[B] Family Favors (Flame Strike x Smoldering Ember x Sun-Cursed)

[HuniPi]

Flame Strike hadn't been back to the mangroves his half-sibling called home in quite some time. Not since the incident with that other buck, Weirdward or whatever his name was. He wasn't exactly the sentimental sort, but even he knew Smoldering Ember and Sun-Cursed would want time to themselves. He did hear about his half-brother having a clutch of his own and while he was happy for him, Flame Strike also felt jealous. Oh he sent his congratulations, albeit conveyed by their mother, but he'd maintained his distance.

But then he met a doe, and well, she was why he had to force himself to process through his feelings. He wouldn't have been able to come to terms with his own upcoming fatherhood otherwise. And he wouldn't have been able to bring himself back here. He timed his arrival to be in the early afternoon so he would have privacy in this conversation he was planning on having with Ember.

[doomsayer]

It had been some time since Smoldering Ember had seen Flame Strike. Last he had heard of the latter, he personally saved him from bleeding out after his confrontation with Wayward Son. Though Ember had wanted to express his appreciation personally, his life had been very, very busy as of late--what with caring for his and Sun-Cursed's new clutch and Sun-Cursed's recent ascension as one of the chosen of the MotherFather. His has been a very blessed--albeit a very engaged--life. For all these reasons, he was happy to see his older half brother visit.

He checked to make sure that Sun-Cursed's sleeping form was cool and comfortable in the shade of their den before he stepped out to meet the other buck. He almost tripped over himself seeing the buck again--there was something different with him. There was definitely something about the latter's markings that seemed different, but it was also how the latter carried himself. Diminished was the haughty arrogance and quiet judgment that used to always reside in his brother's eyes. Today, there was something else--something more... humble?

"It's good to see you brother! It's been a long time! Come, sit with me by the shade and we can have something to eat." Ember gestured to a tree stump that he and some of his neighbors dragged beside his den from the woods to serve as an outer lounging space. The area was well shaded by the intertwined mangrove branches, the ground was cool due to its proximity to the cool water of the tributaries, and a variety of nuts and berries filled a small hollow in the center of the stump for everyone to get from.

[HuniPi]

Flame Strike gave the other buck a wry smile as he tried to beat down the awkwardness that was starting to bubble up in the back of his skull. The old, one-sided need of his to be better, to be more than his siblings, was trying to rear its ugly head. He had to remind himself that that wasn't him, not anymore. Still, he couldn't help but acknowledge the jealousy he felt for the life Smoldering Ember had been able to create for himself. The beautiful, safe den, the community outside of family that came together to help him during the crisis. Though he could do without the whole having your beloved whisked away and held captive, the need to fight to (almost) death. There were definitely some trials and tribulations Flame Strike was more than happy to experience through someone else.

The older kimeti moved to take the proffered seat, getting himself settled and maybe stalling to psyche himself up some more. "Good to see you're more than recovered. Life has been treating you well, it seems." His gaze drifted towards the entrance to the den, and he could make out the faint glow of Ember's den-mate from within.

[doomsayer]

Smoldering Ember could not help but follow his brother's gaze in the direction of his humble den, where the love of his life rested soundly. He could not help but smile and feel an extraordinary warmth and lightness fill his very being whenever he thought of Sun-Cursed. Her choosing to stay with him, even after all that they've been through, reminds him that life's fire is best shared with those who have taken refuge in and do not fear its warmth.

He shifted his sight back to his half-brother, "I am very blessed. I would even go so far as to say that I'm the happiest buck in all of the swamp." He held eye contact with Flame Strike, put on a serious expression, and made certain his tone was sincere when he said, "But I wouldn't have this life if you didn't step in for me after that fight. I never got to thank you for that and there's no time like the present to do it. Thank you for being there to help when I needed you brother. You're the reason I'm still alive today, and I owe you a debt of gratitude."

The brothers shared a quiet moment of acknowledgment between them, which was almost immediately broken by the sound of six foals accompanied by a veritable menagerie of familiars--some sharing Ember's markings--pass by to tell Ember that they were going to a nearby hill to play with the other younglings.