Nearly Alive had ranged farther than was normal during his hunting and gathering for the tribe. It had seemed like the lands around the Mothborn lands had been picked clean. It wasn't, he was just restless. Tired of the same sights day in and out. So he'd gone further, seen and experienced new things. He'd also found her, the lovely doe he spent more time with than he should have. He knew he shouldn't have been gone as long as he was, that he would be missed, and everyone worries and yet he couldn't bring himself to return any sooner. It was a welcome respite from the daily tribe life he'd lived till then.

It was only when Last Call began to show that he decided he should return to the tribe, and after some discussion she agreed to come with him. He didn't know if she would stay once she'd had their kids, but it was a start, and perhaps she'd grow fond of the tribe, and wish to stay.

He kept her safe on their trip back, and once to the tribe lands, gave her the necessary wing, seed and bone so she could enter freely.

It wasn't until he got her settled in that he realized a very important thing. They needed a blessing. Fortunately, he knew just who to talk to about that and he set off to find Guardian of Life. It took longer than he would have liked, and once in front of the mare he found himself at a loss for words.

Guardian of Life was at the grove, tending to the trees there, paying close attention to the newer ones, the ones that were still young and growing. To make sure no pests had invaded them, and such. It was what she was in the middle of when she sensed she was no longer alone in the grove. The spirit of the marine iguana was shuffling around and she watched as it paused peering at her new company.

Turning to see who it was, she gave a warm smile, recognizing the buck. "What a pleasant surprise to see you here, you're not one of my grove tenders. Walk with me?" well she did have a few more trees to check on, so if he was willing to walk and talk....she could feel why he was there but also knew the buck was fairly quiet, so if she could get him to relax, perhaps he'd open up quicker than being put immediately on the spot.

The iguana spirit ran off to do what it wanted to do, which was just fine. Guardian knew it would come back when ready after all. Glancing at the buck, she tipped her head to a side to indicate where she would be moving off to, and started off to another tree, listening, a smile as he fell into step with her. "I heard you went on a longer than usual hunting trip, how did you do?" if she sensed surprise from him at her topic of choice she didn't react to it.

He had noticed the iguana spirit staring at him and he was sure that was what alerted the Mare to his presence still it was interesting to a point watching her tending to the trees as she was. It seemed like a calm sort of thing, at least while things were going the way they were supposed to.

The request to walk with her, earned a low "sure." from him. She was busy after all, and asking her to drop what she was doing seemed rude on his part. So he could walk and talk. It would probably he easier anyhow he realized if he didn't get stared at while they spoke. Less unease and feeling like he was being asked to spill his darkest secrets, and more like talking with a friend.

There was indeed a note of surprise from him at the mention of his extended trip, but when she didn't react to his surprise he relaxed a little more. "I....yes, I did." a slow nod of his head though it went unseen. "I did well, I think. Plenty of food brought back for the tribe." which made a note of pride creep up. "...I also brought back....something.... some one else with me." there was a different tone, happiness albeit cautious happiness. "...and she's with child." and there was the reason for seeking her out.

"We hit it off well....and well...I didn't want her on her own but I knew I couldn't stay away longer..."

There was an understanding nod from her as she watered another tree, and checked the soil around the base, making sure roots were covered and leaves pest free, before she turned to him and gave an understanding smile as well. "I understand why you brought her back here, and you know she'll be well taken care of by more than just you while she's pregnant." new life was as important as death after all. She would help make sure the doe was taken care of, recalling how welcoming the tribe was to her when she'd first arrived, carrying Pestilence's and hers children.

"It sounds like you did well out there, Nearly Alive. Now, I'm going to guess you've come to me for a blessing on her and the life she carries, and not just to keep me company while I care for the trees." she gave a warm chuckle as she spoke, watching as the buck nodded his head. "Is she going to be staying with us? Or only here a short time?"

"That's right yes." a nod of his head, though he gave a brighter smile. "I asked, and she was willing to stay. So we gave the offering of wing, seed and bone yes. I don't know what the future holds, but at least I know we'll both be able to see our offspring grow." which was weird to say, because he didn't think he'd be the type to want that and yet.... it was a warm feeling. "I'm not sure what to ask for a blessing to be honest, Guardian." he'd given it thought, and come up blank, so he hoped maybe she'd be better at this than he was.

"That's wonderful news!" it was always nice to bring new kin into the tribe, especially new kin carrying new life. Hearing him admit he didn't know what to ask though made her smile and pausing in her work to look at him, her words were gentle. "I have a pretty good idea actually. Lets bless both the doe, who's name I haven't caught, and the life she carries with happiness be it here in the tribe, or out in the swamp. Your children will find their way and place, regardless of where their hearts and hooves take them. Especially because they'll know even if they leave, they'll always have a home to come back to." her eyes glowed brighter as she spoke, the spirit of the marine iguana coming back into view, slipping between his hooves and coming to rest at her side. "Now, head on back to her, and warn her she'll be celebrated soon." the words were a mock warning, it was nothing to worry about really, a tease, really and she gave a wink to him. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a few more trees to tend to."

Nearly Alive listened to Guardian of Life, and the blessing she gave and it felt right to him. He'd been unhappy when he'd left to hunt outside the tribe lands and had found a happiness he hadn't expected to locate. It felt right, her blessing. "I'll be sure to tell Last Call the blessing, thank you Guardian." a warm note from the buck, a lighter step as he left the grove, to return to the does side and let Guardian return to her work.