[PRP] Babies! (Gerda, Jozo & Eppie)

[bipolar bee]

"A daughter," Jozo beamed proudly, moving foward to nuzzle Gerda's cheek. A live, mewling daughter, and a lovely one at that. "She's beautiful," he breathed in Gerda's ear, eyes locked on that little piece of life. Something overtook Jozo then, something that was far beyond him and the lionesses in the den with him. He was a father.

A father, and a piece of his heart had been taken from his chest and placed in the body of that little, wriggling ball of fluff. Was this what it felt like to realize that you'd brought a life into the world? "She's perfect," he murmured reverently, either ignoring the fact that Gerda was paying him no heed, or just too caught up in the moment to take part in the fight.  

[hibi-tea]

Njeve nodded to Gerda as reached for the water. What was it that she was supposed to do again? Oh yes, offer to help clean them. She had to make sure she offered, especially considering Gerda's condition and how weak she presently looked. Since Eppie was far too pregnant to get in there and she could feel the tension rising, Njeve felt she was going to be doing this alone, with only verbal guidance.

"Would you like me to clean them, Ma'am?" She said quietly, still getting used to having to be social with everyone she met, "Are you strong enough to do it on your own?"

As Njeve took care of Gerda's needs, Eppie stayed back in the background and made no noise. Instead she took to playing with her tummy, which was very active at the moment with the unknown number of cubs she was carrying. Oh such joyous little kicks. Did they know their half-siblings were being born now? How funny. Eppie intended to make sure her children played with Gerda's, even if Gerda spread lies into their minds. They were children, and she would not involve them in their squabbles.  

[troll toll]

Gerda nodded wearily to Njeve's question. Yes, let the hyena tend to the first baby. She felt exhausted already, and her belly was full of cubs still. The dark lioness focused on Jozo, on his nuzzle and his adoring tone as he gazed at his daughter. Some of her unhappiness lifted.

Miserable though she might be, she could hear the love in his voice for that little cub. She nuzzled him back, his affection strengthening her.

Again the urge to push. Gerda gritted her teeth and bore down, willing this agony to be over with. She looked down, afraid to see. Another living cub, another girl. She breathed a sigh of relief.  

[bipolar bee]

"Another daughter!" Jozo exclaimed happily as he beamed at the pretty little girl that resembled her mother. A dark mask, dark hair... she was perfect. And active! Mewling hungrily, Jozo couldn't stop grinning as he watched the rotund little cub wriggle towards mama's warmth.

"You're doing so well," Jozo whispered to Gerda, hoping his encouraging words helped at least a little. The sight of his own thriving cubs brought wetness to Jozo's eyes and emotion choked him, his throat taut with happiness and wonder. "They're just beautiful, Gerda."