[imgleft]https://matope-swamp.com/images/phoenix ... uncert.png[/imgleft]The air was so cold it hurt to breathe. Shakey breaths clouded in front of her nose and froze there, leaving her snout to glitter in the watery winter sunlight. But Patience didn't mind the cold. When she closed her eyes, she saw his smile dance behind her frost-laden lashes. She giggled softly. It was his warmth that kept the cold at bay.

She was in no hurry. She never was, she supposed. Everything came when it was time. She felt movement in her swollen belly and smiled; their time was fast approaching. And so, here she was, out in the worst snow the swamp had ever seen, steadily wading, barely visible amongst the snowdrifts, waiting. Searching for the blessing that would carry her first children through their lives.

[imgright]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... ncert3.png[/imgright]She hadn't felt this kind of chilly air in a long while. For a little bit, she wondered if somehow the cold had followed her down from the mountainside.

But there was no way the Motherfather had given her such a power...or curse. The swamp and its denizens were not usually prepared for the chill. Their hides were not thick enough. She wouldn't wish this weather on the thin and frail. She wouldn't even wish it on her ilk on the beach; they had adapted to have thinner layers of fur. Even her children would struggle in such cold.

And so the totoma hurried, for whoever was seeking her blessing, and to return to her family before the beach might cool down in her absence.

She stopped and let out a long, wispy breath upon the sight of her charge. An acha, ghostly with a long mane, barely visible among the snow. Out in the weather as if it were nothing. Surely she was freezing?

"Hail!" Tidal Terror called, and crunched through the snow on her way over. "Surely you might be wanting to find some warmth? There might be a cave nearby, the tools to make a fire... Anything to get out of this, no?"

@Blinded By Silence

[imgleft]https://matope-swamp.com/images/phoenix ... uncert.png[/imgleft]All In Due Time lifted her head, her long billowy hair rippled out behind her, caught in a breath of winter air. She blinked through the glare of the snow and saw a blue Totoma against the field of white.

"Well met," She replied with a smile and a nod of greeting.

As the doe approached, Patience could soon see her in detail. A strong blue female with a maw full of sharp fangs. She seemed friendly enough, however, concerned even.

"No, I'm not seeking warmth, although a rest would be welcome. I'm looking for a Legend. I would like a blessing for my children."

@Gl!tch~

Tidal Terror paused. She had to tilt her head at the acha's words; then, after a moment, she let out a great, big laugh. "You have such spunk for such a dainty thing! I commend it."

Her eyes twinkled as an thought struck her.

"Legendaries...they are such fickle things. But they are good at finding who needs them. Perhaps we should find somewhere to rest and that blessing find its way to you? Come! Before the snow picks up even further!"

Her mind made up, Tidal Terror began to toddle off, crunching all the way (though making sure to look back to see if the acha would follow).

@Blinded By Silence

[imgleft]https://matope-swamp.com/images/phoenix ... uncert.png[/imgleft]Without hesitation, the love-struck doe followed the Totoma between the snowflakes. Patience was thankful for the trough the other kin left behind them as they pushed through the piling drifts.

Casually, she smiled, "One would think that I'd be harder to find, what with all this snow." She looked around at the bleary white, looking past it, to a memory, "This isn't the first time this has happened, you know."

@Gl!tch~ [ Sorry, things got super busy for me! Here's a late af tag lol orz ]

"One would think," Tidal Terror agreed. "You did give me some trouble, but we totoma are very good at finding things in the snow."

It always surprised her when her snow-based training came of use in the swamp. A very heavy winter indeed.

She tilted her head a little at the other comment. "The first time what has happened, if I may ask?"

@Blinded By Silence

[imgleft]https://matope-swamp.com/images/phoenix ... uncert.png[/imgleft]She found herself laughing, a little bubble of giggles that simply floated out of her. Now that she was no longer trudging through the deep snow, a light bounce found itself way back into her step.

"Why, being found in the snow, of course. Did you think I meant the pregnancy? Oh no, this one is my first," She said proudly, "In fact, it was their father who found me last time. I was lost. This has been my first winter here, I'd never seen snow before. I was a mess, honestly, I don't know what he saw in me! Covered in mud and ice, oh, it was terrible!"

She smiled fondly, grinning to herself, "But I've come to love the snow now."

There was a sigh, a happy one. And then a gasp, "Oh, I'm sorry! I've failed to introduce myself, pardon me. My name is All in Due Time, thank you for your help."

@Gl!tch~

Tidal Terror laughed at the final comment. "Well-named, then! I would not worry about etiquette so much. Your tales are wonderful to listen to! The father sounds lucky to have met you, and the children lucky to have you as a mother. The weather...well. It seems the mountains like to share their weather these days. It's a shame the Ache keeps most from journeying up there. The snow up there can reach so high, and the views of the valleys not long after dawn... It takes one's breath away!"

She laughed once more. "And now I'm rambling. This legendary you are looking for, what are you hoping to say to them once you find them?"

@Blinded By Silence

[imgleft]https://matope-swamp.com/images/phoenix ... uncert.png[/imgleft]The white doe blushed beautifully at the compliment, "Oh, no, I don't know about that. I'm the lucky one, surely," She smiled, a dreamy look across her face as she imagined sharing such a view with her beloved and their children, "Though perhaps it is you who is the lucky one, to have seen such a sight."

She pondered a moment, "Well, I was going to simply ask for a promise of good health and happy lives, but... Perhaps it would be better to ask instead for them the be lucky enough to find the beauty in the world around them. Yes," Patience nodded decidedly, "Yes, that is what I will ask for. Though, I realize now I've forgotten to bring an offering." Her brow furrowed lightly.

@Gl!tch~

Tidal Terror let the words settle like snow. "You have kind, caring thoughts," she responded after a moment. "I hope that buck of yours appreciates that."

Otherwise, she said little for the time being. Finding a safe place for the acha she escorted came first. It wasn't until she thought she found a good spot that she finally said, "The thought of courtesy is well and good, but those who demand it... I am not sure what I would think of them."

Respect came in many forms; the thought any legendary who demanded it in a specific way and a material one no less made her want to grind her teeth.

"For myself, your company was plenty! Thank you for that. It has brightened my day more than fresh daylight on a snowy mountain! Ah. Anyway. I wish for your children to look at the world in wonder, and enjoy every discovery they make."

It was a miracle she made it this far without being straightforward about what she was. It was fun, though, to act a bit cheeky. To act a bit...like a normal kin again, even if just for a moment.

@Blinded By Silence

[imgleft]https://matope-swamp.com/images/phoenix ... uncert.png[/imgleft]Her blush deepened and she shook her head dismissively, "On no, I'm not all that. But thank you."

Patience blinked at the Totoma, a little confused, "Oh but, if I don't give them something, how will they know how much I appreciate them?" This was how she showed her love and thanks, by giving. She gave her body to carry the children Warmth had wanted. Her attention and love whenever he wanted. Her time and energy to find this blessing, to prove her devotion. And now...

Her thoughts staggered as the Totoma spoke and the realization hit her, "Oh... OH! Was that? Oh, thank you!" She danced in place a little, giggling excitedly, "I don't think it's enough, but I'm glad you enjoyed my company. If there's anything else, please, don't hesitate to ask!"

@Gl!tch~