It is now the moment where she praises herself for a job well done, and a delivery well met - for this was not just any delivery. This was the removal and drop off of a cargo that had been stored deep within her womb. Four long months had she carried this small bundle, and now she could look upon her passenger. Eyes soften as murky blue meets inky black. A look passes between the two beings, a moment reserved for a mother and her new child. The first moments of life, gone in an instant, yet forever burned into the back of her mind. Slowly, the corners of Umay's mouth twist up into a smile. It was soft, like a butterfly kiss, yet proud and fierce, like a lioness' roar.



Hello, child.






He has done well in keeping both his mate and newborn child safe from the dangers of the forest. He would have laid down his life to protect them, and like any good father, he has kept all nosy deer at bay during the delivery. However, on her request, he retreats to his mate, gently touching the nose of his skull to her temple. He then turns his bright gaze to his new offspring. The child's gaze is torn from his mother and to his father. Blinking owlishly, the child makes an approving gurgle of sorts. It sounds almost like a laugh. Lume smiles from behind his mask, casually taking in the sight of his tiny little firstborn. Marveling at the miracle that is life.



My son.






The child is small, and wet. All paws and ears and not even half the size of either of his parents. His eyes - currently a shade of dull blue - look upon the world, and his parents. His image is seared into the back of their minds, and theirs in his. Quietly, the child takes in his mothers appearance: her lioness' features, her large paws, and her twin tails. Then it's onto his father, with his brightly glowing red eyes, deep black and blue coat, and massive antlers. If the child had known what awe was, it would have felt it right then and there. However, the newborn lacked any sense of comprehension. He lacked understanding. But it didn't change the pure, innocent adoration he felt when he locked eyes with both of them. It was obvious his parents felt the same for their firstborn. He lets out a pleased rumble, which sounds more like he's blowing bubbles with his own spit.

After a while, the child buries into his mothers side, kneading at her soft underbelly with tiny paws. Not long after, he is pulled closer by a hind leg. A shadow drops over him a little while later and his father stares down at him from Umay's back. Another gargle of approval before the little one pushes himself up - or at least that was the plan. Instead of rising up, he flopped like a ragdoll. Both parents chuckle, and his mother offers words of encouragement. A few unsuccessful tries later, and the child is finally able to stand. More approving noises follow, before he presses his face up against his fathers mask, purring loudly.

He then flops right back down again, opening his tiny jaws wide and letting out a massive yawn. His parents exchange glances, and soon start speaking in hushed tones. A name. What name? They converse a few more minutes, and then Umay swipes her rough tongue over their son's face.

A decision has been made.
















Welcome to the world, Rui.