Welcome to Gaia! ::

Stepping lightly, Aonani carefully nibbled at the grass which sat beneath her. To her, the taste was familiar, yet still foreign in a sense. This was mainly due to her diet of mostly fruits and nectars, which was a normal one for a flutter like herself. However, like any horse, or at least any that wasn't Skinwalker, Kelpi, or Kalona, she still needed some grass in her diet.

Nibbling along, the mare's ears perked and her head quickly shot up at the sound of her daughter's screams. "Dominica?"

She quickly hurried over towards the stream where she allowed the small filly to play while still under safe eyes. She couldn't imagine what could have happened. Had she fallen? Had a predator decided to brave daylight in the search for a meal? What could have happened?

Tilting her head, Aonani blinked and carefully eyed the child whom didn't seem to be in any danger.

"Dominica, what's wrong?"

Smiling softly, the pink mare lowered her head and gave a comforting chirp to her child. Though he daughters worried and antics amused her, she never enjoyed watching her go through life like she was holding the world's burdens on her shoulders.

A filly should be out running across fields and romping around with other foal's right? She would be out laughing without a care in the world, and yet, she wasn't. She was usually hidden away somewhere like she feared something unknown, and that worried Anoani.

"It's alright Dominica. You are not like the dirt or a fire. A little water isn't going to kill you. Though water can be dangerous, we also need it to live. How else do you plan to quenching your thirst or keeping yourself clean? You aren't a pig or some kind of zebra. You can not survive with a dirt bath alone."

"Bad?" the mare couldn't help but tilt her head in slight confusion at the statement. Who said a little water was bad for a flutter? Yes, it would be bad if one was in a smaller for and flying around, but how could it be bad in general?

"Oh Dominica, there really is nothing to fear. A little water isn't going to hurt you or you wings. I admit, maybe too much might keep you from flying for a little while, but is isn't going to tear your wings apart, okay?"

Looking back, she smiled at her daughter to try and comfort her once more. She really didn't understand where the filly got all these rumors, especially since she spent most of her time by Aisha or Fremere's side, and why she worried so much. It seemed like more of a trait a crazy old hermit might have rather than something a young foal would go through.

"Would you feel better if I stayed with you by the river?"

It was times like this, the simple trials, that made Aonani wonder if she had what it takes to be a good mother. She cared for her daughters, provided for them, loved them, and did what she could to teach them everything she felt they would need when they reached adulthood. Like most parents, Nani wanted the best for her child and hoped that in everything she did, she was doing the best for her daughters. She did not wish for them to live a life of fear and uncertainty, especially Dominica, so she could only do her best to support her child and give what confidence and comfort she can give. Only time would tell if her simple efforts were enough to help her daughters grow to their true potential.

Holding her smile, the fluttercorn mare slowly turned to nuzzle her daughter.

"Come along then, Dominica. I'll show you that there is nothing to fear about the water. As long as I'm with you, you will be safe, I promise."

She gently nudges the small filly in the direction of river, hoping that she would have enough confidence to take the first step on her own. If Aonani had a choice she would baby her daughters from morning to night, but she was told that at some points she could do no such thing. She had to step back and allow her daughters to work for themselves.