A rose. That's what she asked for right? Or was it a violet or a daisy? He could not remember what it was exactly, but he knew it brought his beloved great pleasure and joy to sniff at it. So something fragrant. He stared at a nearby log. Okay, not that kind of smelly. The good type though. And so he went about smelling each flower he came about to see if it would jog his memory. He would harvest a whole bunch of them, climb the highest cliffs and peaks even! Did flowers grow in the snowy mountains? He would have to ask a totoma when he crossed paths with one. Not any time soon though. And so it was with his butt in the air and his face flush to a lily that he was found.

tag @anemosagkelos

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... ncert5.png[/imgleft] He was lounging in the sun warmed patch of flowers when the itch started. It'd roused him but he had yet to move. Instead he waited for the one in need to find him. It didn't but it was close enough, he supposed.

The minibear lumbered towards the lily and the buck, looked at them both, then plopped down and stared.

Oh look, that bunch of flowers just moved. He went to sniff and saw fangs. Cute fangs, but sharp teeth nonetheless, and scuttled backwars.

A minibear.

What?!

Here!? Oh, was it sniffing the Lily as well? They could share, there was plenty of space.

"Yes, that lily smells nice doesn't it? Like clear skies and warm days looking at clouds," he mused more to himself but also to the interloper.

[imgright]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgright] "Now that you mention it, it does smell rather nice. I lazed in the lavender too long, I nearly forgot what other flowers smelled like," the stag smiled.

Poppycock's jaw dropped. This creature had fangs and a much larger form to stomp on him. But should that happen, hopefully his crystals would protect him. Somehow.

"L-l-lavenders? Lavenders are great for sleep I'm told! That's what I need to collect. They're supposed to be great for newborns. Ahhhh, where did you find them?" Excitement at remembering caused Poppycock to dare much. The acha got right in the Stag's face and breathed heavily into his chest. Yes, lavenders. He felt calm although his nose was smooshed to the red flank.

"It's right over here," the stag directed, careful to not pull his flank away lest the acha tumble over. He'd grown used to kin curling up to him and found it mostly enjoyable nowadays. "Lavender does make it easier when your little ones are young but you might need more help that that," he added, remembering his own little ones and their little ones and however much further it went. He'd lost count somewhere along the way.

"Ylang ylang is very good at keeping the little ones asleep for quiet time," he added, "I can show you that next, if you like."

"Help? Yes. yes. I'll take all the help I can get!" So valerian and lavender to help them sleep. And in turn, perhaps he and his beloved can rest as well. Or at least not lose all their hair over lack of sleep.

"You're the best," cried Poppycock in relief. This fatherhood thing was new to him and they weren't even born yet.

"It's very smart to think of sleep aids now," he encouraged as he led the acha to the wild lavender. The ylang ylang was a bit further off but they would get there in time. "I wish I had thought of it when I had my children." On anyone else the toothy smile would have looked intimidating or threatening, on him it only seemed kind. "What do you hope for them?"

Face no longer flush to the benign Stag's chest, he blurted out his biggest fear.

"I want them to survive. All of them. And thrive and learn to swim, jump and climb the highest peaks. I want them to be happy. I'm okay if they don't bring me happiness. That's not the point. Right?"

"Children will bring you a lot of things, happiness included," he chuckled. "You needn't worry for their survival, they shall live adventurous and joyful lives."

"GREAT! I hope so" was what Poppycock attempted to say as he stuffed his face with stalks of lavender. He could always pierce the future ylang ylang buds with his horns

"I'll show you the ylang ylang and then help you carry it home," the stag smiled.

And thus he waved goodbye to the gentle giant. Head and crown heavy with flowers, he made his way back to his beloved.