[imgright]http://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/image ... uncert.png[/imgright]Cucumber was cold. The moving frost hadn't really made its appearance yet, but it was fall and Summer's long days were no more. Temperatures were dipping in and out and the doe found herself cold and sweaty. Hair stuck to her cheeks as the harsh winds kissed her flanks. Grey skies dotted the horizon and the telltale crackling of thunder would hopefully stay far, far away. These were less than ideal situations to be traveling alone. She didn't feel unsafe, but Cucumber would have enjoyed the leisurely trek much more were it not for her current state. The extra weight and exhaustion battled for dominance, eventually causing her knees to bend out. She needed a rest. A nap wouldn't be such a bad idea. She would have to wait out the rain anyway. If it became anything more than a gentle sprinkle, she could slip on some mud, twist an ankle or worse. Cool under pressure, that was the motto. Head clammy, she planned the rest of the hours of the day for napping.

But first, a snack. Cucumber shifted her broadleaf satchel forward so that it bumped up to her chin. Nosing the contents onto the dry, cool ground, she surveyed what to eat first. She had a few bananas, some apples, one persimmon, and a salted, dried fish. Yum.

[imgright]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... ncert4.png[/imgright] The songbird has been following the doe for awhile, waiting for the right moment to approach. It wasn't until it finally fluttered to the ground and perched down in front of the doe's face that the ghostly mare appeared though she remained behind Cucumber.

Giveforward twittered a greeting, bouncing up into the air in delight. She loved children and blessings and she was so happy to help. Of course she couldn't talk to kin as a songbird, at least not in twits and trills. For the moment, however, she seemed to have forgotten that and kept right on cooing to the expecting mother.

Cucumber was surprised at her flying interloper, but the curious behavior warranted a closer look. Nudging her food in front of her, Cucumber offered the peculiar songbird first pick.

Well that was nice and unexpected; Giveforward hadn't even taken notice of the food and she was in mid-twitter when she realized she wasn't talking kin. She felt her small avian body flush in embarrassment as the ghostly mare came up besides Cucumber.

"Forgive me, I forget sometimes that most kin cannot speak birdsong," the mare apologized. "While I appreciate the notion, I think you are far more in need of food. You'll have little ones soon. And they're so trying to herd if you aren't eating well."

It spoke to her weariness to the bone that she did not faint or yelp in surprise. It made sense she supposed. The songbird was acting strange and this... this was just a natural progression of events she supposed.

Cucumber stammered, "N-nno apologies needed." And she stared like her namesake vegetable just laying about some leaves ready to be harvested.

"You must be tired, walking all this way. Would you like to rest? I can keep watch over you," Giveforward offered happily.

"I would like rest," replied Cucumber, "and a lot more. Exhaustion seems to be my only mood. With winter coming, this is going to be a challenging time." If Cucumber had been smarter, she would have taken into account the changing seasons. But that was neither here nor there. It was more important that she rest. She took up the songbird Mare up on her offer.

Exhaustion was hard to deal with. It came on far more rapidly and seemed unwilling to leave for any moment of time.

Giveforward stood guard as the doe settled. The entire time her mind twisted and turned over how best to be of assistance. She could take the exhaustion away for a time. She would, of course, bless the doe, too. She could also stay and watch the children. So many options. The right thing would come to her.

After a long spell, Cucumber woke up and was stunned to see the doe had stood guard while she slept. It was so touching that Cucumber started to sniff. Tender awe replaced exhaustion in a heartbeat. In fact, since her nap, she was feeling more invigorated.

Giveforward smiled, "I think you could use some company for a time. I do promise your children will be healthy and beautiful; they'll be considerate of your exhaustion and enjoy curling up for naps. Everything will be just wonderful."

The mare had just the right touch, her serene words lulling a not so sleepy Cucumber back into a fitful rest. She had an exciting season before her. Hopefully she would run into the songbird again.