there is a shift in the air — a feeling of wanton longing, of bliss, and of love. it is not something that goes unnoticed by the deity, especially as the soft, whisperings chords of the couple reaches their ears, beckoning the creator into materiality. and so it was abruptly that a gust of wind blew up the cliffside, rushing out across the plateau towards @Talisa and @Morrigan and sweeping them into a momentary haze. just as quickly, only a breath later, maua would look to join their sweet company, as they had no desire to keep the patient pair waiting for longer than necessary. and so, just beyond the edge of the lookout, the deity would appear, walking across the air as their body became less and less transparent, until they stood before the women, fully present.

"oh talisa, how you’ve grown." maua rumbled first, a toothy smile adorning their complexion as their eyes settled upon the valour child — ever dutiful, ever devout, and, yes, ever eager. "congratulations are in order for the two of you, and it is a great pleasure to meet you, morrigan greyflood." eyes would shift in the direction of the ebony woman now, a child of their’s all the same, whether born to these lands or not. raising a paw then, maua would reach behind their ear, eyes never leaving the lionesses as they did — and upon moving it back, one would find two yellow rudbeckias clasped gently between the deity’ toes. smiling still, the spectre would extend their paw towards both talisa and morrigan, offering the flower as a token of good spirits and happy marriage, should they accept it.

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This moment was surreal as the cleric listened eagerly but patiently to @Morrigan's chime of the prayer to their Creator. The Deity who would show themselves to her beloved wife for the first time and really showcase that Talisa wasn't absolutely bonkers. That there really was a @Maua out there that called all of them their cubs and could give them exactly what they needed if they were in a good mood.

So as they waited, Talisa gazed adoringly at Morri. Feeling encompassed by such a strong and unfounded love that she was certain that nothing could break. A love that was so strong in its bond that the honeymoon phase didn't seem like it'd be real but Talisa was going to ride it for however long she could. The distance between prides still not something immediately on her mind. It was difficult, sure, but manageable as they both had their lives and she wouldn't take the warrior from the Hollow. Especially since they were allies (to which Talisa was very thankful for otherwise it'd be very awkward).

When there was a great shift in the air Talisa's ears went straight up and twisted, lilac eyes rolling around as if to try and get a guess as to where the great Deity was going to come from. Only as their body began drifting towards them and becoming less and less transparent to she raise her body to a stand and dance on her toes. Maua! she cried, moving forward towards the spirit so that she might attempted to nudge the left side of her muzzle to Maua's left. An affectionate greeting given to a friend that she hadn't seen in quite some time.

Morrigan - this is Maua. She'd go so far as to say a very long-time friend of the family by now. At least that was how Talisa felt towards the pink-laden Deity. Just as she did, Maua reached out towards Morrigan and pulled out some beautiful rudbeckias like magic. Talisa gently took one and tucked it sweetly into Morrigan's fur as best she could. Taking a gentle step back to smile lovingly. A gift from Maua. Which... reminded her. The impatience simply pulverizing her need to ask. She was an impatient child sometimes and had little hope to reigning it in.

I was hoping that since the two of us can't conceive naturally ... that that might be something in your wheelhouse that you could help us with? Talisa grinned, shyly as she suddenly felt stupid asking something of Maua when they already gave so much. To ask a Deity for something seemed a bad path to take but it was why they'd come... aside from proving once and for all that Maua was real.

+15 Meet a Spectre, Idol, or Guardian for the first time 1/2

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Though Morrigan trusted Talisa completely, she still had really no idea what to expect when meeting an actual god. If there was a book on etiquette, Morrigan hadn't read it. So while @Talisa reacted to the change in the atmosphere with obvious excitement, Morrigan was still a little apprehensive of what this would be. As the Greyflood's mismatched eyes followed Talisa's lilac gaze she saw @Maua materialize nearby as they approached.

To see a being appear from thin air would have been enough of a fright, except for the warm glow that seemed to reach out from Them and wrap the valkyrie in a warm embrace. There was nothing to fear from Maua. Better still, Talisa greeted them like they were an old friend, and Morrigan supposed that is exactly what they were. She still stood for a few heartbeats, accepting Maua's beautiful gift pulled seemingly from the air in absolute awe. "The pleasure is mine, surely. I've wanted to meet you since Talisa first told me of your existence."

Words finally came to her in a rush, though her eyes were still wide with childlike wonder. The dark warrior still couldn't help but suspect that maybe it had been Maua's gentle breeze that had led her on the path to the Grotto, but here was at least their true official meeting. She couldn't help but take an automatic step towards the rose colored god, as if she truly were a cub drawn to its parent. She wished she were brave as Talisa as her wife happily continued into what they had truly called Maua here for.

Her eyes drifted as they often did to her beau's lovely face as she asked for what they both desired, but not wishing to leave anything to chance, Morrigan would chime in as well, "It is my greatest wish for us as well," she murmured, moving to place a nuzzle into Talisa's neck, her wonderment for what their love might be capable only growing here in Maua's presence.

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they watch, calm and composed as the materiality of the spectre set in, gaging for a reaction as it all became so suddenly real. a smile remained perched upon the deity’s lips, passing their attention between @Talisa and @Morrigan in turn, and allowing their paw to fall back to the earth once the flowers had been taken. it is a moment of excitement and of electricity, maua listening to their words with care, albeit the fact that the weight of their request was not something to be easily disregarded. "love is one of the most powerful things in the universe. especially one as fresh and as pure as your’s. i can feel it, and see it in your eyes." enthusiasm and warmth lingered across their tones, prideful still that this couple had been brought together beneath the canopy of amaryllis. how blessed they all were, to see love spring from the ashes of loss.

there is a small shift, however, as maua takes a moment of pause, tenderness etched along their features before seeking to dive deeper into the topic. "but your love is also new and delicate, and children are no easy feat - do you feel as though you are ready for the challenges that motherhood would bring? for the both of you?" the deity asked, more serious now. their love for real, that was for certain — but were they ready for the next chapter so soon? maua was not one to judge, but it was their responsibility to ask before making their final decision.

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Seeing and feeling the Greyflood's reaction to the very presence of Maua was something not so easily missed. A grand moment where she knew that this was something that would further link them together as wives; a moment in time where she could watch in awe and adoration as @Morrigan revered the rosy Deity and came to bask in Their glory. Attention stolen away from the Creator as she regarded her beau as though it were only them. Maua had certainly led to their bond and it was through Their will that they would succeed and thrive. So Talisa listened to the exchange of words

Morrigan spoke that it was her greatest wish for the two of them but @Maua also had words of their own. Words that left a great feeling inside of her -- doubt. While there was no question as to how strong and pure their love was for one another, if Talisa was given a question such as Maua's then she tended to second guess herself. Suddenly feeling as though it wasn't Maua's intention to simple double-check the lovebirds certainty of wanting children but that they were wanting them to truly consider it like they weren't ready. As though Maua knew that they weren't ready and was trying to get them to rethink it.

This cased a deep moment of silence as the valour's woman's face twisted in thought. It took a solid minute or two before she could find the air in her lungs to speak (ample time for Morrigan to say what she may want to say) and even then she worried. For it was no friendly nor affectionate tone that she used but a serious one. I have wanted my own children for as long as I can remember. Taking up being a Nursemaid because I valued raising and seeing the children grow. A world where I could appreciate their differences and they could appreciate others'. Teaching the youth of your great triumphs and of your graciousness. Her shoulders are square as she looks to Morrigan and purses her lips before gazing back at the rosy Deity. I feel that no matter when we take up the prospect of being mothers, Motherhood is always a challenge. One that I feel that I was ready for, even before I met my dear. Was that too much? Was she being too forward? Too aggressive for the Creator that she worshipped? Occasionally a flicker of an apologetic look wandered across her face because it took every ounce of strength in her to fight against crumpling at the feel of doubt and defeat.

+15 Meet a Spectre, Idol, or Guardian for the first time 2/2

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Though still plenty awestruck it did not mean that each word @Maua spoke didn't land on perfectly listening ears. Her dark rimmed lobes were locked onto each word of the Creator's, but where @Talisa saw doubt, Morrigan had already had all of these thoughts herself, that night on the beach after Talisa had first told her it was possible. So concern would touch her molten eyes as they turned to search the face of her new wife. More than that, though. She was everything. So with the confidence she could muster, she would take up the gap of silence, allowing Talisa to piece her thoughts together in piece.

"I have only my pride and my Talisa," she began, her eyes shifting back to the yellow eyes of Maua, so closely resembling color of the flower tucked behind her ear now, "I have no family of my own anymore, yet all I've ever wanted was to take care of someone. I had dreamed of little someones, too, but until Talisa told me what you could do... It was never exactly how I would have liked. I've had nearly four years of selfishness and wroth. I of course defer to your judgement, wise Maua, but I truly believe I am ready to live that nobler dream with my wife." Her eyes were once again glittering with moisture as she waited for her love to speak.

After she spoke her beautiful words, all of them truths that she would indeed be a magnificent mother, biased Morrigan or not, the valkyrie would move to place her paw in comfort upon the soft cream and brown of Talisa's before turning her attention dutifully back to the glowing warmth that was Maua's being.

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there is a shift in talisa’s behaviour that does not go unnoticed by maua, prompting the quirk of a brow towards the cleric as she pleads her case. the question had been one of genuine intent, of course, to ensure that the couple was prepared and wanting to cross the bridge from freedom and towards newfound responsibility. and so they listened, quiet and stoic, matching the demeanour that @Talisa portrayed with seamless ease, before finally finding a place to speak. "i know your heart, my child, and have since you were but a tiny cub. i know your intentions are good." the spectre assured, even and clear in their assessment, before turning to @Morrigan and revelling in her own spout of words. "it is good to be selfish in life, from time to time. and i know you mean it when you say that you are ready to leave that behind in favour of your love." because what was parenthood is not sacrifice?

it was then that the deity would take pause, eyes fluttering closed as the creator took a moment to connect with the energy swirling around the small group. and by the time that their eyes opened a few moments later, a decision had been made.

maua would take one step closer to the pair, before dropping to their haunches, now in a closer and more intimate position than before. both paws would then outstretch, one looking to place itself atop morrigan’s free paw, and the other looking to do the same across talisa’s — and in this way, the deity created a circle with their bodies, unbroken, as a small smile finds it way back onto their face. "in a few weeks time, you will start to feel changes. be patient and kind to your body, and the children will grow healthy and strong." maua spoken again once in position, as a bright, yellow aura appeared where the deity was making contact with the two women. it would swirl and glow across their joined paws, exuding a warmth and a feeling of promise. "they will be a blessing unto you, and i know that you will both make me proud." and with that — so simple, in the end — the deed would be done, and maua would take pause, radiating their energy into the resting forms of the longing pair.

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There was a strength burning inside of the brown cleric as she waited for Maua's response. Surprisingly prepared for the Deity to address that she didn't believe that the Valour woman was ready for such a responsibility just yet and even more surprised that she was prepared to deal with it. That she would have gladly accepted the rejection of motherhood should her Deity not see her fit yet.

So as @Morrigan finished her bits, addressing her as my talisa, a shudder of delight rushed through her as she melted at the possessive use of her name. Her Talisa. Each second she loved this woman more and felt so honored to have found her wife and knew it from the moment their paws touched. A lingering physical connection that had started their relationship and one that continue to leave a jolt of electricity every time they replicated it.

Somewhere in the midst of Maua sitting before them and resting each of her paws on one of theirs in turn, making a small little spiritual circle, did Talisa feel the energy course through them. Maua's words spoken and her breath heaved, her body feeling like it was filling with hot air as she grasped that they were accepted. Feeling the energy course through her as Maua expressed that Talisa would begin to feel changes within a few weeks and to be kind to her body. To herself.

Through the revelation of acceptance, love and spirit ... the Heiress began to cry. It wasn't ugly but it was intense. Trying to take in a deep breath so that she could get herself under control but it poured endlessly as the prospect of being a mother flowed through her. Being blessed by Maua so that she and Morrigan could share their love with their own blood together. Strength and kindness within each one of them. Soft and their was hard, together they would make wonderful children filled with the teachings of both lives.

We're going to be parents, she turned her head and could barely make out her warrior's face as the tears covered her lilac eyes but she was relentless and ecstatic. Her mind racing with all the things that they would need to do to prepare. To tell Nymeria of what had transpired - to tell her whole family of all the news that was to come. For the first time in years, the Valour family would be growing and with this -- the first children born of Native and non-Native blood. It was a big deal and one that she was anxious to bring into this world to show that the bridge could be strong.

For that alone, Talisa wept beautifully; tears glistening as she leaned so that her head rested upon Morrigan as she wished to simply cry as the dream of motherhood became reality. exit via crying merrily in the arms of strong warrior wife

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With just a few carefully chosen words @Maua would lift the weight of burden from both their shoulders. In Morrigan, their words freed her from the shackles of any guilt she might have felt when she tried to compare the color of her soul compared to that of @Talisa. It was never about the color. It was about the substance, and her soul had always burned, now it would have something burn for. Though the air around the pair was already imbued with energy, it was tenfold when Maua touched Their ethereal pink paw to Morrigan's black and white one.

She could feel the tendrils of magic intertwining them, and she knew that she would forever have an unshakable devotion for Maua, she understood why it had always come so easy to Talisa. Maua was not some distant and quiet god who ignored their children, but was instead everything that those others should have been. Morrigan had not only been given the gift of a legacy, but also that of a faith. Her mismatched gaze moved between Maua and Talisa as she felt the magic move between the two woman and their Deity.

The rose colored being told Talisa what it was she need to expect and as Morrigan listened to the words, the idea became real in her mind, her dreams now much closer to becoming a reality, would be growing even now she thought. And with that the warrior would cry, too. Not like Talisa, as she couldn't have supported her overwhelmed paramour otherwise. A she held the woman up and wrapped a limb around her, silent tears of both joy and sadness flowed down her snow colored cheeks, leaving tracks in their wake.

She had only her pridemates to share her news with, after all. But they were thoughts pushed aside as she leaned into Talisa's soft skin, "Thank you, Maua," she managed, half-choked herself as she let Talisa spill forth everything she was feeling. exit via definitely not crying too

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the deity smiled softly at morrigan’s thanks, dipping their head in a graceful bow before the women turned to embrace one another in tears and happiness. feeling as though they had done their job and served their current purpose, maua would not look to linger longer than needed. rather, a hum would pass through their lips, pulling back their paws and returning to a standing position, sparing each of the children another tender glance in the process. then, just as quickly that the creator had arrived, they would vanish, swept away in the same gust of wind that had originally brought them before the mothers-to-be. exit.

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