Gilded Bay When the bones are good, the rest don't matter

short little thread but wanted to get this up <3 we'll fade quickly yes if that's alright?

For a long while, Rosalyn both feared and hoped her heat would never come.  In equal measure.  She remembered the sureness with which she swore off another pregnancy, but the pain of the previous had vanished, leaving behind only the ache of growing old and no longer having the opportunity.  She'd tasted motherhood, and while the process had been horrendous, the results had been like nothing she ever experienced.

She could be content in her wife's, they were her own just as much.  But she could also silently mourn a body that had realized too late what such things meant.

Until it came.  When it did, it came quickly, late and without warning.  She could feel the stirrings, sensations that built into a strong and instinctual need.  Departing the territory, leaving @Erzulie to the capable watch of the pack, she called for @Rosencrantz.

If he was still willing, now was the time.

He hadn't wandered far from the moors, from the coconut trees to the bay, he was investigating the beaches and familiarizing himself with every nook and cranny of these lands to avoid getting lost here as he did once back when they lived on the plateau. Though he missed the elevated view and tall thick trees - the happiness this place brought the women of the pack was enough for Rosencrantz to feel happy here himself. 

A call rang out in the bay, summoning the twisted paladin to her - Rosalyn. What could she be doing out here? It would take him approaching the woman with a slowed pace to realize why here, and why now so suddenly - she had finally found her heat this year and he could only assume that this meant she was following through from their previous conversation. 

Are you certain of your choice? Because once it happens, there was no taking it back.

She was in no way sure.  She was old... the birth would be hard, the pregnancy likely a mistake.  But even while her mind knew this, her body ached for it, and the disappointment that bit when she'd thought her chance past meant she knew she'd regret allowing the year to pass.  She was not sure, but she knew the choice was made.

Are you? She asked, and with a smile she came closer, with a familiarity and sureness that was both a product of the season and their past conversations.  Rosencrantz was not a lover, per say, but he was no stranger either.  Despite his face (could she talk?) he was attractive, and it wasn't only instincts that drew her to him.  This wouldn't be unpleasant.

She had no expectations of him as a father... but she left his role open, unlike before.  So whatever thoughts he might have, whatever doubts, she allowed him.  If he had changed his mind, she would not hold a grudge.

He'd never be certain. Surely as his own first time came about in his youth, Rosencrantz had fathered before. Nameless faces in a crowd, all just to get some tail and satisfy a need. A primal desire that had him stop at nothing from obtaining a moment of pleasure with any female who was either equally desperate or swindled by his lies and shallow charm. It felt like a lifetime ago, a different man, a different boy - he was almost a stranger in his own damn body these days. 

But he too was growing older. After this year, he would have perhaps what... two, maybe three left for the chance of watching his own grow. To be a part of their lives. Something to chain him here, to Rusalka by choice, by near request. Meeting her in steps, he stepped closer too. Sure-footed without hesitance on his part. I've never been more positive.

She was not his wife, nor would she ever be, but he was sure he'd be happy to watch her be the mother of his child.

That was good, because now that she had him here, she didn't want to watch him leave.  Rosalyn let a contented growl thrum out of her throat at his response and wound her way past, leading him with a glance towards the privacy of the cove.

Here they would join, as many times as able, and together perhaps spark life that would provide a future for them both.  

faaaaade!!! Feel free to reply or archive <3 ahhhhhh!