[Bless] As Free As The Waves [Sleek/Once Forgotten]

[Ruriska]

She was a good swimmer.

Sleek had only recently had this revelation upon reaching the beach and throwing herself into the waves. The salty water had kept her buoyant and her legs had known just what to do. Not that the swamp was lacking in watering holes but she’d never really gone swimming.

Apparently it came naturally.

She’d been dipping in and out of the water, just rising up for a gasp of air, when she spotted the kiokote stag. He was standing on the beach, watching her, a hopeful look on his rainbow glow face.

She paddled in the waves a moment longer and then swam to shore, leaving a kins length between them. The water was still lapping at her hooves.

“Can I help you?” She asked.

“Ah, yes,” he began, smiling like... well, she’d never had a father figure. But if someone was to give her a fatherly smile this was what she imagined it would be like. It thawed her wariness enough to smile slightly back.

He cleared his throat and continued, “I’ve been sent to bless you. You’re to be a mother!”

Oh.

“Oh,” she said out loud.

The stag gave a soft laugh. “Surprise?”

“A little.” She shook her head. Ah yes, the buck.

It had been a short but nice dalliance.

She hadn’t expected there to be repercussions.

She was still young, she wasn’t sure how she felt about having offspring. Little versions of her that she would have to watch over. She could teach them how to swim. That seemed rather nice.

Sleek considered the stag for a moment and then asked, “what do you mean by bless?” She’d heard of it, of course. Of legendary mares and stags that traveled the swamp and helped parents-to-be. But she wasn’t entirely sure what it meant.

“Ah well,” he replied, tone thoughtful. “I ensure the MotherFather is watching over them, I normally ask her that they be healthy and strong. Others like me sometimes grant skill in the hunt or keen senses. And sometimes the parent asks for something extra.

What would you ask for?”

Sleek looked back at the water, the rolling waves, rushing back and forth.

“Freedom, I suppose. The freedom to choose.”

He smiled again, that same gentle smile.

“That is a gift all kin are given.”

True.

She nodded. “Then they don’t need anything else.”

“Then may they be healthy and strong, free to choose their own destiny.”

That sounded right. It settled on her like a comforting mantle. Whatever children she brought into the world, she need to worry for.

“Well, thank you...uh... what was your name?”

“Ah, I am Once Forgotten.”

She took a step back into the water, her hooves sinking into the soft sand. “Would you like to join me in a swim? My name is Sleek.”

Then his smile erupted into a grin.

“That sounds delightful.”