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Post by Taxx on May 13, 2018 20:26:00 GMT -5
The past few days had been ones of growing discomfort; Sootfeather could hardly sleep for the kicking of the kits within her, unable to find a position that would allow her to remain comfortable for long. Her appetite had increased, too, and it seemed like she could never quite satisfy the hunger in her belly. These kits were taking a lot out of her- she hadn’t expected it to be quite like this. Perhaps she should have picked a smaller tom? None of the Clan knew of the loner she’d mated with, and she hadn’t seen Rasputin since then. He had made it clear he wasn’t going to stick around, and she had accepted it. She could raise these kits on her own, with the help of her family- the Clan didn’t have to know the truth. She would keep that to herself. A sudden ache began, jolting Sootfeather out of the doze she’d slipped into a few minutes prior, and the black she-cat gave a low hiss, body tensing around the pain. It faded after a short moment, but before she could think about calling to someone to get Smokefur or Shadowchaser, the tri-toned head of Crowpaw poked through the entrance of the den with a large squirrel in her jaws. She set it down gently, as though not to disturb the queens, but when Sootfeather spoke, she perked up, blue eyes settling on the she-cat. “Crowpaw, get one of the medicine cats now.”She was barely halfway through the request when Crowpaw disappeared, her paw steps skittering toward the medicine den, leaving Sootfeather to lie back and wait for one of them to arrive, jaw clenched as another pain started. Fawn williams Hellion |
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Post by Fawn on May 16, 2018 3:47:08 GMT -5
curiosity is not a sin... ...but we should exercise caution with our curiosity Shadowchaser Shadowchaser made a mental note to thank Dewpaw and Swanfeather for the raspberry leaves; judging by the size of Sootfeather's litter, or at least the size of the kits inside her, it was going to be a trial. The dark chestnut tom had put together an 'emergency bundle', in case he'd been out collecting herbs or stretching his legs while Sootfeather went into labor, Smokefur could jump in in his stead. The older medicine cat was much more experienced with kittings, but Shadowchaser wanted to prove his worth.
"I'm here, Sootfeather. Has the pain just started?" Shadowchaser had set the her bundle down beside her, and then went over to the queen's belly, gently nosing the dark flank, feeling for the placement of the kits and how active they were. They were ready to come out, that was for certain. Crowpaw had not returned to the nursery - Shadowchaser had sent the tri-colored apprentice to retrieve soaked moss to keep Sootfeather hydrated. "These raspberry leaves will soothe some of the pain. I can't erase it entirely, I am sorry, but I will do what I can."
Shadowchaser began to shred the leaves into smaller pieces, nosing them near Sootfeather's mouth for quick ingestion. He had been present for Lilyfrost's kitting, and though she had near-deafened everyone around her (and near-maimed her mate), the labor had gone well. All of Lilyfrost's and Bonetail's kits had been born alive. He sent a soft prayer to StarClan that he would have such luck this time around. Sootfeather may have been a first time mother, but he was not a first time healer. I'll do what I can, he repeated, adopting it as a personal mantra. medicine cat of nightclan |
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Post by Taxx on May 16, 2018 21:12:16 GMT -5
Shadowchaser was thankfully quick to arrive, and Sootfeather blinked at the dark tom as he entered the den with herbs in his jaws. “Yes,” she answered the question, and sucked in another breath as another began, the feeling that something was squeezing her insides in sharp fangs. It hurt, and she would be grateful for whatever relief Shadowchaser could give. She lapped them up as he gave them to her and swallowed them, waiting for them to have any sort of affect on the lingering pain.
Soft pawsteps announced Crowpaw’s return, and the apprentice set down the moss within easy reach of the kitting queen. “Can I do anything else?” she asked in a near-whisper, her voice quieter than it had ever been.
“No,” Sootfeather snapped. “Go away, I don’t need an audience.”
Obediently, Crowpaw dipped her head and began to turn away, only to glance back as Sootfeather spoke again. “Wait- get Starlingcry. I want her here.” Again, Crowpaw gave a nod and hurried away to call the older she-cat to the nursery. Once finished, she remained in the clearing, hovering close in case one of them needed her again but not intruding.
The pain was intensifying again, and Sootfeather groaned, claws curling against the stone floor of the cave, green eyes squeezing shut as it built, her hind legs braced to help the kits on their way to being born. “How long until those leaves start working?” she asked, one eye slitting open to pin on Shadowchaser.
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Post by Hellion on May 23, 2018 6:03:28 GMT -5
 Starlingcry and i tired to hold these secrets inside of me
my mind's like a deadly disease Nestled in a rare sunny spot within camp. Starlingcry soaked up the sun's warmings waves. She had been on the dawn patrol and the day had been cool and dew made her paws wet. Thus she deeemed herself worthy enough to bask in the sun.
It didn't take her long to notice the movement near the nursery. Having learned of her daughter's condition and the new life she was bringing into the Clan, Starlingcry was determined to be an ever-present figure in her grandkid's lives.
Curious if something was happening the black coated she-cat rose to her paws just in time to see Shadowchaser enter the den. A flutter of excitement filled her chest as her paws took her closer to the nursery. Hopefully, the kits were coming without a hitch.
It was then she heard her daughter's cry and the sudden realization that her kit was in pain forced her excitement to dwindle. No mother ever wanted to see her kit in pain.
Tempted to barge in and demand Shadowchaser takes care of her pain, she held off. She would wait until she was asked to join. Crowpaw's voice alerted her that she didn't have to wait long.
Entering the den and going to her daughter's side, Starlingcry began to lick her daughter's cheek as well as nuzzle against her. "Take it slow and relax into the pain. Don't fight it," Starlingcry urged her adjusting herself to be tucked closer to her daughter. "It is a she-cat's curse, the pain but in the end, it will be worth it," She added with a gentle touch of her nose to Sootfeather's ear.
i'm meaner than my demons. i'm bigger than these bones. |
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Post by Fawn on May 24, 2018 23:25:18 GMT -5
curiosity is not a sin... ...but we should exercise caution with our curiosity Shadowchaser Shadowchaser did not try to stop Starlingcry from entering the den. It would be a little crowded having another cat so close to Sootfeather, but if a bit of awkward shuffling was the price of Sootfeather's comfort, Shadowchaser did not mind paying. Ever one to remember his manners, he greeted the older queen, then answered Sootfeather's question. "I apologize, unfortunately herbs are not effective the instant we ingest them. They'll take a little while until you start feeling better. Just as Starlingcry said," luminous golden eyes blinked gratefully at the matriarch "try to relax."
There was a heavy expectancy in the air, as all three cats awaited the arrival of Sootfeather's litter. The chestnut tom moved closer to her hindquarters, watching the contractions. The first few inklings of concern began to creep into his mind; "the first kit is coming," he announced. So far, the process seemed... normal. But the size of Sootfeather's stomach was what Shadowchaser found worrisome; it was possible it was a big litter. It was also possible that the kits in her belly were quite large. He had not spoken to Smokefur about the possibility of a queen's kits being too big for her body to handle.
He hadn't thought that kind of issue was possible; surely nature always found a way? Yet he knew kittings could be dangerous, especially if a queen lost a lot of blood. Shadowchaser flicked an ear, rallying what he knew of being a healer and what he knew of kittings (which admittedly was not much). Fetching additional herbs, Shadowchaser brought them carefully near Sootfeather's nose. "These are going to bolster your strength. As I said, the first kit is coming," Shadowchaser smiled, trying to emulate the reassurance and excellent bedside manner of his mentor. "You can do this, Sootfeather. Remember to breathe." medicine cat of nightclan |
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Post by Taxx on May 25, 2018 20:52:51 GMT -5
Starlingcry’s arrival did ease Sootfeather; her mother’s presence was one she enjoyed and she much preferred the comfort at a time like this. Closing her eyes, she melted into the nuzzle and then fell back again, shifting into a slightly more comfortable position. A sigh escaped her at Shadowchaser’s apology and she rolled her eyes at him, but said nothing. He couldn’t make the herbs work faster, as much as she would like it, and it wouldn’t be fair to him to complain about something he had no control over.
“Worth it,” she repeated, flashing a glance at her mother as the pain grew again, her body tensing despite the instructions to relax, her eyes squeezing shut and a low yowl escaping her. The noise subsided as the pain did, and Sootfeather panted, taking the rest as it came. “I hope so.”
Shadowchaser spoke again and Sootfeather blinked at him, then down at the leaves he dropped under her nose. Willingly, she ate them, flicking her ears in acknowledgement. The first did come, but more slowly than Sootfeather had expected- the pain seemed to only grow with each contraction while she fought to bring the youngster into the world, each attempt pushing it closer but sapping Sootfeather’s strength at the same time. Was it supposed to be this hard? Had Lilyfrost had so much trouble? She’d certainly made a fuss, but neither of the medicine cats had given any indication that the birth had gone without a problem. This felt different.
One more, a voice whispered in her mind, and Sootfeather pulled in a deep breath. “One more,” she agreed, mumbling the words more for herself than for Starlingcry or Shadowchaser. Bracing herself, she closed her eyes tight once more and pushed with all she had, a low cry rising to a shriek as she finally birthed the first, and an instant wave of dizziness caused her to flop onto the moss, her chest heaving as she got her breath, feeling far too worn out for having birthed a single kit. When she tried to lift her head, the den spun about her head and she fell back once more.
At least there was no question about the kit being alive; Sootfeather could hear her loud, shrill mews and feel her paws flailing. A fighter from the start, it seemed, and she purred at the obvious strength of the little kit, despite the struggle it had been to bring her firstborn into the world. “Is it male or female?” she asked, opening one eye but forgoing an attempt to sit up when the den continued to spin.
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Post by Hellion on Jun 5, 2018 14:59:59 GMT -5
Starlingcry and i tired to hold these secrets inside of me
my mind's like a deadly disease Frantic as birthing could be Starlingcry focused her attention on tending to her daughter. She provided all the comfort she could with gentle nuzzles and soft licks to Sootfeather's cheek and forehead. The black coated she-cat found it difficult to watch but maintained her cold composure.
Having her daughter leaning on her for support. Starlingcry was able to feel the moments when Sootfeather got weaker. This forced a sense of urgency to be visible in Starlingcry's eyes. The birth was too difficult and taking a much bigger toll.
Mustering up the words, they were shot down as a shriek of new life alerted her to the birth of her first grandkit. Realizing that Sootfeather was in no condition to tend to the newly born NightClan member, Starlingcry took it upon herself.
Grooming the active and kicking she-kit, Starlingcry lifted the newborn to her mother's side. Cooing gently to alert Sootfeather of her return, she purred and nuzzled her daughter's cheek. "A female and a fighter it seems," Starlingcry answered with praise and pride easily noticed in her words. Wishing for her daughter to be able to rest it seemed StarClan had other plans.
There was a sharp intake of breath and another push. Despite knowing that Sootfeather was terribly weak, Starlingcry scooped up the next kit, a tom and cleaned him as well before bringing him to his mother's side. "A tom, you've done really well," Starlingcry told her again watching the two kits attempt to nurse from their mother. i'm meaner than my demons. i'm bigger than these bones. |
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Post by Fawn on Jun 15, 2018 22:32:23 GMT -5
curiosity is not a sin... ...but we should exercise caution with our curiosity Shadowchaser Shadowchaser played close attention to both newborns and their mother; the kits seemed strong and lively. Large, too. Just as he'd feared. Sootfeather's body already looked exhausted, though the trials of labor were not yet over. "Take a moment to get your strength back," Shadowchaser coaxed, hoping the few heartbeats she spent simply breathing would help steady her in the long run.
What if the herbs were not enough? What could he do? Could he have moved her into a better position, to make the birthing less stressful on the queen? Shadowchaser's mind burned, concern and curiosity running in tandem through his thoughts. "Last one is on its way," announced the healer. The affected tone of calm masked the nervousness roiling in his stomach like sour prey.
Something's not right.
She was losing a great deal of blood. He could see how tired she was getting; the iron tang of it sat heavy on their tongues. Shadowchaser's golden eyes found Starlingcry's; she was no fool. She could likely sense that something wasn't going as smoothly as it could have. "You're doing great, Sootfeather. Keep pushing. I know you're tired. You're almost done." Shadowchaser's tail twitched with a growing sense of impatience. As soon as the third kit is delivered, I need cobwebs. What herbs helped with blood-loss? Shadowchaser hadn't treated many battle wounds. His experience lied in treating sickness and joint pain - he was an expert at treating elders.
The greencough epidemic had taught him cruel lessons.
The worst injuries he had ever seen had been Pinewhisker's, but Smokefur had been in charge during that healing process, and though he had absorbed as much knowledge about the situation as he could, his 'paws-on' experience was nowhere near at his mentor's level.
How can she be bleeding this much, even with the raspberry leaves I gave her?
The third and final kit arrived in painful fashion; the kit itself was soon squealing as he carried the wet, mewling newborn to set the tom kit before Starlingcry's paws, but Shadowchaser knew this delivery had been painful for her. "Please watch after them while I take care of Sootfeather," he instructed, already turning away from the warrior-queen to apply cobwebs wherever he could.
Sootfeather's breathing had grown rapid, but her pulse, though just as quick, was shallow. He was losing her.
StarClan no! She has to live, her kits need her! Shadowchaser selected more raspberry leaves, stepping around the bloodied aftermath of the kitting, shredding the leaves into pieces that were easily swallowed. He chewed them up himself, then wipe the paste onto his paw, holding it under Sootfeather's nose for easy digestion. "You'll be fine once we stop the bleeding," Shadowchaser said, willing her to lap up the paste. medicine cat of nightclan |
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Post by Taxx on Jun 16, 2018 10:56:15 GMT -5
Somehow, Sootfeather had thought the pain would only continue to increase. It had, through the birth of the second, the long struggle to push him free of her, and then it had begun to ebb, along with her senses. Weakened, she lay limp, barely still aware that her mother and Shadowchaser were still there, hovering over her and speaking words she couldn’t understand. The near painless but strong cramp told her that it wasn’t over yet, and a thin wail of protest broke from her. Her body tensed, muscles seeming to push almost of their own accord, and when it eased some part of her knew that the third had been born.
Her eyes were closed, her breathing horribly fast but shallow. She felt cold, so cold- where was the warmth of the nursery she’d commented on time and again? Her kits- they wouldn’t survive in this cold, she needed to warm them up… One paw flapped feebly, all she could manage in her search for the tiny lives she’d carried and birthed.
They will live. The cold is in you.
The unfamiliar voice was loud and clear, unlike the murmurs of the cats at her side, and Sootfeather peeled back an eyelid to stare at the she-cat who stood at her head, black fur shining and eyes steady on her. “Who…” she started, a ragged croak, but even finishing that question took too much effort and she gave up.
I am Gracklefire, your mother’s mother. I came to guide you. Her tail lashed, a soundless motion, and for a moment her eyes burned with annoyance. Little fool, look what you’ve done. Have you no sense? Had you not looked outside NightClan, this would not be happening.
Sootfeather’s tail tip twitched, her eye blinked. “I did it… for the Clan.”
And look at what it cost.
No, the young queen replied, silently this time. Look at what we gained.
A snort, but the voice was softer now, gently urging. Say what you will, and be quick. I will stay.
It took a moment to find the strength to open both eyes, to turn her head to gaze up at Starlingcry, to find her voice. “Mother… I’m sorry. Look after them. I can’t stay.” A pause, a ragged breath as her body trembled, the spurt of strength passing. “Gracklefire… going with her. My daughter… I name her Gracklekit.” She fell back again, her body stilling once more as she lay in the nest, her breath growing more and more shallow. Then it stopped, and Sootfeather’s life came to an end.
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Post by Hellion on Jul 23, 2018 19:55:18 GMT -5
Starlingcry and i tired to hold these secrets inside of me
my mind's like a deadly disease
Icy blue eyes shot upward as Shadowchaser announced yet another kit coming into the world. Confused for a heartbeat. Starlingcry watched her daughter's form with concern. Sootfeather hadn't mentioned how many kits she was expecting but judging by her Sootfeather's belly it was a blessing she was able to bring them to term.
Catching the medicine cat's gaze, they shared a silent moment. She knew then Sootfeather's life was on the line. Coaxing her grandkits closer to her she ignored their mewling. They needed to be out of Shadowchaser's.
Going about grooming them further Starlingcry kept her ears tuned to the voices around her. Shadowchaser tried to encourage Sootfeather but it didn't seem to be helping. Leaving the two kits to huddle together, Starlingcry returned to her post beside Sootfeather's head. Cooing softly into Sootfeather's ear she whispered her own set of encouraging words. Attempting to will her daughter to stay tethered to the living world, her own emotions forced down. She couldn't lose her head when there was so much to be done.
Hearing the third kit enter the world with a squeal, her attention shifted back to the newest arrival. Busying herself with grooming the smallest of the three, Starlingcry flicked her tail at Shadowchaser's words. Of course, she'd watch them, they were her grandkits.
Despite focusing almost painfully on the third, she heard the raspy breathing of her daughter and Shadowchaser's words. Her worst nightmare was coming true.
Sootfeather was fading.
Her stomach churned at the sound of Sootfeather's voice she didn't want to look but she had to. Fixing her daughter with a pained gaze, Starlingcry fought back the urge to scream at her.
"My sweet girl," She purred as Sootfeather confirmed her nightmare. Leaving behind the kits for a moment she pressed her head against her daughter's cheek. "Its okay, you did well. I am proud of you," Starlingcry purred rubbing against her daughter as she continued to fight back the surge of anger in her chest. No one was to blame. It was better she accepted that harsh truth now and cherish the fading moments with Sootfeather.
Hearing her mother's name and that Sootfeather would be going with her, eased the pain even more. "I feared you would go before me, I will miss you with all my heart," She whispered into her dying daughter's ear.
Sensing her daughter stilling, Starlingcry threw back her head and yowled in agony until her throat became raw and the sound of mewling kits reminded her that there were new lives that needed her.
i'm meaner than my demons. i'm bigger than these bones. |
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Post by Fawn on Jul 26, 2018 6:43:44 GMT -5
curiosity is not a sin... ...but we should exercise caution with our curiosity Shadowchaser Shadowchaser withdrew his paw. The herbs, the last desperate effort to save Sootfeather's life had gone unused; the medicine cat was left staring, feeling as if he no longer belonged here. A moment, private and fragile, happened between mother and daughter - a goodbye - and Shadowchaser backed away to give them space. He had no right to listen in. No right to bear witness to the last words between kin when he had failed them so profoundly.
StarClan, let her find peace.
It wasn't the overpowering scent of blood and herbs that made his eyes water.
Starlingcry's mournful keen ricocheted through him like a powerful echo, reverberating in his ears and his heart and his mind as if trying to shatter him from within. Shadowchaser's stomach convulsed. Who is it? Who's there? Pawsteps, like the distant murmur of an approach storm, pulled his focus to the entrance of the nursery. As though summoned by Starlingcry's wail, cats had gathered. To Shadowchaser, they were hungry ghosts, attracted to the cooling body of Sootfeather behind them.
They spoke to him, reaching out with words he could not hear. Instead, he stared numbly back. A small part of him that still yearned to help willed his paws to move. "I'll find someone to..." Shadowchaser's words faded, as disjointed as his thoughts as he slipped out of the nursery and past the crowd. He'd find someone to nurse Sootfeather's kits in her absence...
No, not an absence.
In her death. Sootfeather was gone.
Two distinctive ghosts drifted by, and Shadowchaser flinched in recognition. Coalmask and Ashfang; grim-faced, they no doubt went in search of their grieving mother, and now had the grisly task of holding vigil for their littermate.
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. He would do better next time. He had to do better next time. But... A part of Shadowchaser's heart shivered with dread. He didn't want there to be a next time.
The spirit, like the body, could only sustain so many wounds before it, too, grew eerily and deathly still. medicine cat of nightclan |
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