The doe was utterly sweet, and it was clear to see Pestilence was smitten. "We'll speak more of it later. Right now, we've a Lifeling to guide." She says to to the buck, giving him a steady look that conveyed they would indeed be revisiting the conversation. It was not unkind, nor overtly stern, Rot simply had more questions than they had time to answer. Her gaze moves to Guardian.

"The Crest is where the Mothborn make their home; now you and your foals home, if you will have it," She smiles gently, with a soft hum of amusement," My my. Pestilence has you thinking we'd shun you for such paltry reasons. No, my dear. You are important to Pestilence, and so you are important to us." She shifts her stance slightly, moving to lead them should they choose to follow.

"We're a large family of all sorts. They would very much like to meet you, and welcome Pestilence back, if you two are so inclined,"

@Blinded By Silence @Lirilei

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft]Pestilence reveled in Guardian's warmth and released a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding. He felt like a child, scolded. But overall, the encounter had gone far better than he had hoped. He shook off the mild dread of the conversation that was to come and instead held the thought of his mate not only staying with him in the only place he has found to accept him, but wanting to stay. The thought was like warm honey in his mouth, coating him and warming him from the inside.

His ears flicked back at Rot's comment, however; "I did no such thing, Bonemother. Not on purpose, at least." He paused, pressing his side into Guardian's, black fur into white. "I did not want her to feel forced, is all." His voice was quiet.

@Lirilei @MennyDeer

There was a shake of her head then at Rots words. "No, he never made me think that. But I've traveled the swamp my whole life, and not all tribes are accepting of outsiders. As counter productive as that is to keep their life blood strong. Others, are almost fervent in keeping new kin with them. It was simply a matter of my learning where your tribe lays." there was a smile though as she listened.

"Where ever Pestilence is, that's where I, and our foals will be." a nod of her head given. "The MotherFather guided me to him and he in turn guided me here." she nuzzled lightly at his neck after she spoke. "I've never felt forced to do anything, let alone staying at your side." she turned to Rot again and smiled. "I'm not sure how far we have to go, but I'm willing to make the journey."

@MennyDeer @Blinded By Silence

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft]Pestilence was relieved. Her words of reassurance fell from her lips, cooling his troubled mind with the snowmelt above. He linked his tail around hers, flesh to flesh. Together. His eyes closed again for a short moment and he smiled despite himself.

"Not too far," He said simply. "The Crest is perfect for what we do. There is space for everyone, we all work together."

@Lirilei @MennyDeer

Rot smiled serenely at the pair, a touch of pride in her eyes at his treatment of his mate. Pestilence may have his insecurities, but he was loyal and devoted to what he believed in, which spoke volumes for the little doe. With a decision made, Rot began to guide them back to the Crest. The Bonemarshes were teeming with activity now as the sun shone higher, smoke curling up into the sky from the direction of the Tribes home.

"You will be free to come and go to the Crest, assuming you would like to remain with Pestilence on his island. It's all part of the same territory, so it will all be home to you and your foals," Rot explains as they walk, End having caught up with them on his own time, fluttering overhead. " We've all manner of kin, and with them have come many talents. All, however, show a great respect for our Motherfather, and the precious balance that guides our way of life. "

Rot glances over her shoulder at the pair. "You remind me of a breeze, Guardian. You go where a breath of relief is needed...Something tells me you're a traveler." She muses, rounding a submerged fallen cypress where a few turtles were happily basking on the wood.

@Blinded By Silence @Lirilei

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft] Her tail pressed against Pestilences as they walked along, a content note from her. "Together is a very good thing." She listened to Rot as they walked along, a nod of her head given. "I would yes. I like it there with him." it felt like a good place to live, to raise their family together.

There was a soft laugh from her at the other doe's words. "I am yes. I've traveled many places...and yes helped many kin in whatever way they needed." there was a fond note from her. "That was part of why Pestilence and I bonded so well I think. I came across him as he was working with a Totoma, and he showed me what he does. I can respect it very much. I'd come from the death of a buck not long before. I stayed by his side so he wasn't alone at the end, and buried him. I've helped the injured, and the sick. The starving, and the homeless." she liked to help others as much as she could really.

"But, if I do still travel, it's nice to know I'll always have a home and a mate, and a family to come home to." not that she had plans to leave and travel any time soon. Oh no. Not until the life she carried was older, more able to fend for themselves. She wanted to see them grow after all. Not like she planned to go far, or for long either. But sometimes, traveling was a good thing. But the idea of someone to come home to, was even better.

@MennyDeer @Blinded By Silence

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft]Pestilence sighed softly, closing his eyes, taking in the warmth that radiated from her. They weren't too far now, they would reach the Crest before long. He wondered, what would Guardian think of his true home? Would the doe who he felt truly understood him see just how perfectly he fit there, like the pieces of a shattered skull, at last put back together? Would she like it there? Feel needed and cared for? He would do everything in his power he could to make it so, that he promised.

"She has told me many stories, Elder. Of her time with the Oldsouls." He looked over at her, his bright green eyes holding hers, "I think you will be happy here. And should the wind carry you, I will await your safe return."

@Lirilei @MennyDeer

They chatted amicably, silences neither uncomfortable or stifling. Rot shared some brief knowledge of the land, and of the creatures that inhabited the area. They didnt have time for much else, as suddenly her hooves were transitioning from shallow waters to healthy, packed earth. Some kin had gathered, catching the new scent on the wind, all curious of the newcomer.

"Oh! A Lifeling!" One exclaimed excitedly.

"She's so pretty-,"

"Pestilence is back!-,"

Leech was there as well, pacing until the chatter reached him and suddenly he was on alert, closing the distance between himself and the small group quickly.

"Elder! You're unharmed--," Leech said with relief, before the bucks eyes fell on Pestilence and the stranger. "Stil," He acknowledged stiffly, and was about to say something more, until Rot interjected.

"Leech," She admonished, gentle yet firm. She gave him a look that left no room for discussion, and Leech cleared his throat softly and nodded a greeting to Stil and the doe and left it at that. Marrow, however, was far more agreeable. She approached, and a Garland of fresh flowers was soon around the neck of the expecting mother.

"Welcome to the Crest. Please forgive my brother, he has no tact," Marrow said jovially, ignoring the little glare Leech gave her.

@Lirilei @Blinded By Silence

His words warmed her and she gently nuzzled at his neck as the three of them walked along, a content sigh from her. "Who knows if that will happen, or not. The most important thing to me first, is letting our child, or children grow up. Then, and only then will I perhaps consider any travel. My first priority is you, and our offspring." it was the simple truth of it, really.

She listened to the information from Rot, happy to learn it, when she heard the sudden exclamation from the yet to be met kin, the words from others floating to her, and she laughed softly, her words low for him. "You were missed here it seems." she wasn't surprised he was missed by the others of the tribe.

The garland was met with a surprised but pleased note as she inhaled the fragrance "Lovely...." she murmured in appreciation, though there was a smile, and a gentle laugh at Marrow's words, a shake of her head. "Thank you, and it's okay. I'm not bothered. I'm new, and unknown. He has every right, and reason to be wary and suspicious of me. Hopefully in time, things will be different." she looked to Leech and gave him a smile. She truly wasn't bothered by his distrust of her. It wasn't new for her after all.

@MennyDeer @Blinded By Silence


(Guardian - 2069 words)

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft]The dark buck felt himself relax at last, a smile spreading on his lips as his tribe-mates welcomed Guardian warmly. She would be treated well here, he knew that now. He had been wrong to doubt the Mothborn. After all, they had taken him in and he was far less likable than Guardian was. He shared a warm look with the radiant doe by his side, his smile bringing a soft light to his eyes.

Everything was as it should be, and would be for quite some time.


@Lirilei @MennyDeer

A quick wrap up, thank you both for such a great roleplay! <3