Giveforward was delirious. She'd been a doting sister-mother when her sister had first had children but she'd just been a doe then. And as a doe, she'd never had children grow within her own body. That happened far later for her. Children sown on a day of near blindness as she took on the poor vision of her dearest Final Rest. And then she'd forgotten she was capable of blessings altogether... (She bit down on her cheek to keep from giggling as her sister slumbered.) But to have her sister pregnant and she able to offer gifts... She didn't think she could be any happier.
"She won't forgive you waking her," the buck's voice came into the mare's thoughts.
She blinked up at him, flushed from the tips of her ears down into the cream upon her legs. She'd forgotten he was still there which was quite rude but he seemed amused by it all the same.
"She'll forgive me," she replied, voice soft and weightless, as though being so smitten made her more birdlike. She practically preened when he chuckled, low, and voiced his agreement.
They both knew it was true. If Takeback loved anyone, it was Giveforward. And only Giveforward. Which meant she'd always be forgiven. It helped that Giveforward loved Takeback most, of course, since she was far too full of love to be picky.
"Will you bless them soon, the children?" There was a seriousness, now, that was oft absence in his voice. Unless it was about his looks which he knew to be more brilliant than nearly any other kin alive. Even the Legendaries.
"I want it to be perfect..." she replied, voice vulnerable. She knew nothing was perfect but she couldn't help the mothering instinct that wanted it to be so.
Vainmoon chuckled, "They'll be that anyway. You have a daughter that came all the way from the ocean to be here, for her, for them, for you. And a buck, half-blind, who is ready to help in any manner."
"That's just family; that's who they are."
"No. That's you. Takeback would mar my beauty were I to leave without helping you. And that fellow, he'd try at least to defend you. Not to mention that flock of children. They may all be butterflies but you are their nectar."
Giveforward blinked, lips parted, at this information. Then she shook her head. "I'm not special. I just love them."
"And they you." A pause, his eyes darting at the pregnant doe and then to the mare, "I'd come, if you asked. You're too nice to deny."
It was an awkward sentiment, with Takeback between them, and yet the earnestly was appreciated all the same. And truth was something special, even if she wasn't--not in the way he implied or others thought being a Legendary might be.
She ambled forward, pressed a kiss to his brow in thanks, and then nestled herself close to her sister. Their children would be perfect. Even so--
"You shall be healthy and bright. As you grow, you will know that you are loved, so very loved by so many. And you shall always know how to find us, your loved ones, whether by blood or choice. Love fierce and true, as we love you."
And that was perfect. Wasn't it?
