Nature, Nurture, Heaven and Home

The festival was winding down and Indigo hadn’t seen Aslatiel at all. As everyone took shelter from the storm he split off in hopes of finding her before he returned south. She was due anytime now, he wondered if the band could linger nearby to wait for the event. He briefly stopped at her den, but realized quickly she was not at home. By now the rain had drenched him, an unfortunate side effect but completely worth finding his sister. The thought of how cute she looked round and full of puppies amused him as he wandered on a random trail. He didn’t have the slightest clue where to find her, and the trail was long washed away. He walked though, letting his heart guide his path, not that he was confident it would work.

The scent of birth hit him pretty hard despite the rain, and after that the trail was easy to find. This was one of the last places he expected Aslatiel to choose to give birth and he wondered if she had been taken by surprise. That thought made fear tighten his chest and Indigo raced forward trying to tell himself this might not even be Aslatiel. When he found the hollow tree he knew he’d guessed right.

Aslatiel was curled inside, asleep, and Indigo decided not to disturb her. He could just barely see the small bundles against her belly. A soft smile played over his features, a feeling of bitter sweet adoration overwhelmed him. Indy stared for a long time after he curled his huge body outside the hollow tree. Soaking wet he lowered his head to his paws and played guard to the precious life within. He couldn’t help his mind wandering to the what ifs. What if they had been his? He knew the consequences from their father would be unbearable. They were adults now and should have been able to follow their hearts, but what they wanted could never come to fruition.

The massive maned man sighed heavily, trying not to disturb the sleeping beauty before him. He tried to ignore how much he wanted to call her babies his own, his heart ached with sorrow and swelled with pride and joy at the same time. He could hardly handle the feelings, but he wouldn’t be moved from his place. He’d keep Aslatiel safe until she was ready to return home.