Oh god what has the little lady done now?

Lakota was far from blind; in fact she prided herself on her excellent observational skills. The bulging of Phaedra’s belly was far from inconspicuous, and Lakota found herself both disapproving and excited. Not that she showed that emotions of course, it would ruin her icy image. Bad bad. Lakota had always dreamed of having children with Ithrim when she was younger, and knew the rush of love that overtook you at times. Though she wished to chide Phaedra for getting pregnant at an age she still considered young, Lakota knew that love made you do crazy, sometimes even stupid things. So instead of approaching her and saying things like that, Lakota had taken to watching her more often. Not only was she far weaker with her curse, but she was pregnant. Lakota would be damned to hell before she allowed someone to harm those babies. She was determined to love them like an aunt, because she had a softness for foals that came from taking care of Hana as a youth. Doubting she would ever have children of her own despite Ithrim’s wish that she would love again. Lakota snorted to herself- as if anyone could put up with her cold exterior enough to see past it. Bundle of white came barreling out of the bushes near her, and a half endearing sigh echoed in her mind. Oh yes, she knew how Ktulu felt now. Not only did she have a companion of her own, but they were similar species. Loud and crashing, she hoped it wore off as it had slowly started with Eytan. Aodaun crashed into her legs and flumped down into a bundle of white. Dark eyes blinked adoringly up at her and Lakota shook her head in exasperation. Ao was still just a baby, but there was a fierceness in him she sensed through their bond. Polar bears were natural predators, and were massive even if companions were always dwarfed. Lakota felt love for him, a nice breeze for her. He loved her just as fiercely, and they both knew it.

The signs of birth were obvious, and so Lakota flicked her tail at Ao until he chased it, softly commanding him with her mind to follow her. He did so happily, and Lakota considered taking him on her back if she kneeled down. Deciding against it, not wanting her sides ripped up by his claws should he be startled. Instead they moved as a team after Phaedra, slowly enough to give her time to herself to actually birth. Two others stood around and Lakota was instantly on guard. One a Throat descendant, though Phaedra seemed to know her well, and she was round with life as well. Lakota may not be the nicest of gals, but she wouldn’t attack a pregnant woman. The other, however, was of the Basin. Surely she was to be distrusted around two pegasi and an equine, though Lakota was relieved to see the children bore horns. Ao peeked from around her at the children, and Lakota sent him a strong wave of emotion, instilling in him the need to remember they were fragile and he had to protect them, not harm them. As if trying to look more mature he puffed up and glanced over at Lakota. A rare, beautiful smile slipped over the mercenary’s normally cold face as she looked down at them, having caught their names as she approached. ”They look quite like you, Phaedra. We will protect them well. They’re beautiful,” and she is honest, completely sincere. Eyes soft for once as she flicks her gaze up to Phaedra’s, Ao moving up to her foreleg but no closer to the girls, Lakota’s firm command still in his mind. Eyes flicker to Leyra every once in a while, showing how uncomfortable she is not knowing if she is racist. Lakota wishes to move closer but respects the fact that Phaedra is likely feeling protective instincts, and remains a good distance away. The little ones are truly beautiful, one a pale palomino like Phaedra and the other a strange mix of palomino, strawberry, and alabaster. They are equally beautiful, twins. Lakota lowers her head and ghosts her muzzle over each tiny forehead, careful not to hurt herself on their horns. It is brief, not wanting to intrude on Phaedra’s space, and she murmurs quietly. ”Luck goes with you, little ones. Love each other, and let your hearts be as wide as the sky with the wisdom of elders,” she says softly, her own personal blessing to the two of them. Smiling once more she stepped away, Aodaun following. Content to gnaw at her tail, small attention span making him lose interest in the new, lanky bundles of life.