[BRP] No Rest for the Wicked (Albatross x Light)

[fluo]

Albatross swamp underwater to escape the troubles above the waterline. And when it grew dark, she shifted to her Mare form to enjoy the lingering effects of the restorative spring. She languidly swam larger circles in the waters. She floated on her back to count the stars in the sky. The moon was at its roundest and she enjoyed the extra light it gave off. Neighboring caimans gave her wide berth. This was bliss. This is why she still lived and toiled under the hot sun in the swamp- for moments of peace and chance sights of a firey kimeti. Life was good and she was living very well. She had not been this content for quite some time. She was plotting her next adventure when she heard loud trodding.

[fluo]

At her girthy stage, Light was not light on her hooves. She ran into every bramble and tripped over every root with each errant rock to stub her hooves. She could be heard from a long distance away even and she was sure that the Totoma and Kiokote in their respective areas knew where she was at all times. She wasn't tired though. The mid afternoon nap was restorative and she preferred moving through the cooler weather. She heard splashing that meant that water was nearby. She ambled her way towards the source. It had been some time since she had water. Dunking her head in, she inhaled deeply. Lost in thought of tomorrow's troubles, she continued with her drinking oblivious to her surroundings or the caiman that gathered in the waning hours of sunlight.

[fluo]

Albatross looked on incredulously as another kimeti intruded on her much needed alone time. And with a heavy stomach, Albatross had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach on what the kimeti wanted. But first, she watched in absolute amazement at the sheer volume of water consumed by the traveling doe. She'll pay for that later, probably right after I give the blessing.

Albatross continued staring waiting for the obviously pregnant doe to come up for air. The other doe just kept on going. Perhaps Albatross' frustration should not be taken out on the doe or any kin. The mare was too old and seasoned to be out of control with her emotions. She tried to think back on her past breedings. Her upper lip curled back in distaste. Pregnancy was a challenging thing. She should have more compassion. Ugh, groused Albatross as the mare made her way towards the shore. I might as well get this over with.

[fluo]

It was in that moment that Light knew she was not an innate hunter. Her predatory skills were very far below the average of others for she did not see the Mare and given the dull light of the other kimeti, the Mare had been staring at her for quite a while.

"Why, hello there." A little of the water sloshed out of her gaping maw. She colored red. She was an embarrassment. At least she wasn't peeing accidentally. One of the broods kicked her to counter her thought. She was filled to the brim with water, embarrassment and disgust at herself.

"Ugh. I feel so gross and big."

[fluo]

Well, better that the liquids came out from that end than the other. Not that it would be long until that happened, too.

"Hello. Rough pregnancy?" asked Albatross. The frustration was palpable and the Mare tempered back her ire. Pregnancy was rough on the body and it seemed that the zikwa was having a harder time than usual. Been there. Done that. Even had little nightmares that reminded her of the time. Might as well get this over with.

"Do you need a blessing?"

[fluo]

Well, better that the liquids came out from that end than the other. Not that it would be long until that happened, too.

"Hello. Rough pregnancy?" asked Albatross. The frustration was palpable and the Mare tempered back her ire. Pregnancy was rough on the body and it seemed that the zikwa was having a harder time than usual. Been there. Done that. Even had little nightmares that reminded her of the time. Might as well get this over with.

"Do you need a blessing?"

[fluo]

Light blinked.

"What's a blessing?"

[fluo]

Albatross stared at the other kin in amazement. Hopefully it was a fluke, a one-off, and that the zikwa wasn't really daft. If she was, the brood she carried were in for a rough time regardless of any miracles or interventions a blessing may have.

"A blessing is a small token or little magic that a legendary such as myself, a mare or stag by the way, can impart onto others when expecting. It can help the pregnancy or the future or a little bit of both. I'll give you one and you can be on your merry little way. There's a secluded, private area of bushes on the other side of the water, too.

"I bless you to have an easier remaining leg of the pregnancy journey. Your brood will be cunning, generous, and polite."

There. That covered most of it.

"You can go now" was Albatross' parting words before a tentacled thing took her place and she swam underneath some lilypads.