My work goes steadily, with the sun beating down on me. It is warm, but not unbearably so, and I find that despite my exhaustion, I am more than capable of carrying on with the day's work. The light is reflecting off the wall in such a way that I do not see him approach at first; the first of the pair that comes into view is the youngling, for whom I have no name. I consider her momentarily with a puzzled look, but I nod slightly to myself in understanding as Valentine arrives. It must be his daughter. A lump rises in my throat, and I swallow hard, willing myself not to think of my own recently-departed daughter, for I cannot follow her, wherever she has chosen to go. Not in this condition.
I force cheerfulness into my vocals as I return my fellow Forger's greeting. "And a good day to you, Valentine. I've found that copper is quite supple; it may indeed prove suitable for the hinges. Thank you for bringing it." I offer a kind smile. My tail swishes gently against my legs, and I shift my considerable weight from one side to the other. Valentine offers and inquiry into my health, and I smile again, a soft chuckle falling from my lips. "Oh, I am quite fine, thank you. I am pregnant, you see. I am simply a bit tired." And a bit depressed. And a bit upset. But really, it's mostly exhaustion. That's what I tell myself, anyway.
"This must be your daughter?" I ask, turning the attention from myself and to his young one. She is quite adorable, really, and I can't help but grin at her antics. "She's quite lovely," I add, after giving him time to respond. I wish I had my child here to show off; I wish my firstborn had not died in the womb. Ah, so many wishes; there could not possibly be enough stars to fulfill them all.
"talk talk talk"
@[Valentine]
Live... I want to live on fire
Die... I want to burn out brighter
Brighter than the northern lights
Want to live to feel the daylight