Aphrodite Goddess of the Dead This content might touch on topics that are sensitive or triggering for some readers. Trigger Warning for mentions of [birth and everything else that goes with it] This night was a night that Aphrodite had found herself restless. Much more restless than normal and therefore, the Cove Queen had left the borders in search of a more suitable area to relax in. She had gone to the black shores of the beach and found nothing to help her, and soon she had found herself traveling to the only other place that she felt she might find some comfort in her situation. Aphrodite had brought her pouch full of things she might need in case she had gone into labor. Which, that was what had her barely stopping at the border of the Plains and calling out for @Reti ♔. At first, Aphrodite would sit there but when she felt a sudden kick and a shot of pain going through her stomach and up into her back end, she groaned and nearly toppled over. Claws dug into the ground as she gritted her teeth and growled furiously as another wave of pain crept up her spine and down into the pit of her stomach. This was new. This was different. Aphrodite had gotten used to feeling their children moving about in her sides or when she was laying down in her den, but this - this was much different and very painful. Another wave hit her and Aphrodite stood up suddenly, finding her stepping over the Plains border and calling for Reti once again, or perhaps even the woman who had welcomed him in her home and crowned him. In truth, she wouldn't care if both or just one of them showed up but she knew the time for their children to enter the world was here, and it was happening now. Hurriedly she would shrug off her pouch and begin to dig for a herb. A herb she had taught herself, learning about what she might need for childbirth and the pain. Another wave of pain hit her and Aphrodite groaned. She was not going to be able to stay out here much longer and she refused to be in the open like this. Violet jewels looked around, and she felt like she had no choice but to trespass into the Plains, all the while calling for Reti as she grabbed her pouch and found the nears shelter but keeping close to the border in case she needed to run. A growl formed once again as she found herself in a small makeshift shelter, settled down and began to chew up the leaves of the Gnetum she had brought with her, just as another wave of labor pains raked her body. Claws dug into the ground as she felt the rush of liquid running down between her thighs and began to smell iron in her shelter. Aphrodite would close her jewels tightly as she felt her stomach tighten up and the urge to push came to her and by instinct alone, she pushed and pushed until she would not only feel but hear the slurp of something sliding between her thick thighs. Shifting, moving so that she could bring the babe - a male, her firstborn - she cradled him to her chest and began to lick away all of the after birth and give him life. It wasn't long that he made his first cry and she was pushing him to her stomach to take his first drink of milk. He was quick to begin suckling away and it was just a matter of minutes before another pushing sensation came to her and she groaned, claws digging into the ground as she pushed and another arrived. This time it was a female, one much smaller than her brother but once Aphrodite brought her to her chest and licked her clean and set her beside her bigger brother, she was feisty to get her first drink. There was a pause and for a brief moment, Aphrodite thought that there would only be two arriving to the world but that ended when pain shot through her body and she was pushing out yet another female - another daughter - but also a son. Once both had been cleaned, squealing with life and suckling at her side Aphrodite began to search for another herb, one that she knew would help ease the pain of the after birth and any labor pains that lingered. Finding the fruits of the Clove, she would take a bite out of one whole and would let out a small sigh as she curled inward around her children. The only indication that she was aware of the outside world was her ears twitching on top of her head as she breathed in her children and even admired them. Two were gray but her first born and one of the girls were black, the boy was massive compared to the other three but he wore the black coat of both of his parents. There were markings here, faint beneath the baby fuzz, but she could see them. She could see each of the markings on each child. But she wouldn't name them until Reti arrived. @Ghyslaine @Zinnia OOC: I understand that Aphrodite is trespassing but unless you have been tagged in this thread or asked me to join, please do not drop in. You will risk Aphrodite biting your head off regardless of who you are. Her motherly instincts and vampirism is on a high at this moment. Thank you <3"Talk here." && 'Think here.'

Zinnia

Zinnia had noted the restless nature of her best friend, knowing now that it was because she had little brothers and sisters growing within her, and she worried. The young bronze and black girl had watched from the safety of her own den, watched as Aphro had stolen away from her den in the distance with a pouch. Ears perked at the sight. She looked grumpy. Zinnia would cheer her up. She had risen, but hesitated before turning and going deeper into her den, to the alcove made just for her stash of herbs- her lavender as it was really the only thing she kept in stock. Chomping on some of it herself before grabbing another bundle and running out of the den.

Zinnia followed, her still shorter legs working overtime to catch up to her best friend. Something told Zinnia to be quiet, she had learned over the last several months it was best to listen to that inner voice and so, she did not call out for Aphro like she normally would have. Instead, she followed at a distance- because her short legs made it hard for her to catch up to the queen that was so far away- and did her best to stay quiet with Lavender flopping on either side of her jaws.

When they reached the lush flowing grass of the plains, the girl was confused. Why did she come here? She had slowed, since Aphrodite was sitting, she could catch her breath while the queen waited at what she figured was a border. The calls came and while yellow eyes never left her best friend, she would watch as something changed, a look of pain flashing on her friends face and then…the calls changed. More urgent. Her heart rate picked up. Was it happening? Zinnia took off running again, barely having caught her breath and ignoring the intense burn in her legs that told her to just fucking walk cause they were tired.

She got closer and stopped towards the head of Aphro. "Best friend! I brought Lavender…." She brought it closer as the lioness dug into the pouch for her own herbs. Dropping it, she took a few careful steps back, sitting her rump on the ground and waiting, cause really, what else could she do? Despite her own anxiety- even after the lavender she had chomped on- she was more worried about her friend. She shifted from looking for others that approached and checking on her best friend. For what seemed like forever, they would sit there, just about every time she turned to check on Aphro a new sibling had arrived. She trembled with excitement, she would have siblings!

Once she noted how Aphro inspected the cubs, she abandoned her vigilant post and moved closer, ears forward to do her own inspection of the cubs. The boy was massive, the girl decided instantly that he was her favorite. "That one is going to be gigantic." She said, stating the obvious, before grinning at Aphro, unaware of the protective instinct mothers had- or the vampiric nature of her best friend. @Aphrodite had promised she would never hurt her, she did not worry about getting hurt when in the queens presence. "Whatcha ganna call them?" She asked, head tilting to the side curiously. Silently, Zinnia decided, she didn’t want cubs. That looked really painful, she didn’t want to go through that…nope…she didn’t have enough lavender in the world to calm her mind if she had cubs.



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When the call came for Reti, she recognizes the voice of @Aprhodite, and she is not terribly determined to intrude upon what could simply be a meeting of friends. It isn't until the second call that Ghyslaine moves towards the caller- that she finds Aprhodite within the territory of the plains but that doesn't perturb her, it isn't what she's focused on when she scents those scents of blood and... labor. As she nears, she lets out a soft chuff of greeting- and she is quick to grab some devils claw that isn't too far from the female, and she plucks it from the earth quickly- roots in her jaws.

As Ghyslaine nears the laboring mother, another arrives who seems to know Aphrodite. Where another female other than her, may be bothered by the arrival she is kind, calm as she approaches.

"Aphrodite. I have some devil's claw, it should help." She greets, as she approaches, setting the herb on the ground, and gently pushing it forward with her paw- lest she come too close and disturb the new mother. "As soon as you're able, we can get you to a den- and I can send word to Caladan that you are safe." She assures calmly, gently. As long as the Queen needed to recover- she would be safe within the Plains.

@Zinnia @Reti ♔

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Ooc : (sorry for the short first post, phone are my first 500 word one -.- )
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Ic: The night held a beautiful sort of irony. As she traveled to the plains he had been out hunting. As she delivered he had been looking for her in the usual haunts in an attempt to deliver the meal of a young bush pig.

Upon returning to the edge of the plains territory Reti had picked up on @Aphrodite and the scent of birth even over the smel of the nights kill in his jaws.

She was not hard to find, and with her he noticed both the youth she had taken to protecting smelling of lavender ( @Zinnia ) as well as @Ghyslaine in attendance.

Reti rumbled as he came to a stop a bit back. It was not an agressive sound, rather his own version of a purr Reti felt confident Aphrodite would recognize by now. Placing the pig by his feet for the moment he would laugh softly.

"Causing chaos already are they? May I approach? The question was for Aphrodite of course, but he did offer Ghyslaine a little nod and smile, as well as offering the youth a little smile as well.

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Aphrodite Goddess of the Dead For a brief moment, sleep had taken over Aphrodite's mind and she did in fact fall asleep curled up around her children but the sound and scent of another approaching caused her to stir and her jaws to peel back, a growl ready to erupt from her throat but got caught when @Zinnia's scent caught her nose mixed with lavender; as per usual. A small smile formed, a tired smile at that, as she looked at the lavender before to the children that Zinnia began to speak about. A chuckle formed from her throat, Yea, he's going to be a big boy for sure. She would state, her voice even sounded exhausted. I'm going to wait for @Reti ♔ to get here before we name them. It didn't take long for another to arrive and she could catch the scent of a female and the Plains. At first, Aphrodite was thinking it was Olive but when @Ghyslaine arrived and was kind enough to not make her leave but instead gave her herbs. Herbs that Aphrodite hadn't even thought of and the Cove Queen would let yet another tired smile form on her lips as she pulled the herb close and ate it before speaking. Thank you for your kindness, Ghyslaine. And I'm sorry for trespassing, I had come to visit Reti and well.. She would dip her head to the cubs before her ears flattened at the idea of the Cove knowing she was here. No, please don't send anyone to the Cove.. I'd rather they not know where my children are currently. Of course she would explain later but for now, Reti arrived finally and there was a soft sigh of relief. Of course. She would answer to both of his statements and question as she shifted to let everyone see. Some of the children squealed at the movement before getting comfortable again."Talk here." && 'Think here.'

Zinnia

Zinnia grinned at Aphro, not noticing the curl of her lips when she had first arrived. She noted how her friend looked at the lavender, then to the cubs- her new siblings- and chuckled. The girl could tell that her best friend was tired, it must have been exhausting to have so many cubs, once more solidifying the fact that Zinnia most definitely- did not want cubs. Ever. The words that came from her friend were amused, making her giggle softly as she looked back to the ginormous boy, a protectiveness glinting in her yellow eyes. She mentioned waiting on Reti to name them and she nodded, jaws parting to say something else when another approached.

The girl jumped to her paws, startled by the approach, but also shifting her body in a pathetic attempt at ‘protective’ posturing. Her eyes narrowed and her heart began to beat faster, how was she going to protect Aphro and her brothers and sisters from the little what lioness that was still bigger than her? She would try though. Until @Ghyslaine spoke her best friends name, and that protectiveness was replaced with confusion. She glanced to Aphro, asking if it was ok with a silent gaze. A tired smile had formed on her friends lips, causing Zinnia to relax and sit back down, shaking off the tension. Her tufts of mane along her forehead and nape tickling her ears. How did Aphro deal with it? It was annoying.

"Whats devils claws?" She asked, leaning forward to inspect the herb that her friend took so willingly- she even ate it without question. She must know what it is to do so. The girl glanced down at the lavender she brought but said nothing, shifting her paws. Maybe lavender wasn’t what @Aphrodite needed…Aphro thanked the other queen, but then…something changed. Zinnia’s gaze snapped to her friends change in tone, though she could not place it. It was off. Different. The words were confusing as well, why didn’t she want her wife to know she was safe? Her head tilted. "Why?" She asked, her tones confused, curious and slightly demanding.

Reti would arrive and she would smile widely to him. "Reti!" She called, though she knew him mostly from protecting her at the Andal challenge, Aphro trusted him. She was still wary of him, but tonight was not the night to get caught up in that, because she had no siblings she wanted to show him! He asked if he could approach and she stood shifting to the side and pointing at the gigantic boy. "Look, he’s going to be HUGE!" Her voice was filled with excitement. They squealed as Aphro moved, causing Zinnia to giggle. "I’m going to protect them." She asserted firmly. Glancing between her best friend and @Reti ♔.
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Ghyslaine's gaze is watchful, though her expression is neutral and calm to the laboring mother. She looks over her, and the cubs she bares- scanning for any danger from the ground or the air- and then gazes at the strange lioness @Zinnia with her that does not bear the scent of any pride. When @Aphrodite speaks to her, she dips her head, "Do not fret over that. Let's get you and your litter safe from any scavengers, and let you rest." She murmurs, as @Reti ♔ arrives and she speaks to the younger lioness. "It is an herb I've given to laboring mothers, and taken myself. It helps facilitate the process and makes it a bit easier for them. It helps reduce some inflammation and swelling in the body, and also sedates you a bit, to help reduce the pain you feel." The explanation is for both of them, in case they both were curious as to why she chose it for her herb bundles. "I didn't have time to stop by my den for the normal bundles I keep." She adds, with a rueful grin. She had.. a small stock of bundles, with some pretty flowers entangled into them from the gardens- mostly for decoration but also... her nursemaid roots had never been forgotten- despite the little need she'd had of it.

As the Queen spoke not wanting anyone from the Cove to know where she was and where the children were, Ghyslaine nodded, stepping back a pace to provide as much room and privacy to the new family as she could. "Whatever you need, let me know." She would breath, happy to deposit the herbs, and step back so they could speak and not feel intruded upon- though she does not know the relation between Aphrodite and Reti, she is not overly concerned to butt into his and her relations.

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'Of course.'
'Reti!'

She consented to him approaching more closely and with a little smile he stepped over the fresh kill (intending to hand that over in a few minutes) and moved closer with soft pawfalls to regard the newborn bundles. He tilted his head, casing a little smile to the youth @Zinnia after she happily called his name.

'Look, he’s going to be HUGE!'

Obediently the male looked back to the newborns, noticing the fuzzy black cub with the as of yet faint coppery swirls. And he winced just a bit. Ok. That had... to hurt...during delivery. Ouch.

"Indeed they are!" he agreed glancing at @Aphrodite for a moment mouthing ('Sorry about that') to the new mother. He had no way of knowing his mythical origins included 'giant' genes.

'I’m going to protect them.'

Now this made the edges of his lips quirk upwards in a more noticeable smile towards Zinnia "Good. I'm glad. You will grow into a great protector I am certain."

Glancing back at the newborns Reti carefully lowered his head, watching to make sure Aphrodite looked ok with him giving each a gentle 'boop' with his nose and sniff to memories the scents.

Two males, two females. And all looked healthy. Grey and black. "They are beautiful." he said lifting his head to regard Aphrodite with a smile "Let me know if you feel up to a meal?"

'Whatever you need, let me know.'

Reti then looked to @Ghyslaine "Thankyou. Do you mind if they stay in my den for a while?" cooperation, communication and respect - all are vital for two lions to rule together effectively - and it was only polite to request instead of assume. Ghyslaine had been so kind already, he would not simply...do as he wished without consulting.

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Hanneth was surprised to hear the call from the plains and not the Cove, where she had been lingering. Upon the call, she picked up her supplies and made her way. It took her a while but she arrived at the borders and paused. Reti was a leader here and the leader seemed friendly with her family but that didn't mean she didn't worry about being a target to some of the others in the pride. She called for Reti and to the others as she slowly crossed over. Her mismatched eyes watching carefully as she moved forward.

She arrived at a small gathering and paused for a moment as she took in what was happening. The scent of birth was heavy on the air and @Aphrodite's request for the cove not to be told caused concern to bloom within her. Was something wrong? She pushed in next to @Reti ♔, rubbing her body along his in greeting, her mouth full of herbs that she dropped for Aphrodite. She pushed them toward her. There were several herbs to help with pain, healing, and blood loss. Her trained eyes looked over each cub before looking at Aphrodite. They are perfect! How are you feeling dear? She glanced around for a moment before looking at Reti. I can help you get them settled if you would like. She didn't know what was going on but until she did, she planned to be there for them._{BG — ART — CODE}

Aphrodite Goddess of the Dead Thankfully @Ghyslaine didn't ask why she didn't want the Cove knowing her whereabouts but @Zinnia did and Aphrodite would glance towards the princess. A small smile formed on her features, I'll explain in a little bit sweetling. She would state before glancing over towards @Reti ♔. They all exchanged their opinions about the cubs, especially the biggest of them all and Ghyslaine was kind enough to explain what the herb was to Zinnia as Aphrodite felt exhaustion try to take over again. That probably could do because of the herb that the Plains High Queen spoke about. It caused a big yawn to escape her jaws but Aphrodite knew she needed to get the cubs into safety. Violet jewels flashed when another arrived, it took her a moment before it registered that @Hanneth had arrived and she would chuckle to calm herself down. I'm a bit tired. She would explain before glancing towards Reti when he began to speak about his den. That would be nice. Let's get them there before exhaustion really does take over, and we need to name them. She would glance towards each of them before shifting, pushing herself up on shaking legs. The cubs squealed at her movement and began to cry from the cold air hitting them and Aphrodite chuckled. Grabbing one of the girls, she'd leave the colossal child for Reti to carry before she would wait. Ears twisting as she fought exhaustion and once each up had been picked up by whomever, Aphrodite would follow him to his den and settle down herself. Another yawn forming along her features as she would lay her head down and grumble. Have any name ideas?"Talk here." && 'Think here.'