Mother of Gods
09-08-2018, 08:24 PM
Serene's approval filled him with pride and he reached over her to nuzzle the child gently. He'd hoped this day would come, but it had always been a distant dream. That it was reality was still sinking in. It was now official. He was a father. "You are going to make your ancestors proud," he silently promised the boy. Malleus would do everything in his power to ensure his son was raised properly; he would equip him to the best of his ability. He'd never felt so strongly about something before. "Mother..." His attention snapped to Serene, his expression concerned. They were the only ones there. Her voice was hushed, but their proximity meant little could be kept a secret. He studied her for a moment, trying to decide if her eyes were clear or glassy. If she was hallucinating they were in trouble. -fade- The birth of their next two pups was uneventful. After observing Serene carefully, Malleus was confident that she was doing just fine and in the intense moments after her outburst he forgot about asking her what she'd meant. Twins? Malleus peeked over Serene to get a better look at the two. "Perhaps they just have many similarities..." He trailed off as he studied them and then cocked his head. Pascal lifted first one and then the other for Malleus to examine. "Hm," he murmured in surprise. "I guess they are." His thoughts immediately went to the blind twin oracles. Their other sight had spared them from the culling and Malleus couldn't help but wonder if his sons would be similarly cursed. The thought was troubling, but looking down at their plump little bodies he was reassured that if that were the case, the fallen god had plans for them. They were strong. He wouldn't have made them so if they were without purpose. "Two more strong boys," he said proudly. "What should we name these two?" Out of the corner of his eye Malleus saw Serene lay her head down. She was exhausted, and rightly so. He wished there was more he could do for her. "Pascal? Bring me the cotton root decoction." In preparation for this day, Malleus had gathered cotton root bark and let it soak in water for many days. The resulting concoction was said to increase contractions, shorten labor and aid in milk production among many other things. After Pascal had retrieved the turtle shell that contained the liquid, Malleus directed him towards Serene. "Here, drink this, it will shorten your labor." To get her mind off of her fatigue, Malleus then prompted, "I was thinking about the name Aureus. What do you think? Eligos, Aureus and..." he trailed off, hoping Serene would bite and offer a name. |