let's hang together, Kushiel & Namaah

[Gallows]

I am enjoying the quiet after the storm of labor when Kushiel barrels in, as eager as if he were the sire or even the one to give birth. I say nothing but watch curiously as Namaah steps away from me and immediately entrances her big brother with her doe eyes and charming ways. Of course, the poor bloke never really stood a chance. He has a soft spot for women, and his sweet little sister will be no exception. It would be ridiculous to say that I am teary eyed as I watch interaction between my children, but there is certainly a fond dewiness in my eyes. Little irritating rascals. I spent years cultivating my ability to subsist on my own without anyone and then I go and create two little time bombs who have the power to twist me to their will. Motherhood is absurd. "Now you've done it, Kush." I say cheerily. "You'll never get an ounce of respect from that one. She knows you're a pushover already." I move closer to the sibling pair, and nudge Namaah with a grin. Her wings, unlike my reddish ones, are white and gray with black tips. Osprey wings. Right now they are fledgling, poufs of snowy feathers along seemingly insubstantial bones. It will be quite some time before they grow enough to carry her, but that's fine with me. Two completely graceless flyers is probably not what the Valley needs right now. I roll my eyes a bit at Kush's statement, scowling at him. "I hope she's more than a heartbreaker." I have never held a very high opinion of stallions (present company excluded), nor of love in general. To be fair, that's probably because it wasn't of any use to me. My love is completely given over to a place. A paramour would hog the attention, and the Valley is a jealous mistress. No. I'm content with my home and my children. Even if one of them is a traitor. Unfortunately, Kushiel is right, and Namaah really is a breathtaking child. She must have gotten that from my mother or someone far back in Carnage's lineage because neither of us is particularly appealing looking. Lucky girl. "He is right, Namaah. This is your brother, Kushiel. More than half of what he says will be ridiculous, but I suppose he'll take good care of you." I grin wickedly at that. A vast understatement. I predict that before the week is out, Namaah will have Kushiel led around by the nose. G A L L O W S We must all hang together or, assuredly, we shall all hang separately.