[imgleft]http://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/image ... uncert.png[/imgleft]


Lovecraft strode through the swamp, water sloshing around his long legs. He sniffed at the air, unsure really what he was looking for, but he'd heard this part of the swamp tended to be a location to find the elusive legendary kin. He had not spoken with one in several years and was not sure if any still frequented this area. Coming to a stop, the buck looked about, the tentacles of his head writhing about as if trying to sense the presence of another. It seemed as if the moon had moved far across the sky and still Lovecraft had not come across a legendary. Perhaps there was not one here this night. He decided to head back to his own territory to try again the following evening.

[imgright]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... ncert2.png[/imgright]
A turtle sat curled up on one of the shores of the mire, resting after days of travel. Maybe someday soon she would return to the sandbar, but Tidal Terror's life was no longer as straightforward as it used to be. She was growing more and more used to being pulled to do other duties, though it still hurt her heart to be away from friends and family for so long.

She felt something pass by, and water rise to her underside as the creature displaced the water around it. If Snapjaw was nearby, the caiman would probably be on the prowl any moment now.

Tidal Terror herself yawned and looked up.

She blinked at the kimeti passing by. Not chosen by the Motherfather, from what she could tell, but very different from any kin she had ever seen. Perhaps even more so than the other legendaries she had met in her time. The tentacles, the horns, the teeth. Maybe those would keep her pet at bay.

The totoma would steer clear herself, if she didn't feel...pulled to this kimeti. He looked like he was searching for something. More clues as of what she needed to do.

So, the turtle began toddling after Lovecraft for the time being.

Lovecraft was unaware of the turtle bobbling along after him as he waded through the water, idly considering catching a fish for his dinner before returning to his territory. He felt a little disappointed in not locating his quarry on his first try, but legendaries were elusive. He would hope that Abyss would be understanding in this. She'd gone to seek a blessing for their first clutch and, after debating a second go, the buck had elected to get the blessing this time, letting the doe rest.

His stomach growled and he stopped, looking down to the water clouded by the mud in his wake. Fine, hunger won out. He dipped his dead down, tentacle tips barely below the surface to sense for a passing fish. A brief meal and he'd be on his way, he thought, mind turning to how his and Abyss' unique features lined up. If nothing else, their offspring should be quite sufficient in being able to care for themselves with their prehensile appendages. That was at least a pleasant thought as the buck sense a large fish swim close, snatching it from the water with his tentacles and bringing it to his mouth for a swift bite.

Small as she was compared to her true form, Tidal Terror still benefited from a good view to watch Lovecraft stop and hunt. And with her shorter legs, she had plenty of time to watch his technique.

And what a technique it was.

She expected the kimeti to dive or use his hooves or maybe even his horns. But of all things, the tentacles-!

The turtle shifted back to totoma.

"That was most impressive!" she called out. "You seem to have made great use of the Motherfather's gifts!" Tidal Terror then laughed and began to approach, seemingly as careless as if the kimeti were an old friend.
[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft]

The buck jerked his head up at the sound of a voice, still holding part of the fish in his tentacles. He dropped it as a totoma approached. How had he not noticed this doe standing there before? Something about her seemed... strange. Not off-putting, just strange. Lovecraft dropped the remainder of the fish, giving a grin to the new kin before him.

"Would be a waste to not use the gifts. Besides, makes catching meals easier.'

The fish fell with a splash. Tidal Terror blinked at that. Perhaps the buck would grab it again, or perhaps something else would eat it. It would return to the swamp eventually. Everything did.

She nodded and laughed as if these thoughts had not just crossed her mind. "Clearly! I know many who would envy you. My own children, even! Fishing can be difficult with just hooves and your maw. But! Even with those tentacles, it must have taken much practice! I recognize your prowess as a fellow hunter."

The totoma looked up, scanning the trees as if in thought. "You look to be a very competent kin. Self-sufficient is the term, yes?"

Tidal Terror then glanced at him again, a new gleam in her eye. "So why did you feel the need to look for me?"

Lovecraft nodded, listening to the totoma. It dawned on him finally that this doe was a legendary. "It's funny that you should mention children. I have offspring and they have benefited from my gifts--" He wiggled his tentacles, both on his head and his large tail. "--and now I am to have more offspring with a doe that also has similar gifts. My hope for them is to be strong and cunning, like me, but also wise and observant like their mother." The buck moved about in the water, shifting his weight. "I think all parents would hope their offspring are strong, though." He gave a soft chuckle. "Maybe I should wish for strong swimmers."

The buck knew what he was about, which she found impressive. Perhaps his past rounds of fatherhood gave him plenty of experience with legendaries. In any case, it made her job easier.

"Ha! Well. If you wish for strong swimmers, you should bring them to the Sand Bar! My son would happily teach them to face the most daunting waves," Tidal Terror claimed, already imagining the pained look on Big Splash's face upon seeing so many tentacles. It would be delightful, and a good lesson for the sheltered totoma.

"As for your wishes for your children...yes. Yes, I think I know what to give them."

She raised her head and sent any nearby herons flying at the boom in her voice, "May they be resolute in the steps they take in life, wherever it may lead them. The greatest strength comes in one's will! May it guide them to fulfilling lives and full bellies."

Lovecraft lowered his head respectfully at the bestowing of the blessing. It was a good one, for sure. One that would serve his children well, whatever paths in life they took. He looked up when the totoma finished speaking. "Thank you. I think that is a blessing that will see them far in life." He was never sure how to excuse himself after these encounters, so he bowed his head again. "I won't keep you any longer from your other duties." With that, he turned to head back through the murky waters toward his home.