2024-07-19 - We're talking Queens and Succession 4.5.2

Mother was thinking heavy thoughts.

The weight of them had pulled the developing dragonet, now more dragonet than not, from the slumber that appeared to be eluding Mother. Issrodeth was a familiar note, one oft thought or spoken of in tones of worry, concern, fear, hope, longing in recent times. Igith was less familiar, known, but in the distant sort of way Father was known.

The thoughts Mother thought that night were not wholly unique, but the perspective of them was. Ilrioth found himself tuning in, turning deep and unfamiliar hopes and fears over in his mind as he contemplated their ebb and flow. That she thought of others in her worries and wishes was not surprising to them, after all, she had protected Ilrioth and the Others during the earthquake despite the hurt it brought her. It remembered its own attempts to comfort, protect, soothe and wished it could have done something more tangible in the moment, as Mother had.

Knowing that she could not hear, but unable to help themselves, Ilrioth reached out to Mother with a gentle touch, akin to a soothing lullaby. It will be alright. Here he paused, pondering how to go on, We live to sing and fly and remember. Pain will pass. The future is far and we, I, am here with you. We will be alright. Again they paused, the next words, some of their most favorite important words, little more than a whisper of a melody. I promise.

Queens and succession, hurts and healing, learning and growing. All would come to be with time. They were not alone. Together, life would move on.