River Willow pulled herself from the water and shook herself down, glimmering droplets showering the grass nearby. The strange circumstance that had led her to produce eggs with the doe was incidental to her delight - she was having children of her own, and she was delighted as could be.

She laid on the bank, crossing her dainty hooves and sighing contentedly as the warm summer sun dried the remaining water from her fur. It was early on what looked like would become a gorgeous day.

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft]
“Ah, this is a marvellous spot for bathing,” remarked a new arrival, a yellow and blue stag stepping towards the sunny bank.

Watch Me had come here to do the exact same thing and was delighted to find somebody else already there, especially such a pretty Acha. Bathing was always much more fun with company.

“Do you mind if I join you?”

@subducting

[imgleft]https://www.matope-swamp.com/images/blu ... uncert.png[/imgleft] River Willow could hear the buck approaching, and turned her head in his direction, examining him warily. She was known to be a little defensive of the section of river she called “hers,” but she knew well the river didn’t belong to anyone. So she nodded, smiling in an attempt to calm her own nerves, and stretched her legs out. “I’m always ready for another swim,” she said, glancing at the sparkling water.

“Ah, no better company I could ask for,” Watch Me said as he walked past her into the river, pleased to see the mud of the swamp begin to wash from his hooves as the water rushed by.

“My troupe and I take a keen interest in the best bathing spots. One has to look their best when entertaining, after all.” He cast a look back towards her, admiring her physique. She was really quite stunning.

Though there was something about her that was catching his attention, that wasn’t just her beauty.

@subducting

River Willow raised an eyebrow, but smiled, amused at the flattery, and slowly stood, moving closer to the river so that she could sit on it’s bank, letting her tail dip into the water. The river pulled the green strands into rippling eddies like seaweed, and she watched the kiokote calmly.

“I do my very best to keep this section of the river pleasant,” she replied proudly, chin rising a little. “I clear away any debris that washes here and try to keep the water free of things that would ruin it’s clarity. Not that a river can belong to anyone, but I think of this place as under my care, such that it is.” The river obviously had no need for her- rivers simply were- but beauty could be as fragile as it was fleeting, and she felt called to protect this little piece of the swamp.

@Ruriska

“The river compliments you very well,” he remarked. With her long hair being pulled along by the gentle current, she looked quite magical, a river spirit, born of water and willow. Watch Me was quite enamoured.

“And you’ve done very well in tending to it. If you would not be put out, perhaps I could make this a regular bathing spot for myself.” And hopefully see her again.

Up stream a crane had landed, stepping delicately along the muddy bank. Watch Me looked at it. It looked back. He frowned. It squawked. Ugh. Alright, alright. The MotherFather might as well have whacked him over the head with a stick.

“Might I be so bold,” he began, stepping further into the water, “but are you expecting offspring?” His eyes twinkled.

@subducting

River Willow smiled, gazing fondly down the river. It was a very beautiful spot in the swamp indeed, and she was immensely proud of the effort she went to to keep it so. She inclined her head, hiding her face behind a river of green locks to the dual compliments.

The kiokote’s question took her by surprise, but her smile softened further, and she nodded, sighing happily.

Her confirmation called for a delighted, “Ah-ha!”

He enjoyed being a benevolent all-knowing chosen kin, especially when those he was bestowing his gift upon was so delightful. Some days it was annoying to be sent halfway across the swamp when he’d rather be lounging about with the troupe but on days like today, it all felt worth the effort.

“Congratulations!” He crowed. “It’s no accident that I am here today. I have been sent to bless your unborn offspring, by the will of the MotherFather!” With that grand announcement, he gave his head a little toss.

“Beauty and elegance they shall surely inherit - so may they be as gentle and welcoming as a river on a summer’s day and as fierce as a river swollen with the melting snow!”  It wasn’t the first time that he wished blessings came with some extra sparkles.

@subducting