-Adria-
Strangers.
If she could read minds (believe me, she’s more than glad she cannot) Adria would mull over the irony of that statement as applied to herself and Brennen’s relationship, neither wholly agreeing or disagreeing. Their coupling had been brief but not harsh; she remembers cradling against him and very much wanting him. They know nothing of each other aside from names and an affinity towards water, but Brennen has taken the most intimate part of herself and so Adria cannot consider him a stranger anymore.
Lifting her head and finding the warm expression of eyes so similar to hers, she understands that he is the father of their children regardless, so she pushes past the initial surprise of him appearing and smiles on her face, not in her heart, at his compliment.
He’s here for the children after all. Looking at him in the shaded light of day, seeing the range of dark scars and watching the dismissive attitude of his presence, the Nereid he’d impregnated can’t fool herself into thinking that the two might be compatible on any other level than base desire - at least for now. Her genteel nature recoils from the way he commands their son (Hod had always been more quiet and steadfast, secure in his dominance without assertion) but she bites her lip and watches the boy go.
Hovering, she shadows the still-bent filly who peers between her parents with a somewhat aged expression. Wise beyond her years, her mother might’ve said. Personally, Adria is doubtful of the way he uses the word “we” when conversation tilts toward Brennen’s further involvement with the twins, but to acquiesce him in the moment she replies, “I’m ashamed to admit I had my heart set on a filly only.”
Her mouth quirks in a whispery smile, aloof and yet lovely. “Ionia, for the girl.” She murmurs in a breath over her daughter, kissing what could be the beginnings of a faint star on the babe’s forehead. Her power rises and so does she, lifting without movement from the rippling pool until her hooves plant themselves firmly on the surface of the water. “Please… I would be more than grateful if you chose our son’s name.”
Dripping, she sweeps past her youngest and her mate into the solidity of the tropical forest, heavy with milk and nickering for the two to come eat. The kelpie rushes forward, ravenous, and to her shock Adria nearly rejects the advance with a snap. It’s only the grace of her better nature that wins and keeps her from doing it, though both ears seem impervious and flick back. When Ionia follows suit she relaxes, chiding herself before giving up her attentions to Brennen.
“I’m,” She pauses, careful “honestly glad you decided to come.”
It wasn’t hard to find a truth to give, when she looked for one.
“Though I wonder what you envision for the future concerning us.” The new mother speculates aloud, obviously including their children.
Oh my love, don't forsake me; Take what the water gave me
@[Brennen]