When it all comes crashing down

Avacyn's lethargy was concerning. Her fever and clamminess was concerning. The way she was refusing to shift or move at all was concerning. All of these little symptoms or details Irilyth took note of, working to suss out what was afflicting the Mendacium Matriarch. Ava did drink, which gave her some relief, but still she refused to move much while Iri continued her examination. There was no signs of pain or discomfort as she tenderly prodded around Ava's swollen belly, which was also a positive sign. Perhaps she was just having an especially bad pregnancy day. But that little ray of hope was quickly snuffed out when Avacyn said that the pups weren't moving and hadn't moved for some time. Iri looked up to Ava while she listened, grave concern on her expression. By this stage, the pups should be at least wiggling or making small movements almost constantly. No movement for an extended period was not a good sign.

Knowing what she was looking for now, Irilyth gently laid her head down on Avacyn's side, pressing her ear to Ava's belly as she tried to listen for any subtle movements within her womb. The distraught violet woman asked if the worst had happened and Irilyth responded by sliding a paw down to take the younger woman's paw in her own. "Shhh, don't worry yourself, sweet girl. We don't know if that's the case yet." Although she knew just how serious this matter was, being the dedicated healer she was Irilyth refused to give such a dire diagnosis without being 100% sure first. She was still Avacyn's caregiver, and that meant keeping her calm and grounded while she did her work. One minute passed. Irilyth continued to listen, straining her hearing in the quiet stillness of the den. Two minutes passed. Then three—then four—then five. All Irilyth could hear was the uneven breathing of Avacyn. There was no movement from within her belly, no sounds of the pups moving about. Six minutes. Irilyth's heart sank. Seven minutes, and it broke.

She knew. Both women knew. With a dejected sigh, Irilyth lifted her head from Avacyn's belly, her berry-hued eyed dim and despondent. There was nothing to be done and she knew it. She looked up to Ava, but couldn't bring herself to say the words aloud yet. Ava understood and begged her in broken words. She didn't need to say what she wanted; Irilyth knew what had to be done. She squeezed Avacyn's paw in her own and nodded her head. Reaching into her satchel, Iri produced a vial of boneset extract, echinacea, and valerian root. This would help make the next part less painful and difficult on her body. She pulled the stopper out with her teeth and pressed the bottle to Avacyn's lips, holding it to ensure the Matriarch took the medicine. It was clear that the healer was not giving her the option to refuse. "For the fever, and to make the next part easier," she explained.

Once Avacyn had taken the medicine, Iri reached back into her satchel and pulled out that dreaded vial of colorless liquid. Irilyth stared at it for a second, her heart aching as she prepared to do what needed to be done. Uncorking the abortifacient, she released another heartbroken sigh and pursed her lips while she brought the vial to Avacyn's muzzle. She didn't need to explain what this one was; the grim look in her mournful eyes would tell. Once that one had been consumed as well, Irilyth stepped aside to grab some furs to lay out in preparation for receiving the pups. She wanted to make this process as quick as possible so Ava wouldn't be subjected to seeing the bodies of her unborn children. "The medicine will do most of the work. You just need to follow your body and push when you can." With her explanation given, Iri once more looked up at Ava with sorrowful eyes. "I'm so sorry, Avacyn. I wish there was more I could do..." A pause while they waited for the drugs to take effect. "Do you want me to send for your mate...?"

"Irilyth"