Tiamat

The ocean mare is not surprised when the little boy hesitates at first, recoiling on instinct away from her—at this point she is a complete stranger to him, entirely foreign, and not his mother. Hoping to ease his discomfort, she offers him a small smile of encouragement, the gesture widening brilliantly when the newborn submits, his velvet whiskers as warm as his milky scent. What a blessing it is, to see the innocence of life! The mare can feel the joy glowing from within her, and she feels as if she is a star, with her brilliant light pulsating with every merry heartbeat.

Another voice calls to the new mother; the deep tones of a man rumbling through the starry twilight. Flicking a dainty ear in his direction, Tiamat lifts her head to its natural height, eyes large and round with the celebration of emotions in her expression. She marvels at his lighted lamp, watching as the warm light plays across his face and onto the soft snow. Absentmindedly, the young mare wonders if this is the stallion who has fathered Rexanna’s child (because unlike some others, she has remained blissfully oblivious to the glimmering clues that have been placed around her). However, while this strapping man (Tilney, she gathers from Rexanna’s greeting) is very kind, he doesn’t seem to react as she would expect of a father.

Flicking her lion tail happily out behind her, the blue mare is caught off guard when the coppery stallion turns to her, promptly offering his lion’s mane collar for her to wear. “Thank you, good sir,” she says to him with a brilliant smile, long lashes fluttering almost bashfully over her eyes, “my name is Tiamat.” She gives him a dainty curtsy of her head, curved horn tipping forward before others arrive to seize her attention.

The first is a petite mare that she does not recognize. The stranger approaches amiably and introduces herself as Eldala, an apprentice for Johnny—and mention of the candy man makes Tiamat smile happily—before offering the golden mare a gift. The blue mare grins with her generosity, her heart warmer than ever; because how could anyone possibly be anything other than euphoric at a gathering like this?

As if on cue, an old, weathered stallion catches her eye as he lingers on the outskirts. Tiamat identifies him from when they had all painted the tent, but she doesn’t remember his name. Nevertheless, she offers him a friendly smile, even gesturing to him happily with her chin should he choose to come stand at her side. The ocean mare is entirely uninhibited in her acceptance of others. Race, age, and gender all mean very little in the opportunity of a friend.

Hoping that he will accept her invitation, but not wanting to pressure anyone, she turns around again, Tilney’s lamplight illuminating her eyes. The soft line of her lips brightens when she notices Ashamin, happy to see her dear friend, though she is entirely astounded when he greets the mother and child. His child. “You’re the father?!” She exclaims hardly a moment after Rexanna introduces the Haruspex to Tilney, the smile on her lips wide enough to flash ivory teeth. “Oh Ashamin, Rexanna—I’m so happy for the two of you!” Tiamat laughs gleefully, the sound like chimes in the wind as it leaves her lips. What a delightful turn of events! There is no doubt in her mind that this sweet boy will have more than enough love from his family.

“Speech.”

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

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