[Bless] Shiny and Right (Ash of Life & Once Forgotten)

[LOLLI qAq]

The buck paced back and forth. He wasn't nervous, or anxious, or worried ... He just wanted to make a good impression. It wasn't everyday someone asked him to protect them as they traveled the swamp. In fact, this was the first time! With things being what they were these days he suspected it would happen more often and he'd finally feel like he was living up to the life he'd dreamed for himself.

So, he waited.

. . .

She was late.

Feel free to toss whomever! He'll roll with it.

[Ruriska]

Someone arrived but not the doe the buck was expecting.

Instead it was a Kiokote with a rainbow halo, proudly trotting up, ears perked and smile wide. It was always delightful to offer his services to a parent-to-be and he was in an especially excellent mood.

“Good day!” Or evening, it was hard to tell these days.

[LOLLI qAq]

Ash nodded politely at the kiokote.

"Good day! Normally coming upon strangers in the dark I'd either be more wary or offer my services as protection, but something tells me you're not going to hurt me. Or that you need my help in any way."

He'd been to enough gatherings to have seen one the MotherFather's chosen kin a time or two, and the buck(stag??) before him definitely had the same bearing. That gentle confidence that he had to admit he was envious of.

"So ... Is this a chance encounter?? Not that I would mind! Would you like something to eat? I try to always have something dried to snack on with me."

[Ruriska]

“Not quite! Though I’m never sure who I’ll be meeting at the end, I was sent by the MotherFather to assist you.” Once Forgotten beamed, already charmed by the good-natured and generous buck. When was the last time someone had offering him something?

“And I would certainly never hurt you. The opposite in fact! I am here to bless your children-to-be!”

[LOLLI qAq]

"My what now?"

He cocked his head to the side and the shadow of a frown threatened to cross his face as he thought.

"Oh. OH! I'm going to have babies! That's amazing!!"

His face was nothing but smile, but it was pretty clear there was nothing and everything happening behind his eyes.
Pure, and immediate, panic had taken over.

[Ruriska]

Once Forgotten had a moment to be relieved when the news went over well, as he was reminded yet again that not everyone liked having baby news dropped on them out of the blue. But the buck seemed keen and happy, with that big grin, and now they could move and -

Hm.

“Are you alright?” Once Forgotten asked, as if suddenly sensing the turmoil trapped behind that smile. “I’m sure you’ll be a great father! If you want to be that is. Not everyone does.” His eye couldn’t help but twitch with disapproval.

“And your children will be especially happy! I’m going to bless them now with... oh, what should it be today? Happiness and healthiness, of course. And how about optimism. They’ll always look on the bright side of life!”

[LOLLI qAq]

"I ... Yeah, of course I'm alright! Just a bit of shock, but what great news!"

His entire body relaxed into what he was saying as he mentally shook off the initial terror.

"Especially now that I know they'll be happy, healthy, and full of enthusiasm for all life throws at them. Thank you so so much ... I didn't catch your name, though? I'd love to know who was so nice as to give me several gifts today!"