Babies. Wonderful glorious children of her own. Zephyiote couldn't believe how fortunate she was to have them. Unfortunately, they were also a lot of trouble. Thank goodness she didn't have to take care of them on her own. Benvolio had gone home to visit his family for a while, which was fine, but she did miss his helping with the children. Hopefully he wouldn't be away for too long.
Vulcera was snuggled against the bend of her mother's elbow, watching Dionysus march surefootedly across the grass. Zephyiote was proud of her little green son. He wasn't the most graceful being, but he was sturdy, strong, capable. Even as a baby, she could see that in him. And Vulcera, she was shy and beautiful as a butterfly. She nosed her daughter, urging her to go play. After all, she did need to go romp around a bit, even if it wasn't her favorite thing in the world. It was important for her development and all, right?
Zephyiote did worry a deal about doing things correctly. She wasn't an experienced mother, and she couldn't recall her own childhood. Still she seemed to be doing okay. Well, except...
Except for the black egg. That was nestled in the back of the cave, perched atop pillows and wrapped in silk, it had yet to hatch. It had yet to move. Zephyiote feared for the life of the hatchling inside...if there was one at all. Maybe she could, maybe...no! Unthinkable! She might damage the baby inside. But if it was alreay dead, could she really do anymore harm? She was afraid to voice her idea to Seiki. Maybe it was best to wait a little longer, to give the egg a chance to hatch. If nothing happened after that...well, she would ponder that when the time came. She didn't want to stress now.
Rather, she would muse on her offspring's brilliance. The menagerie of colors they pressented. Apollo, he took after his father. And he was beautiful beyond belief. Such fantastic markings...truly a gift from above. She could forgive herself for the pun. Vulcera, well...her colors weren't anything like herself or Seiki. The only resemblance Zephyiote found in color was the fact that her own eyes and gem were yellow. Was that where Vulcera got it from? Zephyiote was pleased that she had an Avia offspring. There was something to be said for the beauty of feathers and wings. And then there was Dionysus. Zephyiote...she really didn't know where he'd come from. He was her own child, to be sure, but he had absolutely no resemblance to either she nor Seiki. Puzzling indeed. In fact, if she didn't know any better, she would think him a watermelon baby. But that was impossible. And silly. Right? She tossed the idea away. She would wonder later. She was content to lay down now, at the entrance to her home, watching her children play outside. Such a marvelous life she lead.
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Vulcera knew that when her mother nosed her, she was expected to go play. She didn't really want to, but...she wouldn't object. Not because she couldn't speak yet, but because it simply wouldn't do to upset mommy. Vulcera was very goo about doing what she was told. At least as far as she understood. She wandered closer to Dionysus, wishing she could watch him rather than join in. She wasn't as steady as he was when walking, and she didn't like to fall and get dirty. Hesitantly she followed him, taking small steps, careful to maintain her balance.
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Dionysus was having a grand old time. Nothing like the feel of grass and earth between your toes! Her marched around confidantly, with big strides. At least, as big a strides as his little baby legs could take. He loved the outdoors, loved it out here, with the noises and the smells and all the fabulous things to see. He didn't know any bit of the world but this little patch here, but he was sure this was where he belonged. Here, in the heart of the wilderness, he was home. But right now, he really just wanted to play.
