Tiamat

It is Rexanna’s fireworks that catch her attention. The ocean mare lingers at the banks of her brother lake, as she often does on solitary nights, when the sun dips low in the sky and sleep does not beckon to her yet. She finds comfort in his quiet company. Her velvet muzzle trails over the glassy surface, watching as the ripples swell out smoothly from her touch, when the fireworks’ reflection suddenly draws her eye. Furrowing her brow in confusion, her head rises and white eyes glance towards the Basin’s entrance, resting just in time to see the bright sparkles fade into the splendid haze of dusk.

Tiamat has never seen fireworks before, and mistakes them at first for stars—but they are not like her other pearly sisters, twinkling endlessly in the darkness and anchored in the sky. Deciding that it must something of nature that she doesn’t understand, the blue mare has no choice but to investigate—to learn. Her heart thrumming in mounting enthusiasm, Tiamat pivots on dainty heels and directs herself towards the valley’s entrance, cloven hooves cutting cleanly through the unfettered snow.

Her warm breath billows in translucent clouds around her lips, wafting through the cold air to play with her leonine tail, before dissipating completely behind her. The mare’s stride is long and even, thumping with every beat of her heart, her spirits lifted by the wind that whistles a song through the crevices in her horn. Everything about nature is exciting to Tiamat—sacred, even—and her curiosity swells in her breast until she feels like she might not be able to contain it.

However, she is caught off-guard when not something comes into view, but rather someone. Uninhibited by fears or suspicions of strangers, the ocean mare’s pace does not falter, and as the distance to the border decreases, recognition finally seizes her. “Rexanna! Are you all right?” She calls out to the golden mare, slender legs carrying her faster when she notices that her herd mate isn’t standing. Fear strikes cold through her heart, quickly followed by the affectionate, steely resolve to help, to heal.

Even when Rexanna rises, Tiamat pushes herself forward still, unable to ease the hammering against her ribcage until she is sure her friend is safe and sound. Slowing herself with only a slight misstep that skids her forward, the blue mare comes to settle at the golden mare’s side, touching her shoulder gently before noticing her little miracle. “Oh, Rexanna,” Tiamat’s breath is taken, and not with the exertion of her recent exercise—but with the miracle of life, “he’s beautiful!” A wide smile breaks across her lips, white eyes sparkling with wonder as she looks at the tiny child. How proud Rexanna must be! There are few miracles that can rival the phenomenon of birth, and she feels fortunate to be able to witness it now.

Looking back to the new mother, Tiamat’s smile softens tenderly before she sifts through her thick hair. Ever mindful, ever caring, and ever benevolent, the health of the golden mare doesn’t go overlooked to the ocean mare. While she has yet to experience birth herself, she understands that this beautiful blessing doesn’t come without challenging the mother’s body. Selecting a blend of chamomile to help relax both mother and child, and gotu kola to aid in healing and mental clarity, she offers them to Rexanna. “Here, take these. They will help,” the herbs are grasped in her lips, revered tokens for them, given from the earth.

With her long tail swaying behind her in barely-contained excitement, she lowers her head, moving slowly as she looks fondly upon the newborn. “Hello, little one,” her smile is as soft as her voice, lilting like a feather against the wind. Reaching out to him, she offers her muzzle, wanting to taste his milky scent and feel the innocence of his very being, but she manages not to be overbearing, only touching the colt should he allow her to. “What have you named him?” Tiamat inquires happily of the golden mare, looking to her from the level of her son.

“Speech.”

a bright star
so no one lets you down
i will shine to guide you

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