As the time grew onward and the more time she spent watching her three children grow up and experience life in their own ways, the more she began to really look at @Farrow and realize that she wanted him to share in this, too. While she could only suspect that he and her previous children were perfect together, Talisa couldn't help but wish to provide more. The Valour family had always been a rather large bunch and in a way, perhaps she took after her father by means of having lots of children to swallow his time and energy. Now that Cass, Khal and Ori were over six months they were at the perfect age where welcoming new siblings would be a good idea. So, Talisa set off to the Hot Springs with a plan in mind.

It wasn't, like, a full-on romantic getaway but she at least knew (or thought she knew) what she wanted to do and say. Calling eagerly for her feathered and dark mate, hoping that he would sense the urgency in her call. That she needed him now more than ever, so that they might share in something not only for a moment but for a lifetime. There would be no Maua involved, unfortunately, but Talisa knew that someone They were going to watch over them and bless their children all the same.

manip & table code by k'sariya

He'd known this was coming. He could feel it, too - that desire welling deep within him, the joy that warmed his heart watching Talisa's kids roam the hillsides. It was one thing that they'd accepted him as somewhat of a father figure, enjoying his company and entertaining his stories, but it was another thing entirely to be apart of their creation, to watch a belly swell and newborns suckle and have been a vital part of their lives. Still, the notion of fatherhood frightened him, and he was resigned to letting @Talisa take the first step, for Farrow was uncertain if he'd ever find the confidence.

He had given up so much of his previous life for her and her family and her country. He would give up more in a heartbeat, but he couldn't help the nerves that came with such an insurmountable step forward. When he hears his wife's call sound through the mountains, he gulps. He knew this conversation was coming, and though Farrow might've leapt over cliffs and bounded across meadows to get to where she was, he felt himself keeping an almost steady and rhythmic pace as he closed in on the hot springs.

“Hi, Tali,” he breathed, coming up from behind her, once previously-shielded by the hot steam that billowed off the surface of the springs. His dark lips curved into a warm smile, aiming to brush his head along the crook of her neck. He knew the nature of her call, and that same mix of excitement and nervousness began to unfurl in his belly.

In every inch of both relationships with her fiery warrior and her steadfast soldier, they were so alike yet so different. With each of them she felt a different sort of love but neither one of them outshined the other. She found them equal parts amazing and would never favor one towards the other. So as her great and handsome soldier came gliding out of the hot springs' steam she couldn't help but feel her insides tighten. Her heart beating in her chest as her face softened infinitely. One that was instantly filled with adoration, perhaps some swooning, too, as she wanted nothing more than to be at the beginning, middle and end of his day forever. Life with @Farrow had been a miracle to watch for her love had blossomed even more so when she had seen the way he interacted with the children. An immediate knowing that this was quite permanent and not feeling any regret whatsoever for her rash decision or impulsive emotional choices. Just like Morrigan, he was home.

The cleric pushed against him as he brushed his head against her neck, a loud purr resonating as she whipped her tail at his flank tenderly but maybe a smidge aggressively. After all, she wasn't shy when it came to her affections. You have been a steadfast lover and a loyal friend, she addressed whilst pressing her nose firmly to his cheek if he'd allow it, any woman would be a fool to deny you so I feel that I am most lucky to have grasped you into my clutches. But surely he knew what came after a marriage contract, right? That it didn't have to stop there -- and he knew, that with Talisa, it would continue for as long as she was able. At least, she hoped it wouldn't.

I know it's a lot.. to go from being a babysitter to a parent, she paused, her heart hammering nervously in her chest as she tried to find the right words to say without sounding dumb. Or, rather, without squeaking out some unintelligible sentence. I would love nothing more than to make you a father, to your own. Being pregnant had been one of the most intoxicating moments of her life and she would happily indulge herself once more if Farrow would do her the honor. Yet, she was perfectly content to have the three if he didn't wish to pursue parenthood just yet or ever. Perfectly happy to love and dote upon Khal, Cassandra and Ori if that was what he wanted.

manip & table code by k'sariya

To be loved so overwhelmingly was a novel, yet delightful feeling, something delicate and tender. Farrow held it between his claws, careful not to touch or disturb its sacred place; it felt so fragile, yet it was blisteringly hot and blindingly bright, and he could only gape in awe at the strength of his feelings toward her. Never had he thought he'd ever be tied to a woman as he was to @Talisa, and with great effort did he try to kindle their bond, to keep strong what which held them tightly together. Her words ease his nerves, causing a delightful flutter in his chest akin to a bird rustling its cage with its wings. His smile deepened, taking gentle nibbles of her ear as he continued to let her speak, enjoying her complimenting and feeling embarrassed by them all the same.

She paused, and Farrow fell into the silence, his breath hitching as if even he knew what she had intended on speaking next. I would love nothing more than to make you a father, to your own. His eyes closed, allowing the silence to fall between them once more save for the soft bubbling of the springs and the gentle whirl of spring mountain air. “Oh, Tali...” he began, in his voice lingering a mix of emotions: excitement, nervousness, hesitation, uncertainty. It was one thing to be a babysitter, another to be a stepfather. It was a different thing entirely to be a father of his own litter. Ori, Khal, and Cassandra could always rely on their mothers, and did not see him as their primary source for food, protection, and reassurance. Children of his own would be half him, would rely on him entirely, would be his to love and protect just as much as his step children but differently.

He wanted it so bad. He wanted it more than anything. But Gods, was he scared.

“It's not gonna be impossible, right?” he asked, his rather absurd question seeking Talisa's reassurance. She's already done it before, and he wondered if perhaps she'd felt the same when first broached with the idea of wanting cubs. But she and Morrigan had done so well with their first litter, Farrow had no doubts that at least he'd have a partner who could help him where he faltered. “Will I make a good enough father?”

Talisa expected him to be apprehensive about himself becoming a father to his very own blood as they would certainly need him within the first several months of life. Seeing that her own children were steadily becoming more and more available to the world around them, she didn't see herself as needed as much as she once was. If anything, they were capable of coming to her when they wished to ask a question or have a moment of vulnerability so that they might cuddle their mothers when they needed it most.

So when he began as she could feel a thousand emotions hidden beneath those two words, she knew just how he might be feeling. Morrigan had surely felt it, too, but in a much different way. She had been apprehensive that they could even have children and Talisa had introduced the concept of Maua's way, and it had been a roller coaster upwards ever since. The heiress saw nothing horrible for herself in the means of being a parent but understanding the other half was more important. For she knew that she had the confidence and the experience to bolster her nerves but Talisa only had words and reassurance for @Farrow.

Anything is possible, so long as we - including Morrigan - are together. Morrigan might not be a physical presence but Talisa was most confident that she would be able to help where it was needed, too. They were a formidable team when put altogether and Talisa made well to appreciate that when the three of them were in the same vicinity together. I have no doubt you will be an amazing father, my love. Confidence in her feathered beau like no other. Parenthood is a scary but beautiful experience. You will feel anxious about their health, their location and their happiness but there is nothing in this world that compares to the love of a child. When their large eyes stare up at you knowing that you are their world. There is never a good or a bad, I don't think. We just help them to become the best that they can be. Whatever they chose to be, they would cater to them and help them when it was needed. Other than that, they would love one another and grow together.

manip & table code by k'sariya

It would not just be the two of them. Hell, half of Farrow's fear was him being alone, and though he knew there might be someday where Talisa and Morrigan were both otherwise occupied and he would be forced into an emergent situation that required his utmost attention to his children, he at least knew that he would not be solely responsible for their delicate lives from the get-go. Perhaps it helped that @Talisa was already so experienced in being a mother, and that it was not just them, but Morrigan, and whoever else Talisa may bring along to join their loving little family.

He had already begun to feel the little bits of how she described parenthood. When he looked down upon her kids now he could see a reflection of himself in them; perhaps not in the way he would have wanted initially, but he loved them nonetheless, and considered them as much blood to him as he would any children actually produced from him. Farrow let out a deep sigh, before his smile returned in earnest, his nervousness melting away into a gentle warmth. He wasn't sure he could ever will away the entirety of his insecurities, but at least Talisa did well in reassuring him in the moment, and not making him completely balk at the idea of becoming a father.

“I'll feel anxious about you, too,” he began, locking his gaze into hers, reaching forward so that his forehead could rest against her own, “it will be arduous and tiring for you...and it won't be a pain I can take in your stead.” Another reason, perhaps, why Farrow was thankful she'd already done it before. She knew what to prepare for, and so the only things they'd have to worry about would be the unexpected. But Farrow couldn't help but want to protect Talisa from the growing pains, and he'd endeavor to do everything he could to see to her too before, and well after, the kids arrived. “If this is what you want, Tali, then I'm ready. I want this too.” He'd wanted it for a long, long time; when he'd first laid eyes on her.

While meeting Maua the first time and asking her had been one of the most nerve-wracking things she had experienced, it was something she had looked forward to. A moment in time where that was one of the greatest experiences of her life was being gifted the beauty of pregnancy by a Deity that she had worshipped for years. Not only that, but she had had Morrigan beside her who had finally gotten the opportunity to meet them. With @Farrow, everything would just be a smidge easier but the happiness would be even broader.

Forehead to forehead, she eased a low exhale and closed her eyes. All the while fighting to interrupt him to tell him that he didn't need to worry about her. That she was a warrior and a fighter when it came to this version of war. She could withstand a little pain and a little weight because she knew what the outcome would be. She also knew that there were certain fatalities that could happen amidst childbirth but she dared not to think about that. Don't you worry about me, she quieted hushed, pushing her head forward enough to touch their noses, I may not be a warrior, but I am strong. He knew this, obviously, but she wished him to hear it from her mouth and while it was a wonderful thing for him to wish to take away all her pain, it could not be done.

So to hear that he was ready for this, she smiled and felt her heart swell to the size of the mountains. Happy that she didn't have to interrupt him to say that he had to say he wanted it, too, for he knew that not saying he wanted it would make it void. Then we shall try, to make this family fuller. As that was what Talisa wanted -- a family full of life and vibrancy, strong and beautiful in their happy corner of the world. They would fight off the crazy and the chaos, hopeful that they could continue to build their fruitful life together as one big blended family. So she took a single step backwards with a adoring expression before she nodded her head at him in slow.

manip & table code by k'sariya

He smiled at her remark. She was indeed a warrior in her own right; perhaps not in the ways Farrow had come to understand in his lifetime of warring and fighting in the stead and service of others, but in the ways only a mother could understand. He'd had a tremendous amount of respect for both @Talisa and Morrigan, and how they in their own individual roles fulfilled their dreams so well. It was inspiring to watch, and Farrow wanted to be apart of it, too. If it meant he could get even closer to his wife by starting a family with her, then he certainly wanted to do it.

Her prompting quickly stirred an excited feeling. Where once his nerves bit away at him, now they ignited a sort of fire deep within his chest, a familiar boyish instinct compelling him to line her face and neck with gentle and purposeful kisses. He could forget about his anxieties in this second and instead take it one step at a time. And though this first step was far more enjoyable than some of the rest might turn out to be, the end result would all be worth it.

She was all worth it.

Slowly rising to his paws, Farrow began to trail his grooming back down her neck and nape, along her shoulders and flank, and toward her hips. The heat of the hot springs lent to his fervent desire, his breath hot against her plush mousey fur, his eyes checking her expression every few moments to make sure she was still enjoying herself, wasn't having any second thoughts. He paused, however, just at her hips. “I love you, you know,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, “no matter what happens.” Even with all the trials and tribulations that came with becoming a parent, Farrow would endeavor to be a good mate and father.

There was no doubt in her mind that @Farrow was the perfect addition to the family then and now. He was, from what she saw, a perfect match to both her and Morrigan. He was a warrior but he also had a sensitive and light side, both sides to him that she was always happy to explore. For she found herself always enamored by the stories that both mates shared with her and while the idea of those fights coming to her doorstep scared her, she had to be confident that they could handle themselves.

That time was not present, though, as they lived happy lives once more and she could focus on family again. Burying herself in the kisses that he showered her with and allowing her purr to resonate over the thrum and hum of the hissing steam around them. And I love you, Farrow, forever and always. No matter what happens. If she didn't get pregnant, she wouldn't worry. If she had one child, she wouldn't worry. If she had eight children, she wouldn't worry. Talisa was happy to follow life in whatever turns it took her, just as she knew that Farrow would as long as she was there.

manip & table code by k'sariya

Her words of soft reassurance prompted him to continue, giving him the finality of her permission that he desired. A warm grin settled on his boyish lips, smothering her in his affections as best as he could muster, hellbent on making sure @Talisa felt like she was the best woman in the world. There was little that could fetter Farrow down, but he found himself at such an ease around her it was inescapable. Her words compelled him further, driven by passion and desire; his worries flung to the back of his mind for a different day, now intent only on showering his mate in affection and seeing that her most sacred wishes were fulfilled.

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