 |
As days had stretched into weeks, Khamaith had begun to grow accustomed to just how much more round she was becoming. It had been a pleasant arrangement, bathed in Ezyzu’s over-pouring of love and affection, and never wanting for anything between sweet Turoth and darling Baihath. Yet the last day or so had been the worst of it, as she had just lost any ability to get comfortable. Digging the deepest, fluffiest wallows, laying out in the gentle surf to let the water sweep over her. She was ever happy, the deep, slow whorls of blue and green with the splashes of purple as the days ticked by; closer and closer to seeing the shells of her children. Discomfort was worth it, knowing soon she would be able to see her babies.
But it’s in a mid-afternoon day, beautiful weather shining above them when Khamaith can’t quite take the discomfort anymore. Any attempts at a nap were filled with sighs and grunts, shifting to push sand this way and that -- before she’s resigning that rest will not come to her, not with the soft nudge to get up. Instinct was nudging her to stand, and it’s a few moments before she acquiesces, slowly climbing to her feet. The sun shining above her, her strides slow, wings pulled back to give her belly room.
Reaching out, Khamaith’s mind brushes against Ezyzu’s own, finding her rider in a struggle against the smells of klah. Sweetest, the time is now. Ezyzu’s surprise is practically palpable, yet the soft reply, full of love, is quick to follow;
’I’ll be there shortly, love’
Yet she’s halfway to the hatching grounds before pausing mid-stride. For all her love of Baihath, she had been sure she would call him once the process had been done. But Turoth had been a pillar of strength to her; having walked these steps before, his experience had been a balm on any worry that tended to sprout like a weed. Turoth, dearest? Time has come, I’m on my way to the hatching grounds. Khamaith paused, taking another step towards the grounds. I’m.. Your company would be appreciated.
The weather after Khamaith's flight was quite favorable for the next few weeks, the sun warm and the sky clear. Turoth took it as a good sign that things would progress smoothly for the new mother and indeed, everything seemed to be going quite well. He'd been more than happy to share the experience with Baihath, the three of them quite the sight cuddled up in a shimmering pile with a little speck of white to top them off like a dessert. He was glad the little white was amicable to his presence if only for Khamaith's sake: the tinge of worry in her voice during her flight echoed in his mind at every moment and he was ever attentive to ensure she was as relaxed and happy as she could possibly be.
Turoth knew the joys of being a father and having the honor a second time wasn't anything to downplay, but he was grateful that he'd had that first experience to delight in the novelty. Now he was still joyful and excited to meet their children, but he could remove himself from that state of mind to be the pillar of stability that Khamaith had needed the moment she had started her flight. He felt responsible for everything going as it should and when he felt the young gold call to him, he was airborne before giving Ar'ad a chance to drop the sponge he'd been using to wash his legs.
I'm on my way, Khamaith. Just a moment. He sent a wave of apology to his rider who he'd accidentally knocked into the pond with the powerful force of his wings, but he had a very important place to be very quickly. Ar'ad, for his part, slogged out of the pond with an amused shake of his head. Hopefully the soap suds would fall off during his flight.
Turoth landed heavily outside the hatching grounds and moved to walk beside Khamaith to guide her in, his tail brushing hers reassuringly. He knew how uncomfortable she'd been the past few days and it would be a relief for that physical discomfort to end.
The majority of the tension in Khamaith's frame drained away, her tail brushing against his as she began to walk once more. Having the bronze by her side had her quite assured she had made the correct choice from the beginning, and though she may have worried, perhaps her judgement had been solid from the beginning. Though she hadn't been shelled on these sands, to feel them under each footstep was soothing, as she made her way around the empty arena. Each time she stopped, pausing to test the sands, something felt a touch off -- whether the softness never felt quite right, or the heat hadn't been to her satisfaction. Finally, having made quite a circle and scratching up the sand into neat piles, was when Khamaith began laying.
Egg after egg deposited safely upon the sands, even with Khamaith checking on each precious shell between each new arrival. Time had seemed to pass with a blur--and it's only until Khamaith finally was able to roll on her side, her body coiled loosely around the fruits of labor, exhaustion stitched into every line of the new mother--that she took stock of the whole clutch. Her gaze shifted up, crooning softly to Turoth. I think we did.. quite well.
Turoth matched Khamaith's pace step for step, though he did eventually let her walk ahead as they reached the sands proper. He was never far away as she tested the area for the perfect place, a watchful yet delighted eye on the queen as she got down to business. It didn't take long for her to lay the clutch, each egg getting attention and love as they were tucked into their resting spot.
It was only when Khamaith was done that Turoth moved to join her, pressing his nose against hers in a comforting way. Pride rolled off him in waves, fully agreeing with her sentiment. It was a beautiful clutch and all the eggs seemed well nestled into their wallows. It was as if this was her fourth or fifth clutch and not her first with how neatly they were laid out and how much affection she'd bestowed upon them already. Turoth would be sure to give them each a bit of his own attention once he was certain Khamaith was satisfied.
We did. And you've done splendidly, Khamaith. You're a natural. Now you can rest, everything after this is really up to them.
His compliments have her relaxing, blinking almost out of sync in her exhaustion. Yet Khamaith's gaze landed lovingly on her eggs once more, reaching out for her most darling boy. Baihath? Beloved? Our children are resting upon the sands. You should come and meet them all.
The white dragon had waited and waited as patiently as he possibly could, paying an unusual amount of attention to what Alya told him. He had to behave and stay calm so that he didn’t upset the babies, and he needed to trust that Khamaith would handle any problems that cropped up--IF they did. That made perfect sense to Baihath, and he’d been frolicking happily in the ocean when her call reached him. Already?! The small dragon nearly tripped over his own feet and almost took in a noseful of saltwater. I’m coming! As fast as I can fly!
And fly he did, sending a wordless wave of excitement and joy to his rider as he winged his way to the Hatching Sands. He skidded to a giddy halt, spraying up waves of sand just outside… and stayed there for a moment, peering in at the golden mother, bronze father, and the glorious, beautiful clutch of eggs almost timidly.
Oh… He said softly, reverently. He stayed crouched for a moment, still uncertain, speaking to his beloved and his new friend Turoth. Oh, they’re so beautiful! But I… I don’t want to hurt them. He knew what could happen if he was too exuberant, too excited…. The very last thing he wanted to do was upset the children!
And you fly so very fast. The form of her darling had Khamaith perking up a bit more, though she was still so exhausted. She's radiating a soft, bright love, with her small family all close by -- and croons sweetly to Baihath, heartened by his cautiousness with such precious cargo. You could never hurt them, beloved. We just have to be a bit careful until they hatch. And after, but Khamaith was certain.
It wouldn't be much longer until that day was suddenly upon them, and pretty shells would spill out such lovely little babies. Though there was still many weeks to go, it would be before they knew it that their children would be finding Theirs. I can't wait to see what games you and the babies play once they hatch. Sheer delight runs through her, though she gives a soft yawn.
Emboldened by her reassurance, Baihath creeped with uncharacteristic care onto the sands, staring at each and every egg with bright blue eyes. You made them so pretty! He chirped, awestruck. The mention of play was enough to make him hum with delight, and he quickly nuzzled at Khamaith before reaching out to give Turoth a boop as well. Yes, yes! We’ll play only the best games! ….But only when they’re ready.
|
 |
Reply
