Herbalists' Cache a mad thought

star eater wrapped herself around the children, her body a shield against the cold.
they had been named. each one tied to the spirits, to the land, to the blood that ran strong through their veins. it was fitting, in a way, that she had named the daughters while sun eater had named the sons. there had been no plan for it, yet it had happened as if it was always meant to be.
c'ede'. ghe’naya. fa’liya. caan.
she let the names settle over them like a blessing, etched into the stars above.
her head tilted back, pressing against sun eater’s chest. a steady weight, a grounding presence. the night was quiet now, save for the soft sounds of their newborns nestled between them, the hush of the wind carrying their future forward.
i have no intention of leaving you, husband, she murmured, voice low, spoken only for him to hear.
her breath curled into the cold, but she did not shiver. she was warm here, surrounded by them.
no matter my past. what i was.
her gaze softened as she looked down at their children, at what they had created. what they would raise.
this, they are my future. her tail curled protectively around them, sealing them within the safety of her body. as are you.
her eyes flickered, sharp, searching, before she spoke again.
but i have a request, if you'd listen.
it was rare for her to ask. rarer still for her to ask of him. but tonight, she would.