Star Light, Star Bright

@Isilmë, @Toruviel, @Arathorn, @Quicksilver and any other SS members that might wanna join! Thread is back dated to September 23!

---

Any moment now, she knew the sensation well. Not being able to get comfortable, the need to pile up any and all soft things into a bundle to make their arrival as comfortable as possible - the growing pain in her swollen abdomen.

Their newest litter was on the way and they would arrive any second now as the sudden contraction forced the Empress to laydown finally and begin pushing. They would be her first without any stress lurking beyond their borders. No sign or word from their aggressors for months now which made Reiko more than comfortable in believing their strife was finally over.

Peace was here - and with it, the newest little bundles of joy.

Able to relax through her whole pregnancy from beginning to end, the ordeal was easier than any prior. One after another the little pale children came to be - but one. One in particular would be different shades of grey, one she suspected would have taken more on Quicksilver's side of the family as none were such colours from her. A beautiful little black sheep. Each she would bring to her belly to get their fill; and immediately wrapping them in the plush warmth that was her tail to blanket them from the ice and cold surrounding the stone den.

Here she was able to rest and feel utterly safe, content. Even if she still had to recover from bringing new children into this world, it paled in comparison to prior stresses and she slumbered easily after. Taking a well deserved rest; one that was light and easily woken up to should the newborns squirm oddly or cry out - but rest none the less in blissful comfort until Quicksilver would come to greet their newest pride.

the staff team luvs u

Reiko's pregnancy had not brought her the same difficulties she'd faced during that of the previous year, and for that the druid was thankful. Together they lived quietly among their family on Tsukiishi, void of the stresses that'd long plagued Shiroshika, which allowed the Empress to take everything in het stride. They were, at last, content.

Happy.

Blessed.

Quicksilver stayed with his beloved for as long as she would allow. Though reluctant, he withdrew from her side when she asked for privacy. He'd remained with her throughout her last labour, eager to support not only as husband but as doctor. The silverwhite was anxious, naturally, but he did not doubt Reiko's strength and ability. She would whelp, and all would be well.

When at last the still time came, Quicksilver stepped carefully into the cave where his mate lay curled close to the little bodies of their newest brood. His ears pricked forward with interest, the platinum midwife moved to greet her with affection. He touched his lips to Reiko's pallid crown and swept a kiss over her brow before shifting to inspect their newborns.

Three, he noted with curiosity - much like before. This time, however, there were two pale-furred daughters and a single son who bore a down-soft pelt of darker shades. Pastel eyes lingered on him several moments longer, before he lowered his head to press his muzzle lovingly among them. He released a warm breath of relief, of satisfaction, and settled himself to appreciate the latest gift that his snowflower had given him.


the staff team luvs u

She entered the world without complication, though assaulted the ears of any nearby with her very first breaths. The pallid babe yowled and yowled even as warmth enveloped her, as a gentle tongue swept her velvet furs free of moisture and cleaned her face.

Only when she was settled alongside siblings did volume of the girl's cries lessen. These were beings she knew, other cubs who'd shared a womb with her, and with them she found comfort.


the staff team luvs u

There was nothing unusual about Isilmë's birth. She was bathed and then placed at Reiko's breast to feed promptly after being born. She fussed occasionally, mainly when she'd grown uncomfortable or disliked something, but nothing that would alarm her seasoned parents. 

Her first wake window ended as quickly as it had begun. Isi fed as she fell asleep, humming to herself to self-soothe as she adjusted to her new surroundings. Given the circumstances of her limited senses, she was as happy as she could be.
the staff team luvs u

Tired but not out, she was pleased to see her husband's approach. Hummed a happy tune when he pressed against her crown in loving comfort and acknowledgement of the work given to birth their second litter. Feeling them all feed, she was certain of their health and wellbeing. Lifting the blanket of a tail to allow her husband to gaze at them and kiss each of them in turn as well.

“We have an odd one.” She teased with a slight giggle. “I suspect he takes after you.” Knowing full well she hadn't had any colour in her family for many generations, if any, according to her mother's logs. “A welcome change if you ask me.” She sighed. Happy to move away from the Izukas and their haunted past - toward a future that was now marked with a boy, markings that stood out amongst his family but a beacon speaking of a bright future.

the staff team luvs u

As with his sisters, Arathorn was born into the world with little fanfare. He was alive. He breathed. He ate. It would be his way until the time came for his ears to unfurl and his eyes to open. He would not know how different he looked, not yet. Whether it would set him apart would remain to be seen but for now, Arathorn was content with his only purpose in life: To eat and sleep.

the staff team luvs u