child-friendly? what's that?

Her call rang out like a harsh melody, a song both strong and powerful as she summoned her brood in from wherever they had wandered off to. As they trickled in, Absinth regarded them, her emerald eyes softening as she looked them each over with a perceptive eye. This was it. The beginning of turning them into adults, strong and fierce. The real test of parenting, preparing them for life like her own sire and dam never did. The fae ensured she met each child’s eye, offering them all a sly grin. Cute little things, even if they were little gremlins through and through.

Once she was satisfied with the turn out, the woman began with a purred greeting, wordless and rumbly from deep within her chest. Then she spoke.

“Strength, little ones, is everything.” She began, her voice firm but with a touch of mischievous warmth. “If you are not strong, then you are weak. Power is all that separates us as predators from prey.” She stood tall, flexing her muscles subtly to emphasize her point. Look at me. I am strong. As will you be. Her ivory fur was a beautiful sheen, but marred by scarring; her figure was disciplined and spoke of much physical endurance. This – She was proud to show them.

The hard part came next. Fracturing their innocence, all for the sake of making sure they would be prepared for whatever life threw at them. “Do you see? I have scars, each with their own story. A story of how they came to be mine, and how I am still drawing breath.” A sigh, her eyes glittering as she circled the brood. “When I was your age, I was nothing but a scrap of fur, dirty and thin, clawing my way through life. It took me time to grow and learn, but I will give you all something valuable; guidance.”

She moved forth, a smile on her face, nuzzling each of her children affectionately, her tail swishing behind her. “I want you to be stronger than I ever was.”

wormwood