[B] Band of Hope [Path Unwinding x Peep]

[Gl!tch~]

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft]He came from a vast, sprawling family. Clutches were usually numerous, and begat more large clutches. A fortunate lineage, a proud lineage. Yet he felt a nibbling of concern in his belly when he heard the news that he was about to contribute to said lineage. Even his father's boisterous congratulations did little to settle his ills. It wasn't until his eldermother approached him (large families somehow managed to lead to fast gossip, funny that) and let him know of her own experience: the rare time that their bloodline's offspring barely prospered, and how she overcame that concern with her clutch that came after her fall from grace.

Now, he followed in her hoofprints, searching for the living legends of the swamp to ease his mind. It wasn't that he necessarily wanted to have a lot of children, but he certainly felt...some amount of pressure, to be sure.

[Ruriska]

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... ncert3.png[/imgleft]There was one particular Legendary that knew a lot about vast, sprawling families. Peep had birthed many a clutch, and they in turn had added to the bloodline. They weren’t always together, spread far out across the swamp living their own lives, but somewhere inside she felt their presence regardless.

Just as she felt the call of an expecting parent, like a gentle quiver in her heart, pointing her the right way.

“There you are,” she called, greeting the buck like a familiar friend, approaching at a sprightly pace, just a petite Acha with glowing eyes and a warm smile.

@Gl!tch~

[Gl!tch~]

"Ah! Yes! Here I...am?" Path Unwinding responded, though couldn't help shuffling his hooves a bit. He failed to recall proper etiquette, or if this was even the kin his eldermother described. It was so long ago, and See Me was a bit...strong-willed...so he would have to take her words with a scoop of mud anyway.

"You are, um, one of the swamp-blessed, yes? I...do not wish to waste your time, or offend you, or anything like that... I just have a respectful request! If that's how this is done..."

@Ruriska

[Ruriska]

“I am, yes,” Peep replied, head tilting slightly, watching him patiently.

It was always nice when they’d heard of blessings before and she didn’t have to spend too long explaining. Sometimes a nice and simple was all the day required.

“That is how it is done,” she said, laughing softly. “I would love to hear your request. And don’t fret - I have plenty of time for you and I won’t be offended.”

@Gl!tch~

[Gl!tch~]

"I see, I see..." Did acha eyes usually glow so intensely? He thought not, and that alone was enough to believe her.

"I just...um...well. All I want...is for no one to be disappointed. It's important for the mother of my children to be comfortable! That's important. Yes. That comes first and hopefully that will happen. I will do my best on that end of things. It's...what I can do, anyway." He shuffled his hooves some more. "But I don't want any...heartache, or judgment, over the new life we expect. If that makes sense."

@Ruriska

[Ruriska]

Peep listened carefully as he uncertainly communicated his desires and when he was finished she said, ever so gently, “I’m not sure that’s something I can help with.”

“I can’t control the actions and feelings of others,” she continued in explanation. “It’s up to you to stand strong against those anxieties and be there for your partner and children.” Her brow furrowed in thought. “Do you have a difficult family? If they do not support you, I welcome you to my own. There will be no heartache.”

The buck was worried and Peep was certain it was an outside influence that caused it, especially if he was worried about disappointment and judgement from others. It was a shame and she immediately wanted to mother him, assure him softly all would be well.

“I can assure you her comfort. As long as I am there, her birth shall be painless. And your foals I can bless with good health and steady hearts.”

She smiled reassuringly. “The rest is yours to prepare for but know that with the birth of your young ones, the thoughts of others will mean very little. You will understand when it is time.”

@Gl!tch~

[Gl!tch~]

"Ah..." His ears lowered. "I understand." Everything, everyone, had limits. He should have known.

"I thank you for your blessing, and your offer." Path Unwinding paused to put his thoughts into speech. All he knew was when the acha doe mentioned joining a new family, his father came to mind, and how unabashedly ecstatic the older buck was to know his son was to know fatherhood. Perhaps the expecting parent should have appreciated that more in the moment. "My family may be difficult at times, but they are happy for me. There might be...expectations, and assumptions. Egos, I suppose. But there is still love to share. If that ever changes, for any of my number, I will remember your words."

@Ruriska

[Ruriska]

“All will be well,” Peep assured him. “As long as there is love.” She knew well how difficult raising  children could be and had seen many families struggle, but she knew that this buck would do just fine.

“I will take my leave but I shall return, just as your children are ready to be born, to ensure the birth goes well.” She dipped her head to him and turned to go, flashing one last smile. “And don’t worry so much.”

@Gl!tch~