Sohalia

the Transcended

After Ampere's tears had dried, another presence appeared across the sands. Sohalia grew closer before she realized that she had stumbled across a private scene, and though she had not meant to intrude, she found that she could not pull herself away. The blue she recognized instantly as Ampere. At her feet was a newborn colt surrounded by shell casings. She felt a sudden thrill of shock and pain - perhaps she was looking too closely, destined to see his ghost everywhere, but she almost imagined that the foal looked like Gaucho. She certainly wasn't going to ask - especially not now - but the thought that there were more of his children around both relieved and unsettled her. If true, it would mean one more piece of him to admire, even if from afar. But it would also mean that she had not been good enough to keep his interest in the end.

He was a pretty thing, the newborn: bay, with beautiful blue and gold markings that reminded Sohalia of fire and lightning. For a moment, the mare hesitated, wondering if her presence would be welcomed or even tolerated. But then, remembering the difficulties of her own births, she decided to step forward. What if Ampere needed a healer? It did not take her long to reach Ampere's side, though she stood at a careful, respectful distance. She had never known the other mare as a mother, and had no desire to be chased away after rousing any protective motherly instincts.

"He's beautiful," she said softly by way of greeting. Astraeus, always near his bonded, appeared in the sky, circling lower with a friendly crooning sound. His wings sparkled and glinted as the sun's light filtered through the sparks that fell from his body. Perhaps the foal would find the sight thrilling; perhaps Astraeus would be ignored. In any case, the wakiya settled carefully on Sohalia's back, watching the scene with a vague interest. -Many foals now,- he commented. His voice was bland, but his bondmate understood his meaning. There were more little ones to protect with warriors they did not have.

Shaking off the morose train of thought, Sohalia smiled kindly at the babe, her nose scrunching slightly as she admired him. She had always been fond of children (as one might imagine), and this one was no exception, regardless of his who his father was or was not. To Ampere, she asked simply, "Can I get you anything?" The blue appeared to be doing well, but there were some birthing injuries that could not be seen.

"Talking."
-Astraeus.-

@Ampere