It wasn't too hot thank the Motherfather. He was ready for the summer to be over with. Totoma didn't usually enjoy high heat. Too much fur. Too much Toto.
The rainbow pelted male trundled slowly down a shaded path and blinked against a rogue ray that threatened to blind him.
He couldn't be ungrateful, he really did love it here. Coming from the mountains was a shock to the system but with time he grew to feel like he was part of the swamp, that it was a part of him.
And now he was bringing children into the world. It wasn't his first, and likely wouldn't be his last, but they were all so important to him.
His parents had been, less than loving given his strange coloration, but he would love his own children.
He wanted them to have every chance to be strong, to be happy..
The swan came first, followed by the mare materializing. She offered the Totoma a smile, shaking out her mane.
“My, it’s still awfully hot out, isn’t it? I keep thinking we’ve turned a corner with the seasons, but it’s still just intense.” Roses sighed, sitting down. “It’s too much to deal with, as much fur as I’ve got.”
She turned to the Toto and cocked her head to the side.
The Totoma froze in place. He'd spotted the swan and thought it was a little curious. His quizzical look turning to evident shock as the bird changed suddenly.
He was hearing her words but they didn't register right away. Hot. Yes. It was hot. Snapping out of his stupor he pulled himself together and inclined his neck gently out of respect.
He'd never seen a Legendary before, he'd heard Kimeti speak of them but never thought he'd happen upon one himself. "Umm.." the large male began. "Yes, certainly too hot. I can't seem to get used to this 'summer' business. In the mountains summer means thinner snow but still plenty of it." He smiled awkwardly, a bit nervous.
Wait, she knew? How did she know? Again he was dumbfounded. "You're right. I'm to be a father. Though I wish I had more to offer them. I feel as though I do not bring enough to the table to make them strong or keep them safe." He averted his gaze slightly, as though ashamed. Totoma didn't do well admitting flaws or failure. He was no exception. But he loved his children fiercely and would do his best.
“Ah, you’re from the mountains? That’s wonderful!” There was a twinkle of wonder in her eyes at the Totoma’s history, her attention fully on him now. She had done some traveling to the plains, but not to the mountains— and not to see snow!
“Oh, what was it like up there, in the cold? I can’t even imagine! I complain of the heat, but the seasons like this are all I know.” Roses tipped her head up, thinking. Imagining.
“Oh, oh, but I digress! Your little ones on the way!” She snapped herself back to the moment, still smiling. Still delighted.
“I’ll keep me thoughts on you for your young and their safety, their well being. I think that shall be my gift to you.”
She stopped, and then flushed.
“Oh, wait! I just realized— your name! I never asked your name!”
Song smiled a little wistfully and nodded. She seemed knowledgable about his homeland and he felt a blossom of warmth across his heart, he was truly flattered. "The mountains are so beautiful. Harsh and often unforgiving, yes. Not unlike many Totoma." He chuckled. "But truly breathtaking. If you have the chance it is worth a trip."
Her blessing stopped him in his tracks. He felt a swell of emotion but tried to keep himself in check. Such ease overtook his soul. His worries would be for nought. "Thank you." He breathed, his eyes shining with gratitude for this beautiful Legendary.
"Song That Soothes." He called back to her. "I help mothers during difficult birthing. My songs, my voice, lowers their stress and keeps them calm. It is why having children of my own always makes me so nervous. I've seen what mothers go through. Especially Totoma mothers.. but I am eternally grateful to you. Thank you for your kindness. And for blessing my young. May I ask your name? I will sing a song for you at their birth. In your honor."
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