When the boys were born, No Rest had been eager to leave them to fend for themselves and go back to the way her life was. Solitary, scientific, with no need to protect or provide for others. She functioned best, that way, but as she waited for her boys to be born, she found that it was… hard, to leave them. Whether out of a sense of morbid curiosity to test what little maternal instinct she possessed, or a sense of duty… She stayed.
What a mistake that was.
As the boys grew, No Rest watched as Viridian Hue and Restless Ember took on personalities all their own. She was… proud? Proud, of her boys. But annoyed, too. Restless Ember had become a thorn in her side. He was hers, for all his faults, and perhaps those faults were hers to claim, but…
She was getting tired of this.
“Blaze,” No Rest bit out tonelessly, climbing over yet another hill as the boy led her to something of vital importance, as he put it. “Where are we going?”
“Home.”
“Our den is that way,” She jerked her head sharply behind them. It wasn’t the best of dens, by far. Now it was barely big enough for the three of them, though she saw little reason to stay for extended periods now that the boys were grown. It dripped in the rain and the ground was often soggy and soft, but it was a place to lay their heads down and rest from the day, and they only had to defend themselves once there.
All in all, a good den.
“This one’s better.” Blaze explained, climbing up and over and under until, quite suddenly, they were in front of what looked like a cave beneath a giant tree. Immediately, No Rest was on alert. Caves weren’t often empty, and usually they were home to kimeti much bigger and much stronger than she. She had little faith in Blaze’s ability to fight. The one time they defended themselves, Blaze and Viridian were still little colts, hardly capable of fending off the attack.
Blaze looked back, eyes dancing at her expression. It was as close to a laugh as he would get. No Rest bared her teeth at him for it, regardless. “It’s empty.” Blaze said, turning to face her and tramping his feet a little on the ground. “Not a soul around, save a few small mammals.” He said, turning to look into the cave. “It’s solid. No drips in the rain, no muddy ground. Easily defended.”
“Our old den was fine,” No Rest said slowly, eying the cave itself and then its surroundings. There was access to water, the safety and solidarity of a tree above, roots no doubt growing in and around the cave. It could be concealed, as well. “…but I suppose this is safer.”
“And more spacious.” Blaze smiled a little, turning to face her again. “It will fit the three of us and more, if need be. We can conceal it from others; ensure no one will find us here. We’ll be protected.” He turned, venturing into the cave. No Rest eyed her son as he strode ahead, exhaling through her nose.
“Fine.” She said finally, stepping into the cave to explore it further. “How far back does it go?”
“There.” He nodded to the back of the cave. “There is a smaller hole beneath that will have to be supported so it doesn’t cave in, but it would suffice as a place of privacy.” He said, rubbing his snout against No Rest’s shoulder as he passed. She shrugged the affection off, snorting softly.
“I am capable of fending for myself, Blaze.” She said, looking over at him, eyes narrowing. “You are old enough to be without me.” She inclined her head. “It is our way.”
Blaze paused at that, faltering. He swallowed a little, looking out at the entrance of the cave. “There is safety in numbers.” He said finally, looking back. “Having a single place to return to is safer than having nowhere to turn.”
No Rest eyed him closely, jaw setting a little. Finally, she nodded. “Fine.” She repeated, snorting softly. “Go find your brother. I will be back by sundown.”
“Promise?” He asked, arching an eyebrow.
No Rest snorted over her shoulder, stepping out of the cave and heading into the swamp the opposite way they had come. Blaze grimaced a little, glancing around at the cave. It was different from his dream.
He’d make sure it was just a nightmare, and did not become a reality. Blaze left the cave to find his brother, glancing briefly after his Mother before continuing on his own way. It’d be fine. Really.
