Welcome to Gaia! ::

This was all so new to Cold-Blood. Everything had happened so fast, and she really didn't know how to take it all. All she knew, was that she was taking this a day at a time, and was glad that Dune was there, if only for his amusing antics. She wasn't sure about him being a good father, but then again, she didn't even know the first thing about babies. She just hoped that their children took after her, atleast in their ability to take care of themselves. Dune seemed to be doing alright, but she was sceptical about his role as father. She assumed that more than anything, he would end up befriending their little ones, which would end up being just as well. Everyone in this world could use another friend.

But here they were, having travelled all the way into the heart of the Swamp. And Dune was hating it. Non-stop complaints and whining. What could one expect from a sand-dweller? Oh, well, this would probably be over soon, anyway. Not that she despised him or anything, but he was a little immature for her everyday liking. He was cute, no doubt, and fun to be around, but not exactly her idea of long-time mate. Not that she ever saw herself having a long-time mate.

Again, here they were, in the heart of the swamp. Cold-Blood was leaning up against a tree, overheated. Being pregnant sure was hot!

Lost Light was called by Matope, the mothefather swamp wanted a wish to be fufilled. He came as a mesenger from matope. In his swamp form he appeared as a lynx. He was to bless the mother doe with Matope's blessing. He approched the kimeti in his swamp form. He limped over to the kimeti. "Help me. please" He said in their minds in an echoing, sickly, wounded voice. He limped, bleeding, clutching his head to his shoulder. He let out a growl and showed his teeth as he clenced them in pain.

Dune's eyes widened in shock. It's in my head.. how is that possible?
He shook the shock from his mind, instead thinking of the very pregnant Cold-Blood. His lips curled up, exposing his teeth as his posture shifted. He listened to her, nodding.
Yes, we need to lead it to the waters edge, lie it down on some leaves, and see if we can clean it's wounds. You should gather leaves, I will... talk? to it. See if it will cooperate.
Dune took a weary step forward, staring at the odd, furred creature before him, it's very stance screamed predator, all instincts telling him to attack, to protect. It was hurt however, and asking for help, not harming anyone.
Hello.. umm Kitty? You seem unwell, if you would follow me we could get you somewhere comfortable. Perhaps tend your wounds, or get you... food.
He paused, wondering what such a creature would eat. Kimeti no doubt. Nothing will harm Cold while I'm around, I swear it.
He took several steps closer, ready to assist the creature if it fell, but unwillingly to touch it. Not to mention where he stood he was shielding Cold-Blood from this odd invader.

She nodded at the buck's decisions, and backed slowly away, towards where she had seen some suitable leaves earlier. Perhaps I could find some sort of flat rock to work on... She kept her eyes on the feline until she was in the treeline behind her. Once there, she turned around to look for the leaves that proved to be so useful. Having found them, now all she had to do was get to them and pick a few.

Doing so, was no feat, and she quickly gathered a mouthful, more than enough, before heading down to the stream. She passed the other two, quite easily, as the newcomer was limping in his obvious pain. My what sharp teeth he has... I'm sure he could chomp us down without a blink... This was what the doe figured had put Dune on the edge, too. He stayed between her and the cat the entire time.

Having reached the stream first, Cold-Blood put down the leaves and searched for a suitable rock. Big and flat, was the one she found and approved of. She set the leaves down on it and began to smoosh them with her hooves, grinding them together. It slowly became more and more like the salve she strove to make. This was something she had used many a time during her hunts.

Lost Light looked at the helping buck, he let out a small smile. He listened to the bucks advice while the doe gathered supplies. The couple was passing the test he had layed out for them. A test of kindness and gratitude towards the swamp. Matope would be pleased. Lost Light layed down with a grunt. Still clutching his head to his neck. He waited for cold blood to apply the paste to him. He waited anxiously for the does touch. He closed his eyes conjured a message that would be passed through him to Cold Blood and her expectant child.

Dune watched his.. girlfriend apply the salve to the injured beast. He grinned as she played the caretaker, a role he really couldn't imagine her tolerating for long.
Just as she finished, he shuddered. A pulse ran through his body, something ancient and powerful. It felt familiar, like the breathing of Mother swamp, but much more powerful. Something here was not what it seemed.
He eyed the cat with a new perspective, curious as to where exactly it had come from. Again something in the back at his mind urged him to pay attention, again he ignored it.
I have heard of creatures like this, four legged hunters, possessing massive teeth. An old buck once told me they were sometimes... bonded with Kimeti. Like a pet, but much more powerful, and that not just any Kimeti could bond with such a creature. Maybe he has a tie like that with another Kimeti, but got injured and lost. Or he could be exactly what he seems, an injured animal making truce with us in exchange for help.
Grit tilted his head, thinking hard.