Redtail Rise to the river—

she's ankle deep in a quiet pool of the Rise's meandering river, drinking slowly and contemplatively, when she feels it.

it.

a ripple-twinge in her abdomen, like fish beneath the surface. she glances down quickly, to see if she's been somehow fooled by actual fish—but the water around her is clear. 

it happens again.

it. them.

a definite press against her belly, a slow writhing. her breath catches, the cool water suddenly quite heavy in her stomach. excitement sends her heart faster; she feels it hammering against her breastbone, a trapped bird, flapping its wings, life within—

life! Avicus staggers back, onto dry land, her indigo gaze twin full moons, cloaked in deep blue clouds;

oh. . . ma, she whispers, knowing for certain. Astara should be here. oh, how she wished her mother was here.