It's gotta be a cloudy day
Time carried on, the leaves fell from their trees, were touched with frost and a dusting of snow as they returned to the earth. Then the days grew longer again, the temperatures rose and the leaves grew back. Physical wounds healed and only a couple scars remained as reminders of her former trusting self. Her barrel swelled and so did her appetite. The past seasons had been quiet for the kingdom and she was grateful for that, hiding in the security of home, mostly secluded except for her long time and closest friend. It was shame, really, they could have been great lovers in a different life. The golden-hued vixen did love the painted stag but not the kind of love he wished she possessed. Though affectionate, because everyone needs some kind of touch, it was platonic. But he never complained, at least not to her, and continued to give stability and comfort she’d be indebted to. The pregnancy itself wasn’t so bad, can thank instincts for that. Anger still filled her heart towards the spawn growing inside her. When it began to move within her womb, her ears would pin in disgust. Although the desire for children flickered before the incident this was not something she wanted, not that way and not with that evil behemoth.
When the time came she waited for her loyal companion to leave for a border patrol, knowing he wouldn’t be gone long as the responsibility was shared among a few warriors now, but gone long enough to give her some privacy. She found a spot within the woods on a bed of moss to lay upon. Perhaps used for this very same purpose by others before her and others after. Fear filled her mind as contractions quickened. Fear something may go wrong and for how this demon would change her life.
The helpless life slid from her and the honey-hued mother stood to instinctively clean the foal, making sure it could breath. To her relief it was a normal looking foal, no wings and a palomino pelt. Its amber eyes stared dumbfounded at its mother and it was love at first sight. Her past anger had vanished and all that was left was love. Her tongue continued to clean, dry and explore the sapling. As she went, a few bright purple streaks appeared in the scruff of a mane and stump of a tail. She choked at the colour, the similar colour of it’s father. But the child made a gurgle, an attempt to communicate which snapped the golden femme from her horror and back to the innocence of the colt. Yes, it was a colt. A beautiful, healthy golden boy. She nudged him excitedly, he must get on his hooves and eat. She watched painfully as he struggled, gasping when he toppled over and trying not to intervene too much. It took a few tries but soon he was sprawled on four gangly stilts. And not long after that he was walking forward and drinking the sustenance he needed to live and grow. She was so proud, bubbling over with delight, she wanted the whole world to meet this incredible bundle of joy. He had to be the cutest, sweetest foal to ever be born. But with that also came horror, the dread that something may ever happen to him, that he gets a scratch, go hungry, acquire a broken heart or god forbid get beaten up like she was. She wouldn’t allow it, not to this innocent boy. He must never leave the Falls, the security of home and healing waters, she determined. She nickered to the child. “Cicero, my child. I will love you and protect you with my life.”
The duo made their way back to the luscious spring grass of the rolling hills awaiting @[Jedi]’s return. Her hunger fierce from the laboured event. The palomino boy was quick to rest, life outside the womb was exhausting and sensory overloading. His mother stood over him, devouring the emerald blades around his folded form. Though fatigue had settled on her too, her excitement and protectiveness would not let her rest alone.