one expectant wolfess in the Highlands who would need Willow’s services, and she had been waiting nearby the growing family, just in case. From the look of Clover during their last interaction, that moment could arrive any second.

So when she heard the urgent howl of the pregnant she-wolf, Willow was quickly on her paws. She had been preparing, gathering various herbs and other things that could be helpful during the delivery. Willow only hoped this time around would be a bit easier than last time, and the midwife was glad to be of service. She was out of prison and doing what she was meant to do, in spite of the king, in spite of the guards and the dungeon bars.

She found Cian first as he was standing outside an enormous tree that made even the giant seem small in comparison. Willow set down her supplies and greeted him with a calm grin, though the wolfess was unsure if it did much to soothe his nerves, since his focus was solely upon the laboring woman.

Peeking in at Clover, she greeted with her friend with a bright smile. ”I’ll be here if you need me.”. But she was fairly certain Clover had it under control this time… and hopefully absent the presence of any gigantic newborns.

@Willow

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

[Breeding Check]

C

lover inhaled and exhaled as steadily and deeply as she could. As the pain came and went, she would grit her teeth and hissed as she continued to try to focus on her breaths. It wasn't long before she heard the sound of her husband calling her name from outside and what a welcome sound it was. “Cian! I'm in here!" When the much larger ember brute managed to squeeze his way into the hollow with her, the space became the slightest bit cramped. She remembered the hollow being much large when she was a pup. Seeing the way they were hunkered in her secret treehouse made clover laugh as she panted. “They picked a convenient time and place didn't they?"

The children tried to follow their father inside, but there was truly not very much space for too many more on them and, of course, they likely wouldn't want to be there to witness the most gruesome part of bringing new life into the world. Clover peered through the entrance to see some of their worried rounded eyes outside. “Mama's going to be okay, my little sunflowers! Sorry to ruin your game...I promise we'll finish it soon!" She assured her eldest pups.

When she looked back up at Cian, it was clear that he was reliving memories of a similar scene. He certainly was a man who had always worn his heart on his sleeve and she loved that part of him more than she could express. He asked her if she was okay and once more, she was able to find the courage to chuckle lightly. “Are you okay, Cian? You look like you might be sick." She leaned up and touched her nose to the side of his muzzle, pressing a slow and affectionate kiss there. “I love you." She murmured, before she recoiled with a grimace as her womb began to truly start to do the work.

At the sound of another voice, she raised her head and smiled to see the young midwife outside the tree. “Thank you...for being here, Willow." She expressed her gratitude before refocusing on the impending labor. She felt oddly calm amid what others might have perceived as chaos. There was less fear of what was to come and having her family surrounding her made it that much more comfortable. After a short while, the contractions came more frequently and then she felt that natural urge to push. “Okay, okay...this is it..." She announced, beginning to brace herself for the arrival of this next litter.


@Cian

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

A

mother wolf had found the expectant parents, and Cian offered a thankful smile for Willow. He was more than grateful to see the healer; knowing his wife would be cared for was a relief, and helped go ease his nervous… at least, a little. Clover asked if he was alright and he could not help but laugh a little. ”Of course, just excited to see who will be joining the Eithne clan today.” The smile upon his pale muzzle was one of pure joy.

Would it be another boy, or would Summit remain outnumbered by sisters? It didn’t matter one bit to Cian if they were male or female, tiny or big. As long as they were not too big, anyway…

The outside world, with all its turbulence and uncertainty and fear, felt a thousand miles away in the wolf’s mind. His family was all that mattered now. It was what he existed for, these surreal moments with his wife, their sweet yearlings, as well as their soon-to-be pups.

Time seemed to be dragging by for the fiery brute… though he had the easy part here as an observer and supporter, as he was reminded with each contraction that racked Clover’s form, and seeing her pained expressions was difficult for the wolf to endure. Cian wished only he could ease the suffering, to take some of it for himself so that her role was less excruciating. Instead, he wished for it all to be quick and… well, nothing much Iike the last time. He was confident in his wife, though, and full of optimism and enthusiasm.

Cian was always amazed by his mate — her positive energy, the love she exudes so naturally, her natural instinct as a mother. So when the time came for their newest pup to make its arrival, Cian watched, so proud of Clover and what she was capable of. ”I love you, Clove. I—“ But there were simply no words, a common dilemma when it came to describing his feelings for her. He offered one last affectionate nuzzle before giving his wife some space.


@Clover

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

S

he was able to muster one last smile and a delicate kiss at her husband's cheek before he moved away and the work truly began. Her body braced and she gritted her teeth, pushing once or twice only to be surprised that the firstborn pup had required hardly any effort at all to bring into the world. A cry rose up with the newborn's swift arrival that urged her to draw her baby closer to her, grooming her gently before looking up at Cian and revealing the tiniest wriggling form of arctic white fur. “A wee baby girl." She chuckled, tears forming at the corners of her eyes after introducing their newest daughter.

She did not have enough time to nestle the infant closer to her to begin nursing. The next pup decided not to give Clover too much pause, putting her through a more difficult labor, though it still was not long-lasting. The secondborn tumbled into the world with the grace of a drunken calf and the mother found herself in a fit of giggles as she collected this one. She was a sandstone color like her with a mixture of “That's two new daughters, Cian." She announced, tucking them both close to her as they now were able to latch on.

Clover took a break, resting her head on the ground, her frame still trembling and muscles continuing to ripple and contract. She knew it wasn't over, but something told her to conserve her strength as much as she possibly could in preparation for what was to come. Luckily the next incoming pup had given her a bit of reprieve, but when it decided it was ready, it did not let up. There was an immense amount of pain and the tears of joy soon flowed with agony, while she pushed and pushed with little to no results. She was suddenly reminded of her first birthing experience and she felt panic begin to overtake her. “Cian, I need you..." Clover cried a she reached a paw towards him, exhaustion beginning to take it's toll. Her gaze flickered around the space searching for her friend. “Willow? Willow, please, I...I'm scared...I-I need your help, please."


@Cian

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

T

he first pup to arrive, almost exclusively white in hue, was so very small, and so delicate-looking. As small as Fern had been at a few weeks old… and boy, did it look different than its much larger brother! Clover announced that this child was a girl, and Cian’s heart felt light as the air. ”She’s perfect, so little.” Now, what would they name her? The list of names compiled by the family after much discussion in recent weeks started to race through his mind. Each of the yearlings had contributed ideas, some more unique than other suggestions. And while he loved the creativity of his first litter, monikers like Fluffy, Wiggles or Spider… didn’t quite fit their new little sister.

However, there was no time to bestow any names just yet, as another pup seemed eager to arrive. Before Cian had a chance to greet his snowy little daughter, Clover’s suffering began anew. Another ball of fluff arrived to their mother’s attentive care and a bit of giggling on both parents’ part. This one bigger than the first, with a sandy, sunset-hued coat that looked more like Clover than any of the others so far. Another girl, and his joy was indescribable. ”A little Clove. I had hoped for one like you.”

Cian thought this would be it. Two infants, just like the time before. It seemed, though, that there was something more to come than the pair of girl pups. And now, Clover looked frightened, as if a sudden change had just occurred. ”I’m here, Clove.” That familiar sense of dread swept in like a tidal wave as something changed. Had something gone wrong… again?

But Willow was already in motion, ready to get to work. The sight of parental panic didn’t seem to frazzle the healer, and the urgency made her move quickly. She quickly assessed that there was nothing unusual that required her intervention. The wolfess looked to Clover with a reassuring smile. She had always been taught to be prepared, and the midwife had just the herb to offer, which she dropped gingerly beside the laboring wolfess. ”You’re doing great so far, I promise. Just keep it up. You can eat these, they should help you to relax a bit more.”

Cian watched all of this unfold with tense muscles, holding his breath until Willow gave confirmation that nothing was out of the ordinary so far, and things had not gone awry, despite the anxieties of the parents. He covered o face with quick kisses. ”See, Clove? You’re a pro at this baby stuff. Two sweet girls, and just — just one more. Um, I mean, probably just one more.” A nervous laugh followed as he tried his hardest to maintain a positive expression… which translated to an unintentionally goofy grin and big, wide eyes.

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

C

lover whimpered as she tried to slow her breathing, squeezing her eyes shut as she tried to calm herself down. Willow's voice beckoned her to peek out from beneath her lashes to see the young midwife drop something at her feet. There was not an ounce of true concern that she could feel from the other female and so perhaps there was nothing to be worried about. Before she lapped up the herbs her pink orbs grew round as she pleaded softly, “And perhaps...some water? If that's not too much trouble to ask?" She was clearly on the verge of being spent of all her energy and as she began to chew on the herbs that were given to her, she silently prayed to the Fae to see her through this.

She blinked and looked up wearily as kisses were peppered across her face. Clover began to slowly nod almost to herself now as Cian encouraged her. She sucked in a deep breath and let it whistle between pursed lips as she began to try to will her body to work with the pressure of the incoming newborn instead of against it. There were several more pushes until she made one final effort, screaming behind gritted teeth until another shockingly loud cry of the newly arrived infant joined hers. Clover felt whatever strength she had left waning and so she hurriedly went to move the largest bundle of them all, grooming the writhing pup as it adjusted to this strange new world. “Well...she is certainly her father's daughter...no doubt bout that..." The exhausted mother commented, quieting the cries of all of her babies with their first meal outside of the womb.

The rest of the birthing process was hardly a desirable sight and it wasn't until that was over and done with that a well worn out Clover looked up at Cian and then out the entrance to the hollowed out tree. “Would you like to introduce our children to their new sisters?" She panted softly as she peered up at her husband, smiling sweetly at him, knowing it would be something he'd enjoy doing.


@Cian @Fern @Journey

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

J.F.E
The Rainstorm and…

Journey had been playing hide and seek with her mother and siblings. Though mamma was swollen with life, she still wanted to play and that warmed journey’s heart. She’d followed mamma some of the way before splitting off to find her own place to hide. She was busy searching for the very best spot when her mamma’s cry ripped through the air. Fear and panic flooded the yearling body as she took off running as fast as her legs would carry her. She arrived just before her pa did. He looked just as worried as she did. Was mamma okay?!

She tried to follow him inside to be with her mamma. But was quickly told to wait until summoned. Saddened by the dismissal flashed through her. But concern for her mamma kept her rooted just outside the makeshift den. Only moving to pace back and forth and occasionally try to steal a peek at her mamma. She wasn’t going anywhere until her mamma was okay.

She was so focused on her mamma she didn’t see the other woman arrive. Didn’t hear the words shared between her and her mother. She let out a little whimper as she continued to pace back and forth. She didn’t want to leave. She had to be here for her mamma and her pa.

She paused when she heard the first little cry. Trying to peek inside to see the new baby. But huffed when she couldn’t see anything. By the second cry she had calmed herself down and was laying not too far from her parents' current space. Waiting for her pa to appear outside to fill her and the other in on how mamma was doing and whatever adult stuff had happened inside.

speech here
@Clover @Cian

The River, Are my Brothers

code by claerie

C

ian watched as Willow hurried away dutifully to fetch the water requested by Clover before his focus returned to the laboring wolfess. He felt so helpless, so… useless now. His forced, feigned smile faded as his wife’s screams filled the air, ebony ears pinned back against his skull. Between the herbal remedy, Clover’s strength, and the power of her screams, something must have worked, for soon, a third pup arrived – and this final born child made her entrance into the world in grand fashion, using her tiny little lungs to announce her arrival loudly.

Clover was understandably exhausted as she nudged the last pup toward her. “Well...she is certainly her father's daughter...no doubt bout that..." Another girl – perfect and noisy and with the same fiery pelt of her sire. She looked every bit a Highlander. ”She’s nearly as big as Summit when he was born,” he remarked with an apologetic smile. His muzzle caressed the side of Clover’s cheek gently. ”I can’t – I can’t believe it. They’re so beautiful. And you…” The emotion threatened to overwhelm the enormous wolf as he gazed down at their new trio of girls, and he held back a sniffle. ”You’re the most incredible, amazing, gorgeous Mama there ever was.”

He was lost in his dreamy thoughts when Clover spoke again: “Would you like to introduce our children to their new sisters?” Cian gasped aloud. ”Oh, yes! They’ll be so excited.” Or so he assumed as the brute moved away from the makeshift den between the trees, tipping his head back to give send a signal to the yearlings that it was alright to come back.

He was surprised to see Journey had not been waiting far away, and the wolf smiled happily as he greeted her: ”My Sunshine,” using the nickname he had given his firstborn girl just days after her own arrival. ”Come meet your new little sisters!” Fiery gaze peered around to see if Summit and Fern were also waiting close.



@Clover @Summit @Journey @Fern

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck