[B] Sugar Scale + ??

[subducting]

Sugar Scale was a pretty reserved doe, but she liked company. As shy as she was, it didn’t suit her to be completely alone, so she tended to seek out places where other kin gathered- common gathering places or springs, where she wouldn’t be alone. This warm afternoon saw her sitting on a small hillock, one of the few areas nearby that was above the waterline, enjoying the sunshine.

[Owlsomniac]

Hush doesn't generally travel to the more bustling areas of the Swamp, except for a handful of times each year when she needs to trade for something, and faithfully each Winter solstice because, somehow, the way the snow swallows up all the noise makes it more bearable.

It is not winter, however, and Hush carries with her several lengths of vine, which she's threaded through the gills of about two dozen fish - all freshly caught that morning. She intends to trade them at the market.

As usual, she takes the paths less traveled, though she still passes some kin coming and going from time to time.

This time, however, Hush veers from her usual route as that familiar pull of certainty urges her on in a different direction. It isn't far from her destination, in the end. The hill she crests overlooks the spring where the market tends to gather. From here, she can see the various kin gathering - travelers like herself, and locals alike, as well as the various kin trading their wares. She can hear them, though faintly, the noise muffled by the distance and the trees.

All at once that tug of certainty fades away like a wisp of cloud on a hot day. She's reached her destination. The only other kin atop the hill with her is a young acha doe, a pretty thing of long legs and sleek scales as most acha are.

Hush studies her for a moment, and then clears her throat softly so as not to startle the doe as she approaches. "Good afternoon," Hush says, in her soft, husky, voice. She's never really managed the art of small talk, her reclusive habits not giving her much practice in the ways of idle conversation. Instead, she asks what comes foremost to her mind, urged by her own instinct as a mother, perhaps, or that strange bit of magic which guides her from time to time.

"Are you alright?"

[subducting]

Sugar glanced up, blinking at the dark zikwa, who seemed oddly regal despite carrying fish strung up in vines across her shoulders. “Hello there,” she replied demurely, blinking up at the stranger. The next question embarrassed her a little and her ears folded shyly, as she looked away. “Er, well, kind of,” she said, shifting around, “I- I’m a bit uncomfortable, but I’ll live.” She shifted around her very obviously pregnant belly, assuming that’s what the zikwa was referring to. It didn’t really let her sit in a comfortable position, but she was hoping she wouldn’t have to carry the eggs for much longer.

[Owlsomniac]

Hush smiles kindly in response, amused - but sympathetic, nonetheless, to the doe's awkwardness.

"I see... It seemed as though you might be in need of something, though I'm certainly glad to know you're alright." She tilts her head slightly, her rounded ears perked forward.

She takes a moment to set down the fish, and then folds her long zikwa legs beneath her next to the other doe - though not too close. This one seems as shy as she once was, at her age.

"I wish I could say there's much to do about this stage of discomfort, but really the most important thing is just to rest and trust your instincts."

[subducting]

Sugar smiled as the strange zikwa sat down to speak to her. It was a kind gesture, and she felt herself warming to the stranger, a little nervousness falling away. She nodded to the advice, huffing a little sigh as she adjusted position. “All my instincts want me to do is lay still,” she hummed, tail flicking, “but I suppose that’s a good idea right now.” She turned to the zikwa. “I’m Sugar Scale, by the way- everyone calls me Sugar, though.”

[Owlsomniac]

Hush looks at the other doe, her lips curling up in a pleased smile. "Nice to me you, Sugar. I am Don't Make a Sound - though I prefer Hush."

They sit like that for a few moments, quietly, and then, very gently, Hush leans over and touches her nose to the other doe's side. "May your children be blessed with peace and a comfortable, healthy, life - and may you know the joy of witnessing it - if that is your desire." She hums, "There... I can't do much for the aches and discomfort, but perhaps this small blessing will be of some comfort to you, all the same."