Dragonfly Fen you'll blow us all away someday

Don't you dare look out your window, darling, everything's on fire

She had enjoyed the past three weeks, keeping a close and watchful eye on the bundle of fur at her belly. There was a certain glow to it, to her. Even as she aimlessly sucked and her vision started to come in, there was a beauty. Reverie. It was a name her father had given her, and yet Soph felt that it was perfect. It fit her, her little bundle of joy. She had never anticipated having such strong feelings about anything, just as she had never imagined having a daughter either.

And so even now, as Reverie grew more adventurous, she did nothing more than stare on with adoring eyes, and it felt like instinct to guide her towards the mouth of the den, to meet the outside world. It was a cold place and a scary place, but to Soph it was also important.

The world was where they lived, and she wanted to give all of it to Reverie. If we lay a strong enough foundation we'll pass it on to you, we'll give the world to you.

Reverie.

A state of being pleasantly lost in one's own thoughts or a fanciful and impractical theory.

The newest Archer brought into the world could be slotted into either one of those kinds of things. They were a beautiful blend of their mother's daydreams and they were the impractical theory of two lives come together. Reverie was perhaps not supposed to be, but they were and it was grand.

The world expanded every day. Today it grew to be beyond the den where her whole world had been so far. It would be no surprise that her first steps were not alone, joined by the figure of her mother. When they reached the light, there was hesitation. Merely surprised by how bright it was out here. Away from the fur of her mother.

Quickly they turned to mash their face into the leg of mother.

Don't you dare look out your window, darling, everything's on fire

Sophrosnia found amusement and joy in the way her daughter tucked against her leg in protest of how bright it was outside of the den. She imagined it would take some time for the pup’s eyes to adjust. She did not remember much of her first time out herself, but she imagined that she behaved in much of the same way.

It was in that moment she wondered if she should want more for Reverie. She had never known the life of a pack, but she knew it made easier times for a child… She would gently nuzzle her daughter’s neck before offering a comforting lick behind one of her ears. She would give her all the time she needed to be prepared, not ready to force her out of her comfort zone so soon.

And if they should stand there with her daughter’s head tucked against her leg the whole time, then that was what they would do.

Sophrosnia is currently travelling with Lillia and is closely tailed by Vili

Okay.

Breathe.

Reverie dared to come away from her mother's leg now to chance a look at the world beyond. Not much more than colorful shapes at this point. Soon she would see the finer details. She dared a few steps out into the open and each shifting of the breeze felt like a chasm between child and mother.

They did not like it.

Shaky on pale limbs, Reverie turned their head around to look back for their mother. Surely close, but she needed contact again. Not yet feeling any kind of adventurous spirit if someone familiar would not be right there with them.

Don't you dare look out your window, darling, everything's on fire

Sophrosnia echoed patience in her movements, taking time for Reverie to want to explore the world rather than remaining tucked against her. It would take some time before they dared to move away from her leg, but when they did, she smiled widely at the girl. Though her uncomfortability was noted, Soph continued to be a silently encouraging figure, with the occasional nuzzle or nudge of familiarity for her.

She could balance comforting her daughter with forcing her into the unknown, she was certain. Reverie would not need to do it all on their own, not with her around. She’d keep them as safe as she could. She was certain Vili and Lillia both would as well, as constant guardians over her just as Soph was now.

She’d offer another gentle nuzzle before motioning further away from the den, encouraging her daughter to move further as well. Soph herself would take a few steps to encourage it as well.

Sophrosnia is currently travelling with Lillia and is closely tailed by Vili