something old, something new

NAERYS In the days following Alerie's birth, Naerys kept close to her family: anxiety being the supreme ruler over her - leaving her mentally panicked but physically numb. Every day she goes through the basic motions that ensure her survival as well as Alerie's. Basic because the overwhelming feelings of love and sacrifice have yet to come. She cares, of course, but the love is slow to set in - trickling in through the smallest possible pin-sized hole. Perhaps it is due to a complex number of issues or perhaps she is simply an unfit mother. Logic believes the first but it is quiet, a faint whisper against the anxiety induced scream declaring the latter. It would be a lie to say that mothering came naturally to Naerys. Even with the filly so close to her side much of the day and night, it takes considerable effort to remember that she can't just fly off to explore. Unlike her mother, she longs to study this new place. Her young, wandering heart tugs at her the way a young child eagerly tugs on mother's sleeve, wanting little more than to dive head first into a new adventure. With the filly by her side, depending on her to fulfill every need, there is no room for adventures. No room for the possible dangers that might lurk in these strange lands. Dangers, her anxiety decides, that could snatch the filly from her faster than she could pull her dagger from its' sheath. And though the mother's love has yet to set in, the mere thought of something taking Alerie is enough to churn her stomach and make her feel ill. She'd been traveling behind Alysanne, her filly glued to her side as she always is, before she had to stop to give Alerie a meal and a break. Petyr, whom had been flying overhead, flutters down to rest upon Naerys' back. He doesn't remain for long. Follow mother. We'll catch up as soon as we can. Naerys requests silently through their bond as she turns her head to gaze at him from over her shoulder. Petyr simply nods and then he's gone, his vibrant green form rising quickly from her back and disappearing into the dark night sky. Naerys gazes after him, watching the beloved bird until she can't see him anymore. Only then does she feel Alerie suckling, filling her little belly with warm milk and soon after settling in for a nap on the passionflowers growing at their feet. Petyr finds Alysanne just before she lays down to give birth and the vivid bird settles himself onto a branch nearby. His interest in the scene unfolding below wanes but he watches still: for Naerys. His pale eyes watch the colt being born and the arrival of Iona but when Naerys doesn't come, he shifts his gaze in the general direction of where he'd left her. With no noticeable stress coursing through their bond, he deems her to be safe for now. His irritation, though, is placed on full display - impatience dominating his mood, making it quite difficult to just wait here in these odd trees. When the filly stirs from her short nap, there is a renewed sense of vigor in the little one's steps; one that leaves Naerys practically dancing in her delight. Their pace is faster than it had been before the break, her eagerness to catch up to Alysanne causing her to push Alerie a bit harder than she normally would. The filly manages to keep up and the two arrive just in time to see a strange creature step and stumble over the pale grey foal not far from Alysanne. Her ears pin back and her teal eyes narrow in a heated glare - shooting mental daggers at the lumbering creature for being so careless. Naerys shifts to bump Alerie's rump lightly with her nose, sending her to join Alysanne. "HEY!" she shouts at the creature as soon as her filly is safely tucked in with the family. "Take care where you step." she nearly snarls through clenched teeth, snorting harshly as if to emphasize her point. Her desire for normalcy as well as her need to protect override the logic that says the creature looks pale, wilted even, and lacks eyes. She might have let it roll off her shoulders if she'd noticed those rather prevalent details - instead, this just might be her biggest mistake yet. which is more dangerous, the dagger brandished by an enemy, or the hidden one pressed to your back by someone you never even see?

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@Alysanne @Rift Presence
It only took me forever (so sorry!) but Nae is here. I'll try and get Alerie up tomorrow. <3