The moon was steadfast as the sun. It rose and sometimes hid, but it was always there despite the landscape that might block it. It was a small comfort Gloom took from the reliable swamp. It was steadfast just like the seasons. And he knew that no matter where he was, if he looked up, the map of the sky would reasonably reliable. Crafting his web, he jumped from point to end point to weave his trap. In his new form, he appreciated the humming twang of a line of spider silk loaded with the morning dew. Rhythmic and thoughtless, he continued until he saw the bloated form trudge underneath his specific copse of trees.  Loose tendrils of silk hung from where he was. Numerous eyes clicking open and close in no particular order, he watched as the swollen totoma continue right underneath where he was, and driven as she was, surely she would walk into the lower part of his web. He waited.

Oops, forgot to tag @purplerosesbeauty

Nasty? Nasty!?? Now it was Gloom who paused. His webs were functional and even downright pretty if the moonlight hit it just right, but he was a spider. Eyes blinking out of sequence, he shifted to his stag form. Spiderwebs clung to his form as it did the pregnant totoma. Neither he nor his webs were nasty, but that was one of many ways to start the interactions with a tired doe with an obvious goal.

"What are you doing here so far out of the comforts of the swamp," asked Gloom quietly.

@purplerosesbeauty

The corner of Gloom's mouth twitched ever so slightly upward, but was gone in the next blink of an eye. He was bemused to say the least. If he were younger and more green behind the ears, he might have been moved to action with those harshly delivered words. But it wasn't a good look to harm pregnant ones. They didn't even have a sporting chance. With their waddles, they couldn't outrun even fermented juice drunk foxbuns. And this one came looking for help.

And she was spoiling for a fight. But blessings were rare even for him and he wanted to get them just right.

"Yeah?" he let that word float in the air for an uncomfortable silence.

"What kind of blessing are you looking for and what do you have to offer in return?"

@purplerosesbeauty

Now that's some mettle! She bargained freely without constraints or stipulations on what he may ask in the future. And that was rare and dangerous. Today was an interesting and welcome surprise from the daily humdrum. But Gloom wasn't the spiteful or vindictive type. Long planning, yes, but that was for another day.

"Your brood will grow up strong, fierce and well protected from the elements and dangers that may befall them on their journey of life. They will not meet a challenger they cannot beat, nor a natural obstacle they cannot maneuver around. They will climb the highest cliffs and brace the worst blizzards. They will do well." Gloom paused.

"I'll see to it and we will meet up again in the future for your services rendered."

((OOC: tag @purplerosesbeauty we can end it soon if you like. Thanks for your patience))