[P] new buds take root

[Luna16]

Irisdream was tearing apart enjoying her salmon meal, ear flicking as she thought how much she missed sharing her nest and space with Duskleaf… And though the thought summoned it, as her thoughts drifted to her mate and his silly antics she felt a pang in her belly. Irisdream froze mid-chew. Quickly trying to sort through her memories. Was this pain a contraction? Had her labor started? When nothing else happened she shrugged it off with a graceful sweep of her tail and continued on her salmon, but then another… Now the silvery feline knew. She rose carefully to her paws, her legs feeling sore and stiff, and waddled to her nest. She was already prepared, stick already present. This wasn’t her first litter, but she was much more anxious for this one… What Duskleaf didn’t know was that Kitepaw hadn’t been the only kitten in the litter, just the only one to survive.

Anxiety clawing at her heart, Irisdream laid down carefully. She had meticulously taken precautions for this day. It had to go well…it just had to. She fully, and rather openly at the time, blamed her mother for the deaths in her first litter. The memory still stung…like teeth in the back of her head. Some that survived died later, only Kitepaw lived to see her first moon…and Irisdream was determined for this time to be different. It wasn’t that she loved these kits more than before…but it was complicated. She wanted this litter differently. Before she had kits with Wavebreaker out of duty. Now, this was her choice. Despite everything, Duskleaf chose her. And now, by extension she chose these kits.

Selfishly, she also mentally joked how very ready she was to no longer be pregnant. It was no secret that for her the experience was nothing short of miserable. She felt achy, bloated, sensitive to the smells around camp, only able to eat salmon (seriously???), it was hell. But…she also really wanted these kits. To see them, smell them, touch them with her nose. She took deep breaths as the contractions came closer together. Soon my loves, soon. Now that she was settled, she debated calling in her mate and daughter. Before, when others were around her she’d felt crowded. But now…she wanted them here. “Kitepaw! Duskleaf!” She called, straining to raise her voice. Knowing full well Duskleaf was either very close by, or very high up.

Kitepaw showed up first, which she wasn’t surprised by. Her daughter and her has been…growing closer in recent moons. And Irisdream couldn’t be happier about it. She greeted Kitepaw with a purr, rubbing her head under Kitepaw’s chin when the speckled she-cat lowered her head. “Darling, could you get me some wet moss to drink from?” She mewed. Kitepaw nodded diligently in response and took off, now Irisdream just had to wait…but she bit back a wail of pain as another contraction rippled through her body. Hurry Duskleaf… She mentally pleaded, whimpering softly. These kits won’t wait for you!

Note: kits have not been born yet! Just tagging y’all so you have the thread! Kits will be born in my next post!

{ @Seamrog - Duskleaf & Leafkit | @Star - Columbinekit | @Idiotic.Bean101 | @Dreamingstars - Orchidkit | @Crown_Sage - Sumackit | @VERVAINSNOW - Ruekit | @Ashy_boi - Cobwebkit | @ForestFuzz - Reedkit }

[Seamrog]

Duskleaf

31 Moons | He/Him | Agatha Kitty

RiverClan Lionheart

Duskleaf had been enjoying the view from his tree as was pretty usual for him. The sooner he could share a nest with Irisdream again, the better. Until then, the only place he’d sleep was this tree, it had been the only place he had slept alone since RiverClan moved to this camp. Initially he did it out of fear of certain cats, now it had become almost like the only place he could fall asleep if Irisdream wasn’t with him. As he rolled over slightly onto his side, a familiar voice split the air. Irisdream was calling him and Kitepaw…and he knew this could only be for one thing. Great StarClan, was it that time already? He wasn’t wasting any time, not even to get down from the tree safely. Instead he just leapt from it and dropped into a roll when he hit the ground. Surprisingly he managed that without flattening someone.

Duskleaf rushed over to Irisdream’s side. "I-I’m here…" He gently rubbed his head against Irisdream’s. His voice was soft, trying to be comforting but clearly a sense of panic. What now? Should he stay here or…? Duskleaf had never seen anything like this before, and he froze for a moment, not knowing what to do. Oh stars, this was really happening. He gently rested his head on Irisdream’s, his heart racing. No no! This wasn’t a time for hesitating! "I-Irisdream, my dear, I’ll be back in a moment…" He looked over at Kitepaw as he stood up. "Kitepaw, I need ye to stay here with your mother, I’m going to get Berryshine." With that, he took off, running faster than he had ever ran before even though his legs were starting to feel weak.

Avoiding any of the usual hazards that sent him flying most times he ran, Duskleaf rushed to outside the medicine den. Usually he would never disturb Berryshine like this, but this was an emergency. "Berryshine! I-I’m very sorry to disturb you, but Irisdream’s havin’ the kits!" The dark grey tom then took off again hoping Berryshine was following him, though he promised Irisdream he’d be back right away. He came to a halt and sat down at her side once again, feeling like he was about to fall over. No! Don’t you dare do that, Duskleaf! He didn’t know what to even say right now, he just smiled at Irisdream lovingly, though his eyes still betrayed worry.

@Luna16 @squidz (not pinging everyone because I don’t want to set off a false alarm XD)

[squidz]

| BERRYSHINE |

small & nimble dark brown she-cat with darker flecks and light, leafy-green eyes | the collector | dreamwalker |

[ riverclan medicine cat | she-cat | 20 moons | timid, kind, hardworking ]

—

( sORRY FOR THE DELAYY and thanks for patience hehe <3 )

Berryshine was startled when Duskleaf ran in, his fur on end and his eyes wide. What, had he seen a Dark Forest ghost!? Of course, her anxious thoughts went there first. But it only took a moment of pondering to realize something: Irisdream! The kits—

She heard his words a moment later, confirming her thoughts. By then, the small brown molly had already whirled around, grabbing a few herbs from her store (thanks, Shadowedcall) — burnet, and blessed thistle. Both good for strength and blood flow, especially during kittings. And moss, of course — there was often a lot of blood at these events. "G-Got it," she gasped, but the tom was already long gone; she couldn't blame him. Some fathers were more anxious than others, especially brand new ones.

When she raced in, Berryshine was pleased to see that Irisdream already had the basics; Kitepaw running to get water, and a stick for pain. She quickly set down the few leaves by Irisdream's head, easily within reach, so her mouth was available to speak.

"I-Irisdream... t-this isn't your first litter, right? That's good... w-we'll make sure this one goes as smoothly a-as it can," the medicine cat assured, her demeanor warm and helpful despite the adrenaline thrill she always got when it came to kittings; they were often the most intense things she did, unless there was some battle or rare life-threatening case. And it was always a gamble on if the queen would have one kit or eleven (thanks Vervainshadow), and on how many would survive.

"T-Those herbs are burnet and blessed thistle... t-they'll give you more strength and blood flow for the kitting," she explained as she sat down before the queen, gently placing her small paws onto her swollen stomach. Ah, yes... the contractions rippled against her paw pad. It was about time. "...Eat those, a-and I'll give you a few moments before we begin."

Then, those bright green eyes flicked up to Duskleaf, who was looking like he both wanted to fly and drop to the ground at the same time. Giving a comforting smile (but speaking in a tone that was slightly more 'business' than usual), the jumpy medicine cat was focused and calm as she directed her next instructions to the father while his mate would hopefully be chewing up those herbs.

"N-Now, Duskleaf... when these kits start coming out, I'm going t-to need your help. They each will have a protective sac around them t-that needs to be nipped off — I'll do them, s-so you can see. But then each kit will need to be licked, quickly and vigorously. Y-You're going to groom the fur the opposite way — this is the quickest way to warm them up a-and clean them off. Then, we'll guide them to Irisdream's stomach, a-and make sure they find a spot to suckle... got it?"

That was a lot at once, but of course, Berryshine would guide him through every step. And she'd do the first kit or two as demonstration before just handing them off to the nervous father. But once she was satisfied that Duskleaf had at least heard her words, the medicine cat looked back down at Irisdream with an encouraging smile.

"O-Okay, Irisdream, whenever you're ready... y-you can start pushing." She gingerly pressed down on the belly, as if urging the queen to begin, and/or helping massage the unborn kits outta there. Here goes nothing...

And please, StarClan, let this one be uneventful and not tragic. There was always time to slip in a prayer.

[ @Seamrog - Duskleaf | @Luna16 - Irisdream | @/the kits ]

[Luna16]

Irisdream purred loudly at her mate’s arrival, swallowing back the pain as another wave rippled through her. But her joy and relief at his presence was quickly replaced by confusion when he started to leave. “Wha- Bu-” And he was gone. The queen sighed, the sigh turning into a hushed moan. “My darling, Kites, could you fetch me some water? Use some fresh moss and dampen it if you please.” She mewed, her voice as smooth as it could be.

The speckled -paw nodded touching her muzzle to Irisdream’s forehead before rushing off. Kitepaw and Duskleaf returned roughly at the same time, and Kitepaw placed the wet moss near her mother where she could drink. Irisdream lapped at the moss before gripping the stick she had tightly in her jaws, biting down as she let out a yowl against its bark. Her fangs poking tiny holes into the stick, causing it to splinter slightly. But hopefully it’ll hold…

Irisdream could feel Duskleaf’s concern, and she tried her best not to let it mirror in her own dark blue eyes. With neither knowing of her first litter, neither could truly understand her anxiety with this litter. But she’d be damned if this litter didn’t turn out okay… then Berryshine came. The queen set her stick down before letting out a soft purr in greeting and nodding to the medic’s question. “Th-That’s right.” She mewed, her voice strained. “I had another litter, 14 moons ago or so.” She looked at Kitepaw with a fond but pained expression. None of the cats here knew what happened with Kitepaw’s littermates…and she’d prefer to keep it under wraps for the time being. She didn’t want Kitepaw to feel any additional guilt or anxiety in her life. Poor thing was anxious enough.

A pained and anxious expression crossed her face at Berryshine’s promise, but not from her comtractions. She knew the medic didn’t mean anything harmful by it, but the brown feline unwittingly brought voice to Irisdream’s internal fears: what if this litter doesn’t go well? What if it does go like her last litter? She swallowed, her mouth suddenly feeling dry. She lapped at the wet moss Kitepaw brought a little, trying to soothe the dry sensation that overtook her mouth. Ah, herbs. Irisdream lapped up the herbs obidiently. Flicking an ear as she listened with amusement as Berryshine tried to coach Duskleaf on what to do. That would be interesting to see, she half expected him to pass out. Then Berryshine returned to her side, and gave the signal. Taking a shaky breath, Irisdream nodded resolutely at the medic before beginning to push…

later on…

Irisdream was exhausted. By the time she pushed the final kitten, she wasn’t sure she had the strength to do anything else. She pulled the final kit towards her, popping the sac with her teeth and vigorously licking the tiny bundle the wrong way until it started to cry. She was certain with Berryshine’s guidance, he had been doing well with cleaning them off. Once she was done cleaning this kitten thoroughly, she carefully set them near her belly, booping them with her nose to encourage them to crawl forward.

Her plumed tail swept over the backs of her nine kittens. It was an experience she’d not soon forget. First she gave birth to two little she-kits, and it felt like that was it. But then, no. StarClan had other plans. Then she gave birth to seven more kits! StarClan only knows how that even works! Part of her mildly annoyed, like she thought “oh that was easy!” and somecat up in the stars cackled at her. But…it was so worth it. She couldn’t help purring loudly as her gaze swept warmly over her litter. Her…unexpectedly big litter.

The queen looked up Duskleaf, gaze warm and filled with love, but exhausted. “Our kits, my love…” She purred, her voice barely above a breath. She gently used her nose to guide them to her belly, sweeping her plumed tail over their backs again to make sure they were steady and warm. “They’re lovely…” She purred, moving to lean her head against her mate’s. Partly for the cuddles, but also because she was tired of holding her head up. “My little flowers.” She was going to be a busy bee the next few moons, but she was looking forward to every heartbeat.

Her gaze was drawn to a silvery she-kit with half of Duskleaf’s face it seemed, and she chuckled softly. “Peonykit.” She mewed firmly, touching her nose to the little kit’s back. “I would like to name this one Peonykit.” She purred. She looked up at Kitepaw with a smile, flicking her tail for her older daughter to come closer. “Any ideas, Kitepaw?” She mewed, inviting her daughter to name a sibling or two.

Kitepaw blinked at her, clearly confused and surprised, which made Irisdream laugh softly and nod. “It’s okay, darling.” Kitepaw’s eyes lit up and she studied her half-siblings. Kitepaw gently licked the back of a little pale tabby tom-kit. “H-How about Bluetkit?” She proposed, and Irisdream’s eyes lit up. The silvery queen purred, nuzzling the little tom-kit. “Yes, Bluetkit.” She purred. Irisdream looked at another little she-kit, this one mostly white but with patches of different shades of gray and brown. “And this little girl can be Columbinekit.” She purred. “This little boy can be Orchidkit.” She purred, delighted. “They can all have flower or plant names! What do you think, dearest?”

Irisdream turned her gaze to her mate, giddy with excitement at the idea. The names of flowers had always been something she used to ground her in moments of heightened anxiety. It only seemed right to give flower names to this litter, perhaps it would serve as a good omen. So they’ll all live lives full of joy and inner peace. That was four of them named already if Duskleaf agreed, so she rested her head against him again. Looking upon their litter with eyes filled with love and awe. She didn’t want to name anymore of them without getting any input from Duskleaf, so she’d rest a heartbeat.

Note: kits have been born!!! So far Peonykit, Bluetkit, Columbinekit, and Orchidkit have been named! This does not dictate birth order!

{ @Seamrog - Duskleaf & Leafkit | @Star - Columbinekit | @Idiotic.Bean101 - Bluetkit | @Dreamingstars - Orchidkit | @Crown_Sage - Sumackit | @VERVAINSNOW - Ruekit | @Ashy_boi - Cobwebkit | @ForestFuzz - Reedkit | @squidz - Berryshine }

[Dreamingstars]

ORCHIDKIT
Riverclan Kit ~ Newborn ~ He/Him
"Every flower has its thorns."

The silver tom-kit mewled loudly, protesting at being dragged out into the cold. Rather than warmth and darkness and silence, now it was cold and blinding lights shining through his closed eyes. Blue stripes ran from under his eyes to his jawline, and his leg had a dark grey sock marking. Soon, he felt the funny casing around him come off, and the short-tailed kit crawled forward, still mewling, and suckled at his mother's belly, squeezing in between his many littermates.

@Luna16 | @Seamrog | @/squidz | @/other littermates

[Idiotic.Bean101]

art and design by boogtheskeleton on TH
Bluetkit - He/Him
0 Moons


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He came into the world silently.
And of course, the first thing he went for was food.

He didn't like the cold that he now felt, huddling up to get as much warmth as possible


@Luna16 - @Seamrog - @/everybody else

[Star]

╔══ ≪ °❈° ≫ ══╗
Columbinekit
Pale calico she-kit with sunrise coloured eyes[
She/Her | 0 Moons | +Every ??? | RiverClan Kit | Superstitious, obsessive, and compulsive
. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.

. 。・゜✭・.・✫゜・。.

Only born moments ago, and little Columbinekit began to show signs of her hyper and obsessive behaviour. Gotta start em young, am I right? She let out shrill cries, scrambling among the sea of newborn kittens to be the first one to suckle. She was a lively one, indeed. And it was clear.

{ @Luna16 @Seamrog }

╚══ ≪ °❈° ≫ ══╝

[Luna16]

The newly named Peonykit was silent. She breathed, but she did cry. A single mewling squeak was released as she squirmed, with guidance from something else, to a warm source. She latched onto her mother's belly and began to suckle.

{ @/all involved! }