Sunbeam Lair You see what I see, it's romance and stars

Checkup time, @Jolon.

Everything had become uncomfortable as of late. Moving was difficult, the weight of her abdomen being something that she'd never experienced before. It was foreign yet, at the same time, amazing. To think that there were actual lives growing within her womb was interesting, and she'd often spent her time wondering how many she might have, their genders, and so much more. How would they develop? Would they be subtle and wise, or boisterous and daring? She was curious about them already, and had been since the first day she'd felt them move within her. Currently, they moved around a lot, preparing themselves for their arrival into the world, which she'd already concluded would be coming soon. So much time had passed, and large had she become; it was a matter of time at this point, a waiting game to see just when they might be ready to meet their mother for the first time.

While being mobile had proven to be difficult, she'd not stopped, having kept active all the while so as to make sure that she'd not get accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle. Her decision had been influenced, too, by the knowledge that having a healthy mother was likely to result in healthy children. Just as her activity hadn't decreased, neither had the amount of attention that she paid to the flora of the cavern; and, with it, her responsibilities as a herbalist. Several days had passed, however, since she'd decided that a checkup was necessary. Not on her herbs, though, but on a patient. A part of the girl's mind had been dreading the inevitable, having yet to forget his act against her, as well as all of the times in which he'd disobeyed her. Normally, the latter would not have bothered her too terribly, as she'd never seen a point in ruling with an iron fist, so to speak. It was the fact that he'd awoken the dragon that had left her frazzled, nervous and exhausted from having to force the beast back. It was a dangerous game to be played, but one of which that she'd never struggled with—until then, of course.

In spite of her personal feelings, however, Asterr had made a promise to always protect and watch over her tribe. The members were her family, even if they might not view her the same way, and so it was her responsibility to ensure that they'd not be left to tend to their injuries by themselves. It was because of that fact that she'd eventually tilted her head back and called for the dark male, summoning him to her medical quarters.

Unlike Asterr, Jolon was becoming more and more mobile. Sure, he wasn't that fast and refrained from dangerous activities like climbing and running, but he was getting better. That the reason for why was because Asterr was treating him felt a little uncomfortable. It was not often that memories of their past crossed his mind, but they were becoming more frequent. He wanted her trust back, but felt incapable of it- especially now that he couldn't do very much. He had became what he had always hated; a weight on the pack. He felt more useless now than ever, except when he was spending some time with Avannon. Despite him having not been able to save her from Judas, he felt like he was making a positive impact on her shattered soul. He decided to not tell anyone about their somewhat secret relationship- not even Asterr.

Jolon was sitting near the path to the roof, praying softly that he'd be able to climb up there very soon. He missed the starry sky- perhaps even more than he missed Noctura. What had happened to the night sky observer was a mystery to him, but he didn't want to think about it- afraid Vector might come up on top in his battle within that would go one a lifetime if he did. One black paw was placed on the first step of the path when Asterr's voice sounded- calling for none other than him.

With a low head and a tail between his haunches did he retreat into their home- moving toward where he had spent the days of his recovery. It was there that he saw the swollen body of the dragoness and a pain shot through his heart. Perhaps it was a good thing he had broken a leg- he was not ready to become a dad. He still had time to prepare until Avannon's heat came back, and even then he doubted Asterr would let them start a family. He bowed in greeting, even if doing so hurt his healing limb. You called?

During the time that she'd spent waiting for his arrival, Asterr had laid down outside of the chamber. It had been several times that she'd been made to shift, the children within having either decided that they didn't like her laying one way, or that they'd wanted to move elsewhere. At times, it was rather troublesome, as well as exhausting, but she persevered. They were her children—they were of Draconid blood—and so she loved them anyways, despite having yet to meet them. While she knew not if she'd make a good mother, there was no denying that she'd try her very best to give them the lives that they deserved. They would be fed, they would be taught, and they would be loved; there were nights in which she'd laid awake and spoke to them, telling them of how marvelous the world could be, as well as how the dragons would always watch over them. Draco, especially, she knew would do his best to ensure their survival, which often made her feel at ease.

Once Jolon had arrived, it'd taken a moment for the girl to push herself back up to her feet, but she'd managed just fine on her own. It was with a lengthy sigh and a shake of her head that she'd muttered under her breath something about the extra weight, but it'd not been spoken loud enough to sound like anything more than a jumble of nonsense. Looking towards the man, she'd swung her head as she'd turned, motioning him over. "Come," was all she'd said, then moved forward and entered the medical chamber. Should he have followed, she'd motion for him to settle down, and then she'd go to work with examining his injured limb. Several times had she poked and prodded at it, nosing the leg and testing the strength of the bone. Once she'd finished, she'd said, "Wait here." Thereafter, it was towards the back that she'd gone, nosing at the various parts and pieces of several plant species before having stopped at long, narrow leaves. It was with a gentle mouth that she'd picked them up, bringing no damage to the plant in the process, thus ensuring that they'd not have an effect on her pregnancy. They'd been placed back down in front of the male, a total of three littering the ground before him. "Eat these," the dragoness instructed, sitting herself down in the process so as to relieve her legs of some of the weight. "Comfrey leaves. They are known for being rich in protein, but they also contain plenty of calcium—which will assist in strengthening your bones, should you continue to eat a few of these leaves every day for the next three days." Given the other sorts of effects that the plant could have on the body, she'd decided that three days would be enough, deeming anything more to be too much.

"I have a task for you, Jolon," said she, bringing her gaze up towards his own. It was an important matter, as was clearly written all throughout her features. "Will you listen to that which I have to say?" He'd created for himself a streak of insubordination, and so she'd decided to test him. Would he accept and hear her out, or would he act out yet again? Asterr fell silent as she'd waited to see how he might respond, her expression, for the time being, remaining neutral.

He almost wanted to stick out his head for her to fall on if she so needed, but decided it'd be best for him to keep to himself. Sudden moves toward her were probably not the best way to not be thought of as a disloyal rapist. She seemed to get on her feet just fine without his help anyway, and he followed her into the chamber he had spent his recovery days in. Everything still looked the same- but he had kept it clean as requested. It was the least he could do. He sat down softly, allowing Asterr to examine his leg. Her touches did not hurt, and it seemed like his leg was almost healed- at least, he thought so. It was there he waited, eyes following the plump physique of Asterr. That the dragoness was pregnant was not his concern- not knowing who the father was was.

When she came back, a mouth full of green that was placed in front of him. Upon them he looked quite confused- not knowing what they were for. If it was for pain it wouldn't be necessary since he didn't feel any, but as she explained he nodded understandingly. Strong bones were needed for running and climbing, and as a defender of the tribe he would have to be able to do both. Alright. He answered, lowering his coal black muzzle to the ground to take all three leafs in his mouth and chewing- with far more manners this time around.

As he chewed, he also listened to what Asterr was saying. His ears perked up when hearing she had a task for him, from all tribe member. He was not sure what to make of it just yet- assuming he would not even be allowed near her future children. He nodded gently at her question- wanting to hear what she expected of him. 

Still had she remained, watching—waiting—until he'd picked up the leaves. He'd become difficult to predict, much to her displeasure, and so she'd not known if he'd do as he'd been told or not. Thankfully, it seemed as if his desire to heal had trumped his stubborn streak, for into his mouth the leaves had gone. A moment or two after had been spent observing him as he chewed, making sure that he did not spit any of it out. Simply chewing it would suffice, of course, but she needed not for him to dirty her chamber. Thus, it was to swallow that he'd been instructed to do, which allowed for both parties to receive something. For Jolon, it was the mending of his internal wounds, and for Asterr, it was the ease that came with knowing her space would not be messed up.

It was a nod that he'd given, rather than a shake of his head or a total dismissal of her words. Hardly a breath's worth of a moment had been taken before she'd started to speak, silvery optics never to stray from his own. "What I have to say is in regards to what happened to Avannon," began the girl, her tone seemingly reserved. "Once I have approved you for travel, I want for you to journey around and seek out information on Judas. Find others that have met him, learn of where he can be found. If he is of a pack, you will find out which one and locate them." They were a peaceful group, as had always been the plan, but could peace ever truly be achieved so easily? To claim the status of harmlessness was an easy thing to do, but to keep others away afterwards was difficult. For the disinterest in battle often led minds to brand them as weak—an easy target, the perfect candidate to be pushed around. Asterr wished to make it known that she would not allow such a fate to befall her home. They sought peace, it was true, but they were dragons. Beneath the surface there existed a great deal of power, and she'd felt it time for a stand to be taken.

"You will not attack, nor will you approach Judas directly," Asterr continued. "You will seek council with his leader, and then you will report back to me. Is that understood? I will not tolerate a war being started when my children are so close to taking their first breaths." To subject them to battle so early on, she would not. "If his leader is willing, I would like for you to escort him back here so that I may speak with him. I am hopeful that the male will be handed over without an issue." Perhaps it would have been better to insist that the matter be handled within the man's pack, but she could not bring herself to command such a thing. No, she wanted for him to be brought to her. The dragoness wanted to display the very reason for why her tribe was not to be targeted, nor the wolves that resided within it. It was with an even voice that she'd then asked, "Will you be able to manage doing all that I have said once the time comes?" The chieftess' mind had been made up, and it was unlikely that she would allow for mercy to be given.

The taste was the same as ever- plants all seemed to taste alike to his not-so-sophisticated taste buds. He chewed them, making almost no sounds in the process as he awaited what Asterr had to say. He was still shocked that he was the one she had chosen to give a mission to, but perhaps she just wanted him out of the way somehow. His ears perked up as the name of his secret love was called, and he listened intently after. He was not sure if he was capable of hunting the monster that had dared to claim his sweet Avannon without ripping his throat out in the process, but for Asterr he would try. The green slime that had formed in his mouth was swallowed whole before he spoke at all.

Of course- but what makes you think the leader of one as dirtied as Judas will trust me? What if he kills me, or takes me prisoner? I need to be there for Avannon- for the tribe. He said calmly with a worried undertone. He did not think his life was worth much, but that of Avannon was- and if he were to die, he wouldn't be able to protect her. He cared little for the unborn beings, for he knew it would be long before they would even develop feelings themselves for anyone but their mother. Perhaps he wouldn't even get to see them, and that possibility made him sad somehow. 

The assignment was accepted, though there were questions that had followed. They were not unwarranted—quite the opposite, actually—and so she'd not ignored them. However, answers of pure certainty could not be provided, for she knew not of the man's pack, nor if he even had one. For all any of them knew, he could have been nothing more than a loner, though she hoped that that wouldn't be the case. Dealing with someone that had never before offered their allegiance to another soul was, by far, difficult in comparison to managing a being that had someone to serve. It was her hope that he possessed a home for himself, as well as that said home could be located and the male extracted without any issues. It was a lot to desire, really, but that didn't make her any less optimistic.

"You will be fine," the girl stated, unaffected by his worries. "The actions of one's followers do not always reflect the character of the leader." Jolon was a perfect example of that, the girl thought, but she'd not stated that aloud. "As long as you follow the instructions that I have given you, this mission should not end with your death." Asterr could never speak such words with utmost certainty, of course, for the future was something that she could not see. However, she also could not predict any immediate issues, assuming that none of the rules that she'd set would be broken.

The man knew that Asterr could simply not have all the answers- well, at least not answers without a doubtful undertone. Of course she could say it would all be alright, but if it were not to be that way, she'd be a liar. Unless the stars or whatever dragon God she looked up to for guidance were all-knowing beings that would just love to share what the future held with the little dragoness- they could not be sure. He just had to be careful, he guessed- extremely careful if he ever wanted to make it back here. Vector sent a voice to his head; saying he should just join whatever pack this Judas was a part of and then lead him out with a trick and kill him- but Jolon shook that thought off. If Asterr wanted him and his leader alive he would try to do so. If they would attack him though, however unlikely that might be, he'd not hesitate to defend himself.

He nodded his head slowly, his heart aching by the fact she seemed to take him as an example- almost comparing him to the filth called Judas. If I am to return victorious- will I get to see them? He asked carefully- not in any way meaning that just because he would do something he wanted something in return. Of course he was talking about the pups she was carrying within her. He was glad to do this for her and his tribe- but how happy he would be if the answer to his question was "yes".

There needn't be anything more said, for the mission had been accepted, along with her terms. Some waiting was still necessary, his injury having yet to heal enough, but she was not in any rush. A stranger had wronged her, yes, but Asterr remained ever the patient sort. As long as the time was taken to plan things out carefully, she would not fail, and the beast would be brought to justice. Onto the man would a flame be cast, and over him it would burn until there existed nothing more for the fire to eat. He would be punished and his name forgotten, for there would exist nothing that might be left to remind the living of his tainted soul. Away from the stars would he be directed, never to be welcomed into Draco's kingdom—never to be reincarnated. And whilst such thoughts lingered within her mind, she remained as the perfect symbol of peace, her expression having not once contorted into a display of pure malice. No, Judas was not worth her anger, just her teeth around his throat.

Ready to dismiss him, she'd grown still when he'd posed a question. For a long while, she'd remained silent, considering her words with the utmost caution. At last, the girl had spoken, but all that she'd had to offer was a simple, "I do not know." It was not a yes, nor would it ever be, for she could not give a definite answer. Asterr knew not how she would feel after his task had been completed, and she certainly wouldn't use her unborn children as some sort of prize. Yet, she had opened her mouth to speak again, offering to the man words that, whilst could possibly be reassuring to some, were in no way any more direct than her previous statement. "For quite some time after they are born, it will be only Ukko and myself that may see them," said she, leaving it at that. Perhaps her siblings might be permitted to visit as well, but that she was not yet certain of, nor would she mention to the male.

Forever he would've waited for her answer- that was how much patience he had for something as serious as this. It was not nothing he was asking of her- children were something very precious to most mothers and were not easily shared with "untrustworthy" beings like him. If her answer was a "no", he'd accept and live on anyway, eventually even doing the task she had asked him to do. He dearly hoped Judas would suffer for what he had done, but that was not his decision to make. Of course, he could always just go after the dirty man after bringing the pair here.

He let out an in-held sigh as her final answer was not what he had expected. Perhaps this was her way of saying that he could redeem himself if he so wished to do. In one way he wanted her trust back, but on the other he really didn't agree with some of her "wise" choices or judgement. He made a deal with himself there and then; if Asterr would ever do something foolish again that would harm anyone in the pack, he'd hit up Avannon and they'd be gone only a day after. Very well. I hope it's not long before my leg is ready for the journey. He voiced with a slight nod of his head. He had nothing more to say- nothing more to ask, but waited on her formal dismissal. 

The answer given appeared to have been accepted. Had it not been, perhaps that would have been the end for them right then and there, for never would she offer the lives of her blood in exchange for a task being completed. No, she would never do such a thing, nor would she stand by and allow for another individual to do it within her home. In spite of everything that she stood for, of the world of equality that she intended to create, she existed, still, as the leader of the lair. To allow for herself to be pushed around, it would happen no longer, for it was not just herself that she needed to act for anymore. She had children on the way, and they would need to be protected, as well as taught. In order to do so, surely she’d need to better the ways of the tribe, to provide for them each a space which they could live in without fear of unruly behavior.

With his words, the girl had turned away in order to retrieve more of the leaves. There was a cluster placed before him once she’d returned, the exact number uncertain. “Remember that you must have three of these each day for three days,” she’d said, repeating that which had been shared earlier to ensure that he knew exactly what he was to do. “Do not take anymore than that, nor should you take any for more than the three days that I have mentioned. Doing so could lead to something far worse than a broken bone.” It was a helpful herb, yes, but only when used in moderation. Excessive use could, in time, lead to the failure of one’s liver, which would most definitely be followed by death. Despite Jolon’s actions and words in the past, she could not kill him—not even indirectly. “You may leave now. Take those with you,” was said as she’d nodded towards the grouping of leaves. Should there end up being extras, she left the decision on what to do with them as his to make.

Until the male left, Asterr would remain there and watch him do as was necessary prior to taking his leave. Thereafter, she’d rest for a moment before heading off to collect more herbs for her cache.

Short post the wrap this up!

He huffed softly as she explained again what he had to do. He'd do it, for sure, but repeating what had already been said was just unnecessary. Jolon might've had the muscles of a brainless pile of meat, but he was a learned man with a longer attention-span than most. 3 leafs a day for 3 days, it really wasn't hard. The warning were appreciated, but again, Jolon mostly followed exact orders. It just showed that she cared just a little for him- maybe only because he was the one chosen to find someone who did one of her tribe members wrong.

Thank you. He said, turning and making his leave with the leafs he had picked up.