havent decided how i want the introduction to go yet but i imagine it would roughly be one of these two

Coin and Crown au

Parent's Day

            It was an unremarkable day, no different than any other. And yet, I couldn’t help but be anxious. Though I knew it would happen, it was the intent after all, this still scares me. Even as I hold the egg in my arms, I can’t help but wonder if this was a mistake. If I’m at all ready for what’s to come. But it is too late to turn back now. I knew what I was getting myself into when I agreed to try for one with Lamb all those months ago. Still, a part of me regrets nothing. It’s small. And quiet. But it’s there. And I try hard to listen to it.

I look up at Lamb, giving a sermon to the masses gathered below. I wasn’t paying much mind to their words. I never do. They always had a way with words, swaying the minds of even the most doubtful. But such wasn’t needed for me. I already would give the world to see them happy. Such was unbelievable for me not long ago. I have spent centuries alone and figured such would always be my fate. Yet they have my heart, not stolen but freely given.

As Lamb finishes their sermon, they look at me with a gentle smile before addressing their followers once more, making the announcement of our egg. “Alright. Now to the matter I know you have been waiting for. Leon and I used the egg tent and ritual to sire an heir.” They gestured to me holding our egg, the cult’s eyes turning to me. I shift my weight in discomfort, having never liked being the center of attention. It tended to go badly for me in the past. Lamb stole their attention back after a moment. “I’m sure you already knew this since a few among our flock are keen to gossip. But there is also another announcement I’d like to make.” My eyes snapped to them. They hadn’t told me about any other announcement. “In celebration of my future heir, I declare today a new holy day! A holy day to celebrate families and parenthood! Enough food and drink has been prepared ahead of time, so enjoy the day with your families and children without worry. Glory to the red crown.”

“Praise be the lamb!” With that, the crowd exited the temple, eager to celebrate. I waited for Lamb at the entrance as they collected the temple donations. “So. When were you going to tell me about this new holy day?” I asked, a little annoyed I was left out of such. Lamb came over with a cheeky smile. “I just did, along with everyone else. What, don’t like a nice surprise?” They kissed my cheek and held the temple door open for me. I rolled my eyes as I stepped out into the courtyard. The cult had already dispersed to celebrate with their families, so no one bothered us as we exited. I followed Lamb as they walked to the village entrance. “So. Any more surprises I should know about? Don’t want to get spooked and drop the little one.” I joked, though the question was also genuine. Lamb paused, turned to look at me with narrow, judging eyes, and then took the egg from my arms. “wha- I was joking! I would never…well, IS there any more surprises?”

Lamb was quiet, their ear flicking with mild annoyance. Clearly my joke wasn’t funny. Still, they answered my question. “Forenus and the twins have been invited. They should arrive by midday.” On cue, we heard someone calling from the entrance ahead of us. “Ah. There is such JOY in the air today! Thank you for inviting us, Lamb! I always enjoy an excuse to spend time with my kits.” Forenus beamed. She was always a big ball of positivity, even at her lowest. Baal and Aym followed behind, pulling her cart with them. “Mother, there is no need for such excuses. We already visit weekly.” Aym grumbled. He always acted more like Narinder than his mother. Consequence of being locked away with him, I guess. “Oh, lighten up, Aym. We are here to relax, remember?” Meanwhile, Baal took after their mother. Always apologizing for Aym’s rudeness and keeping a more upbeat tone. I couldn’t help but smile. Their brotherly squabbling was familiar, though I have long forgotten any siblings I once had. Forenus walked up to us while the twins pulled the cart aside to set up near the entrance, squabbling the entire time. “Oh, is this the little one here, Lamb? Such a large egg! I hope you didn’t strain yourself.” Her face showed genuine concern for Lamb. Lamb smiled reassuringly, adjusting her grip on our child-to-be. “I’m alright, Forenus. No need to fret over me. Not when you already have two kittens worrying you enough.” Forenus chuckled heartily. “Oh, it’s nothing this old heart can’t handle. I can never thank you enough for bringing them back to me, Lamb.” I stopped paying attention as they continued to chat, a sense of déjà vu overtaking me as I watched the two mothers.

 I couldn’t dwell on it for long as Narinder approached, his presence announced with his trademark growl of disapproval for anything Lamb does that he wouldn’t. “Another frivolous holy day. I do not know why you would celebrate something so insignificant and beneath you as being a parent.” I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at his complaints. While he had settled into his retirement with relative contempt (given the amount of freedom he has), this damned cat always finds something to complain about. “Well why would you see the value in it? It is not like you or your kin ever had children, much less indulged in another.” I had hoped my remark would silence or upset the fallen god, but he only laughed. “Foolish mortal. Kallamar tried once. It did not go well. And Shamura has no interest in such.” He looked so smug for someone airing out their family’s dirty laundry. “Besides, I have indulged in such sinfulness once. ONCE. It was not worth remembering or repeating.” Me and him exchanged glares for a moment. Then Forenus cleared her throat, grabbing our attention. “Well, I’m sorry you did not enjoy our night together, my lord. Though it is one I hope to never forget.” Narinder’s face went through a list of emotions. Confusion, realization, embarrassment, and anger. Lamb and Forenus laughed as he demanded their silence on the topic before storming off. Even I couldn’t help but chuckle at his karma.

“What did you ever see in them, Forenus?” I had to ask, “I doubt he has been anything other than a prick.” Forenus finished laughing, sighed, and stared at Narinder’s retreating backside as she answered. “Oh, I was a zealous woman in my youth. Becoming a high priestess was inevitable, and from there devotion fell to obsession. And when his volunteers dwindled, I acted on that obsession. But I do not regret it for a moment. It has brought me more joy than I could imagine.” Lamb perked up as Forenus finished speaking. They had sat on the ground with our egg in their lap, probably to let their arms rest for a moment.  “Oh, wait! Forenus. You’ve been around since Narinder was sealed centuries ago, right? So, you would have met my people before we were hunted.”  Forenus nodded and Lamb erupted in a barrage of questions. They always wanted to learn more of their lost people. I couldn’t blame them. I looked past them at Baal and Aym, who had finished setting up their mother’s wagon and had begun sparring. They are their mother’s joy, yet they act so much like their master.

…wait. Their mother’s joy. ‘More joy than I could imagine’…

My jaw dropped as I put the pieces together. “Wait a minute…is Narinder the twin boys’ father?” Lamb and Forenus looked at each other before giggling together, as if I stated something obvious. Lamb was first to answer. “Heket had told me a while ago. Seems he is the only one in his family that doesn’t know.” Forenus regained her composure next. “Ah, it was a lifetime ago, but I’ll never forget it. By the time I knew myself that the herbs had failed, his entombment was nigh, and I had no chance to tell him. I suspect that is why the purple one sent them to him. Family to keep him company. Anyways, I’ve chewed your ears long enough. Go enjoy the festivities, Lamb. I’ll be by my wagon if you need me.” With that, Forenus joined her kits by the wagon. Lamb got up and looked towards the cult grounds before handing the egg back to me. “Take this to the nursery for me. I see a fight brewing at the drink house.” And they hurried off without another word. Sighing, I began the march to the nursery…on the other side of the cult.

<<PREV NEXT>>