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Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 5:58 pm
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The swamp seems somehow more peaceful, and quiet, today as he makes his way through the undergrowth and twisting vines. His sister, Lucid Dreams, who needs almost constant looking after due to her habit of falling asleep unexpectedly, is currently being safely looked after by the Mother Tribe, having been welcomed by one of its members, Backbite.
The doe with a sense of humor to match his own, at times, had caught his attention some time ago. They had crossed paths during some small event that Lucid had begged him to take her to (and how could he possibly resist his sweet sister?) -- and while she'd lain napping, the two of them had snuck off together for a time.
But now Backbite is pregnant and, though he is not new to raising children (having helped his sister raise her own first clutch) the prospect is somehow a little more nerve wracking when the children-to-be are his own. Seer had come to visit, unexpectedly, as was often the case, when she had heard she was to be a cousin. How she had heard, though, Changeling had no idea. His kiokote niece often knew a great many things and when asked she'd only shrug with that sweet smile. The swamp talks, she'd say, as if that answered everything. Perhaps it did.
At any rate, she'd suggested he take a walk while she caught up with her mother, and, no doubt, to give them all a break of his fussing -- and so now here he was, thoughts buzzing about the future even as the landscape around him seemed perfectly serene. But then, why shouldn't it? The swamp was, after all, ancient and wise and knowing. He felt it, sometimes, or perhaps only imagined that he did, in the quieter moments when he let his thoughts blank out in meditation.
Perhaps, if he takes a moment to do that, now, he will find the strength and peace to calm his own mind...? After a moment, he finds a comfortable patch of moss to settle down on and breathes out.
I'm going to be a father. He could hardly believe it.
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Posted: Tue May 17, 2016 2:54 pm
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Posted: Tue May 17, 2016 3:02 pm
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It takes a few moments, but, eventually, Changeling recognizes a warmth at his side that is not the sun streaming through the trees, and the soothing, crisp, scent of mint that certainly hadn't been there when he'd first settled down.
How long had he been meditating, anyway? He must have lost track of time. He breathes in, and opens his eyes, before glancing to his right -- and blinks.
He had not been with his sister when she'd wandered off and gotten herself lost - while pregnant, no less - only to stumble upon what she had described as 'a grumpy old mare, and she'd left it at that despite his gentle prodding over what may have happened after. This buck, stag, seems.... different. A legendary, perhaps not unlike the one his sister had run into? Hopefully, minus the grumpy.
"Ah.... You seem to have caught me somewhat unprepared," he feels better than before, and he'd have to thank his niece for the suggestion, but a different sort of nerves skitters under his skin to be in the presence of one such as this.
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Posted: Tue May 17, 2016 3:56 pm
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Well, wasn't that thoughtful? The buck finds himself relaxing at that kind gaze, and offers up a small smile in return. "Changeling."
He considers the words, the offer behind them, his mind racing over stories and legends about the stags and mares blessed by the swamp.
"I admit... I didn't really expect this when I came out here today. My niece sent me away," and he chuckles a little at that, thinking of her, her gentle, patient, voice suggesting he might like to talk a walk and wouldn't that be nice? "I suspect she could tell I was in need of some time for myself." He pauses then, and clears his throat a little.
"I'm to be a father soon. It's... strange. I like children. I raised my nieces and nephews but it's different, this time." Generally, the buck is not so forthcoming to strangers but something about the stag, the kind, patient, look in his eyes... it eases something in him that would have constricted around the words, otherwise.
"It is... frightening."
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Posted: Fri May 20, 2016 8:50 pm
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Posted: Sat May 21, 2016 3:09 pm
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"No such repayment is necessary," the stag said gently. "It is my duty, and my privilege, to deliver the Motherfather's blessing to our people. To bring her children solace, and hope."
He paused, closing his eyes, to take a slow, deep breath. When he opened them again and spoke, they seemed to glow all the brighter, the brilliant emerald light flashing in time with his words. The blessing he delivered was short, as his often were, but heartfelt, as they always were;
"Motherfather, grant to this family the peace and security of your blessing, that they may grow strong and good under your care, that they may spread that strength and goodness to others, in time."
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Posted: Sun May 22, 2016 5:07 pm
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