2024-06-27 - paleozoic.002

The Opal egg - Seth - does not anticipate the return of Pertemarth. In truth, their mother's mate has been far, far from their mind now that they have their identity and name to chew over.

So when mother Gwillanth leaves (and oh, does she leave, and the absence of her warmth and safety aches and aches --) to go join and reunite with her mate, Seth's displeasure at the situation rears its ugly head. Nevermind that Gwillanth spends most of her time tending to them, nevermind that they cannot feasibly monopolize her attention any way, Seth's jealousy is as sharp as a beltknife at Pertemarth for the interruption, for him luring mother from them.

The emotional lash, the intimacy, is not appreciated. Even this peek into a private moment is met with revulsion. As Gwillanth and Pertemarth settle, Seth wriggles furiously in their egg, as if they could put physical distance from themselves, even if the emotional distance is next to impossible. They lash out, angry and bitter, receding back into their mindscape for memories of comfort that mother had once given, when it had been theirs and none other.

They want no part of this. Pertemarth would steal mother Gwillanth away, and she would go willingly. It is a bitter realization, that they cannot be the most important thing in Gwillanth's heart, that they are not the most important thing to their mother. But oh, how they wish and yearn to be just that, to be the most beloved treasure between her forepaws, to have her cheek rest to the shell and know, know, that nothing will come between them.

It is a foolish dream. Seth scolds themselves for even considering it.

Mother - no, Gwillanth - would rather enjoy Pertemarth's presence than them. Seth resolves themselves in this moment, that one day they will not need Gwillanth's attentions, nor seek her approval.

That doesn't make it hurt any less.