The Portal
For a short moment, once the second foal had been expelled from her body, Erthë allowed herself to rest. The fact that she had carried twins, rather than a single child as she had expected, would not have surprised her so if she had been more aware of her own heritage, or that of Volterra's. Twin births had been a rule rather than the exception for generations, resulting in a sprawling many branched tree of relations that connected her with far more people than she would ever have believed. That she had bedded her own cousin would have troubled her if she had known, but Vadim's neglect had left the young mare ignorant of their sin. Now that her father was dead, the secret may never be revealed, unless some higher wisdom saw fit to enlighten her.
Perhaps it was for the better that she did not know. Would she have looked at her sons the same way if she knew that they were the children of her cousin in addition to being her own offspring? Could she ever look Volterra in the eye again with the knowledge that they were tied together with bonds of blood; that her feelings for him as a brother figure had been more correct than she had ever suspected?
It was difficult enough already, just to turn and gaze upon the little bundles by her hocks. The sight of them brought her no joy. Only relief washed over her upon seeing their damp, dirty shapes. They were alive. They were breathing and stirring, already struggling to their feet as if they somehow realized how important it was to move away from this place as soon as possible. Reluctant, still sore and bone weary from the difficult labor, the newly made mother pushed herself up on her feet and inched closer to the children, unsure of what she ought to do first. Should she name them? Or was it more important to check that they were without defects? Instinct did not kick in as it should, and she hovered awkwardly a few steps away without saying anything.
Edit :: FORGOT TO MENTION!
Erthë has a magical eye, enchanted by Knox? on Helovia. It gives sight to her eye even though it really should be blind (and rotten/dead/gone)
• Magic and violence may always be used against Erthë!
