She'd been following him, now, for days, it felt like.Attempts at conversation had been rewarding, in one sense, but quite disastrous in reply. Eventually he had given up at talking altogether and sought comfort in the familiarity of not caring about words. Oddly, he felt he understood her better that way.
He could tell she was expecting; it might have been impossible not to, being a Legendary and all. If anything, he knew she was good at fetching.
"I'm going to have puppies," she remarked, eyes bright, as the two of them lounged in the sun. "You're very safe. Not like the rest of the swamp," she added, rolling onto her back.
Behind him, the translucent stag materialized.
"Is that why you keep following me and bringing me presents?" he asked, a smile in his voice.
"Yes. I'm Hellhound," she grinned.
He chuckled; that put everything into sharp focus.
"You're safe here, as are your puppies," he agreed. "And they'll be safe after they're born. Strong and kind half-breeds that love fiercely and compassionately."
It came as little surprise that the doe ventured off after that. She returned later with a bouquet of flowers. And so he kept her company until she saw it fit to leave.
