[FIN] Immunity (Frost Killing Flower x Sacred Grove)

[Chrystali]

She was waiting. It was a change of pace for the active Kiokote, but she was being sought and the mother was not far. Ascent sat patiently on a knot of roots that kept her above most of the wetness in the area, her tail draped like an auburn waterfall, her pale eyes distant. It was the first time she'd done this since becoming a mother herself.

The dark doe came into sight and drew her attention, a smile immediately forming - though it flickered and faltered slightly at the expression the other wore. "You come with a burden," Ascent exclaimed, her surprise audible in her voice. "Beautiful mother, what can I do to put your mind at ease?"  

[Chrystali]

"Scars and shattered pieces are a part of us all, and our meaning does not make us any less beautiful," she countered kindly. Pulling herself up to stand, she carefully picked her way down off the roots and towards the darker female, not so interested in the distance as the other was. "I am Ascent, and I can tell you that what you are is a gift."

She paused a short distance from the mother-to-be, not wanting to make her uncomfortable, but watching her with her clear gaze. "My mate is Dark Descent," she started to say, "his body bares bones and he collects the same. My mother despised him, told me every flaw in him - but the MotherFather made him the way They thought was best, and he is perfect." Ascent smiled, her expression warm. "There is beauty in every stage of life, and though the end of it is often awash in questions and fear, there is peace there. An end to one story, a beginning of another. You bear witness to the end, a comfort in that uncertain time. You are the bearer of that story, and that is beautiful."

The Kiokote bowed her head, glowing eyes aware of the mother's swell. "They will not fade before their time, sweet one. The MotherFather would see fit that they may be clearer in your vision, a bundle of life for the endings you have witnessed. An acknowledgment of your suffering, a balm to your fear." She knew this to be true.

"But you have sought me, and I am here to give you whatever peace of mind it is in my power to do so. You need only say it, fair mother, and let life take the course that it will."  

[Chrystali]

"You're only of the sort if you are willful about it. To me, you seem...at odds, with your nature." Closing the space between them finally, she gingerly touched her nose to the mother's, the flowers on her pelt blooming with the joy of being allowed near. "You are so afraid for your children, I believe you'd do anything and everything within you to see them live."

If she was wrong, the mother only need say, but Ascent was comfortable in her vision of this doe. "Would it put your mind at ease if the blessing of the MotherFather said as much?" She usually liked to let the parents decide, but in this instance, it seemed this beautiful mare needed some guidance.  

[Chrystali]

Ascent smiled, bowing her head in acknowledgment. She took a moment to consider her words, reaching around to her side and gingerly plucking a rose from her pelt. Turning back to the mother, she tucked it gingerly against her ear before speaking, her words weighted. "Your touch will nurture, your presence inspire, your love embolden. Your children will have nothing to fear from you nor your purpose. They will be strong, to carry the weight of your fear, and wise, so they may show you love and your greatness when you doubt yourself."

The Kiokote bowed her head again. "May the MotherFather watch over you and yours, sweet mother. When you believe in yourself, life will flourish."