What did I get right to deserve somebody like you?
Isn't it strange
how a life can be changed
in the flicker of the sweetest smile?
.
"Mommy."
Startled, Essatha whipped around as the shrill call of her latest title reached her ears. She had only just earned it almost four years ago, but it still had to be her favorite; matching only with that of wife.
Hearing it said this way, however, had a way with playing with her heart. It jolted and twisted uncomfortably in her chest, dropping the blanket she had been folding upon the sofa.
"Sibby darling?"
Essie's feet only just carried her out of the sitting room into the adjacent space when she spotted her precious toddler. The young girl's black curls were flopping around, with wide wet eyes and an extended hand held out before her. She had the same deep muted blue as her father; innocent and wide. Her lip wobbled as she waves her hand in the air.
The sorceress cooed as she spotted the red streaks on her palm and fingers, taking to her knees before the poor girl as she took her hand gentle cupped in her own.
"Oh sweetheart, what happened?"
A pitiful sniffle escaped Hepsiba. "I was going to pick a flower for you like dad does, and it bit me."
The worry-knit of the noblewoman's brow relaxed. She released a softened exhale, a touch of relief taking the fluttering from her chest. The feeling was ever-present she found as she became a parent. It came with no regrets of course, but she never imagined just how frightening it was an experience. Her every background thought was dedicated to wanting the best for this beautiful gift before her, made of love and deserving of a world only bettered before her. And she would so it so.
The Yuan-Ti woman's golden visage drifted to the wounds. "Oooh, I see. Well, let's take care of this first and then we can talk about this flower, okay? Keep still for me."
The little girl nodded, reaching up with her free hand to wipe her damp features.
Taking a deep breath, Essatha held her child's gaze as she curled her fingers closed. Her lips pressed to those small knuckles, and she exhaled; her lips barely moving as a flicker of golden light like stars bloomed and evaporated from the girl's hand. She uncurled Hepsiba's hand; the wound completely disappearing as the last scratches knitted together with new skin. Hepsiba's gaze was instantly like saucer plates; mesmerized by the cleric spell that healed her injuries.
"Wow."
Essie smiled at the awestruck look upon her daughter's face, and whispered another spell beneath her breath in a husky murmur. A brief exhale and the twinkling of lights amongst a shadow of her origin magic, and the smears of blood staining Hepsiba's skin faded out of existence.
A bright airy giggle escaped Sibby. "That was so pretty mom."
"Well maybe one day if you're lucky, your grandfather and I can help teach you some of that," she replied with a flash of a grin. Sadris would love the opportunity. Teaching was an inherit strength to him, but sharing what he knew with those he cared for so deeply? The honor would make her wonderful adopted father melt.
"Yes please!"
The sorceress leaned forward, kissing the small hand in her own before releasing her to grab her face and pepper her face with kisses. The little squeals of delight Hepsiba made lit her up inside as they laughed, the damp tears replaced with a glee of pure joy.
"Now, why don't you show me this flower sweetheart."
"You won't hurt it, will you mama?"
"No," Essie murmured, her tender heart clutching as she reached for Hepsiba's hand. "I promise, I won't hurt it."
"Okay. It's out in the courtyard."
Fondly watching her little girl, Essatha allowed her to lead the way as they stepped out hand-in-hand to the central plaza of the household. Her eyes naturally took in her surroundings; from the fountain and statues to the various flowers and bushes carefully preened in garden-beds. So many days spent with Amon watching and learning and encouraging him of his passion, and the pair of them researching together new breeds to bring in to elevate the area. It had certainly grown in years.
"It was this one."
Pulled from her memories, the noblewoman blinked down at the blush rose that Hepsiba was jutting her free fingers towards. Her lower lip puckered too, likely in thought of the boo-boo she had just had.
"Ooh yes, I know this one," Essatha remarked, kneeling down once more. She looked from Sibby to the plant, humming thoughtfully.
"Do you see these sharp, pointy barbs on the steams? Here-" Placing a finger against the petals of the rose, Essie pointed to the thorns protruding from the stalky steams branching amongst the plant.
"Yes mama."
"These are the roses thorns. They're a defense to protect it. They're sharp, so we don't want to touch those, okay? Sometimes plants and animals will grow things or act in ways to keep themselves safe that may give you those scratches you had. We have to respect their space. This rose was just trying to tell you that it didn't want to be picked."
"But dad picks them!"
"Yes he does, but daddy knows how to take those poke-y thorns off these roses. When you're older, maybe he'll let you help him. But for now, please be careful around these bushes and don't touch them unless an adult is around to make sure they're safe, okay? We don't want anymore ouchies."
"Yes mommy."
"That's my sweet girl," she whispered gently, leaning in to press a kiss to her forehead. "You are so thoughtful, and so clever. I do love these roses, even though they can be prickly. You just have to be careful with them. Would you like for me to get you one?"
"I was trying to get you one though."
"Well, why don't we both have one?"
Hepsiba let out a short, excited gasp. "Yes, please."
"Alright, alright," Essatha mused gently. "I'll get the roses for you. Now I want you to promise me you won't try copying what I do, little miss. Remember that these plants are bite-y, but so are the sharp utensils mommy is going to use."
Sibby nodded eagerly, her curls bouncing.
Bemused and softened, Essie pulled a familiar dagger from her thigh. The frosted tip glistened in the sunlight as she reached out, careful to find a spot where there were no thorns before gently pressing the blade upon the stem. Portions of the plant's stem became covered in a frosty glimmer as she cut the rose off. She twisted the full bloom in her hand, running the blade up to nip off the thorns as she went so they fell back into the compost. The last thing she wanted was a shoe-less little miss to go bounding through the garden next and end up with one of these in the bottom of her foot.
With her daughter watching on with a patient and curious silence, she pulled free another rose to give it the same treatment. A softened murmur to summon a soft breeze to remove any pests living among the petals, and the roses were safe to handle and vibrant of color.
She took one of the pair, tucking it along her child's ear as she squirmed in place. She then went to mirror the other rose among her own ebony waves, pressing it behind her ear.
"There," she whispered. "You look like a princess. How do I look?"
Sibby giggled eagerly, pressing her hands over her mouth.
Puzzled, the sorceress offered a slanted smile. Her confusion turned to surprise as Hepsiba pointed behind her.
"Like the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."
A flush of heat pooled into her face as Essie pushed herself back to her feet. "Oh- hello beloved."
"Daddy!"
"Hello my girl- ooof-"
Twin chiming laughs filled the space as Hepsiba connected with her father in a crushing embrace of his waist. A recognizable weightless feeling floated through Essatha watching the interaction as Amon picked their daughter up to twirl her around before placing her back upon her feet in the grass. She was all grins, of course.
"Tova told me she was just finishing up lunch Sibby. Do you want to give her a hand?"
"Yes!! I hope she made chocolate cake."
Essie pursed her lips to keep from laughing. Oh, she was definitely her daughter alright.
"Maybe not for lunch," Amon murmured, smoothing her hair down with a chuckle.
"Awww… Okay."
"Why don't you go catch up with miss Tova so I can have a word with your mom."
"You two are just going to kiss," Hepsiba accused with a giggle.
A grin spread across the Bearmaster's face despite himself. Essie bumped her hip against his own as he slide closer, his arm sliding around her waist. A shiver slid down her spine despite her best efforts as the warmth and protection she knew so well encompassed her beneath his strong hand.
"We could always start right now," he teased in response.
"That's okay, I'm used to it because you do it all the time. Make sure you wash your hands when you come in for lunch."
"Oh, of course, yes ma'am," Amon remarked with a serious tone, pressing a hand to his chest with a flourishing bow.
Hepsiba gave them a final stern waggle of her finger before turning with a little snicker, and racing for the door.
Shaking her head, Essie waited until he straightened his posture before nudging her darling lord with her hip once more. "See- I told you we kiss too much around her."
"So she knows her parents are very happily in love," he answered with a shrug. "Is that so wrong? Besides, are we not showing her that signs of a happy relationship?"
Finding no argument in that; and blushing red from her hair roots down to her throat, Essatha merely squinted at him. She could not keep her smile restrained, try as she might, watching as he bat his lashes at her in a teasing mockery.
"She's going to tell her friends eventually that that's all we do."
"Well, that's not all we do."
"You are terrible."
"Guilty, darling."
She did not resist as he reached for her chin with his free hand, and held her steady as he leaned in. The smallest hitch caught in her chest as it always did; anticipating the exhilaration of what was to come moments before her eyes closed and his lips brushed her own. He was soft and she yielded; melting into the care and expertise of the way he kissed her. A pleasant hum rose in her throat in answer.
A very faint groan escaped Amon before they broke apart. He swiped his tongue over his lips, running his gaze up and down her body. His dark eyes settled on her own, where his pupils began to expand as he searched her regard in turn.
"You're so good with Sibby. She's lucky to have you. We both are."
"She's lucky to have you, too, m'lord," Essie retorted, leaning in to give him a peck on the cheek this time.
"Mmmm… Here I thought you were going to give her a lesson on how roses need the right sunshine to open up to. You were pretty good at removing my thorns too, you know."
Essatha let out a gentle snort. She leaned into Amon's side, lashes fluttering as his palm moved in circles along her spine. "Oh no- you still can be prickly, under some circumstances. If I did anything, I took you out of your cramped pot and gave you space to grow- with some sunlight and fresh water"
He chuckled. "You're so clever with your analogies."
"Yeah, I am pretty adorable."
"You definitely are."
She was less expecting of the next kiss, but no less thrilled. The corners of her mouth dared to try pulling into a grin that Amon clearly felt, because she could feel his own lips curling in answer against her.
"I love you."
"I love you, too."
"Do you think she'll be okay, or should we keep the courtyard doors locked so she doesn't rush to grab anymore of the thorned plants?"
"I think she learned her lesson," Essie admitted with a small wince.
He nodded, pressing her lips gently to her hairline. "May I escort you to lunch, my wildflower? Before the young Madame Hepsiba comes to scold us?"
"I would love that beloved, thank you."
The grip on her waist grew tight, pulling her hip to hip for a moment in a side-squeeze, before Amon's hand slid down. He pinched her rear; causing her to squeak, before taking her hand in his own calloused grasp with a grin.
"Scoundrel."
"I am, but you like me like that."
"See if you get any of my nectar later if we're doing flower comparisons, mister."
Comically, Amon pouted in a likeness of how their daughter had earlier. "You won't let me pollinate with you?"
The grin he bore as she let out a wheezing laughter of shock was all she needed to know he was definitely pulling that card just for this response.
"Sssstooppp."
"Is that a 'maybe?"
Essatha continued to laugh as her husband reeled her in closer, pressing kisses to her scaly cheek as she folded into him. Her heartrate skipped between each press of his lips as her arm drapped around his neck, pulling herself into him until she had stopped snickering enough to turn into his lips for a proper kiss.
"I adore you. I love you so much, you silly man."
"I love you too, Essatha. With everything in me."
Nuzzling her nose against his own, she gave a content sigh. Breathing him in, her eyes fell shut. All her trust, her faith, her heart resting in the hands of the man before her. In the hands that held her now, as he rubbed his nose in turn against her own in a bunny kiss before kissing the space between her eyes.
With a silent agreement, they parted. Her fingers wrapped in Amon's, his smile matching her own with a goofy, eager adoration. His palm squeezed to hers, and a certainty wrapped around her that centered her world neatly in place. The perfect puzzle piece to her heart and soul.
They took a few steps towards the door, and the world suddenly blurred in her vision. Essatha froze; stunned as everything faded from view so rapidly. Amon disappeared, the courtyard garden, the exterior walls of the house. Her breathing hitched with shock as the aroma of flowers and the sound of songbirds drifted away.
She was suddenly in their bedroom. A small swaddle in her arms. Amon's proud grin aimed at her. He kissed her forehead, and then leaned down to do the same to what was in her arms. She looked down at the baby she was holding, her little fists clenched and a small bow in the wisps of what little hair she had. Hepsiba was eagerly tucked against her side, eager as she looked at her little sister…
"… Essatha? Essie?"
The sorceress blinked, sharply yanked back to the present. Amon's face was taunt with worry.
Her lungs filled with air loudly as the realization of what she had seen sank in. She blinked a few more times, grinning sheepily back to her husband.
"I'm sorry my love- I'm fine. Its just been a long time since Jubaeta has sent me a vision, let alone one while I wasn't meditating."
The nobleman's brow raised. "A vision? What of?"
There was no disguising the tight anxiety in his tone.
She pulled up their intertwined hands, pressing a soft kiss to his knuckles. She wordlessly pressed his hand against her stomach.
It took a few moments, but his confusion turned to excitement.
"Really? Now?"
"Well, I won't be sure until my next cycle. You know that no vision is a guarantee. It could be a possible thread to the future. It could be a variation that won't come."
Breathless, Amon squeezed her hand tighter, pulling her in close. "Was it a little girl? A boy?"
"I won't take all of the surprise from you if it's a real vision of our future child, Amon."
"Essie-"
"Nu-uh, I don't want you to be disappointed," she replied, giving a firm shake of her head.
"I could never be disappointed."
"Then let yourself be surprised," she teased, reaching up to brush her fingertips through his beard.
Like an impulse, Amon licked his lips as he raked his gaze over her with a shade of desire. She had to giggle at him a little; his enamored expression was adorable. It gave her butterflies.
"If I start devoting more time for prayer to you, maybe you'll give me a hint?" he pleaded, his voice low and hopeful.
"Maybe," Essatha replied in sing-song, tugging his hand. "But first: lunch with Sibby."
A growling rumble echoed in the Bearmaster's chest. His eyes were intense upon her as hurriedly moved into her side. Energy crackled in the air as he pressed a sweet kiss to the space between her pointer and thumb, a smoldering hunger edged in his gaze.
She smiled at him affectionately as he reached for the door to open it chivalrously before her, the brief vision sitting in the forefront of her mind.
Another daughter. Their little family continuing to grow.
She couldn't wait to experience more of that bright, beautiful future with her beloved Lord Amon.
