by ophanimera » Mon Aug 28, 2017 8:30 am
Lacertus shifted their body, which was curled around the nest of eggs. At that moment, all the parents were watching and waiting expectantly. Muna had laid the eggs the night before Lacertus was able to come into the den and start monitoring the nest for them. Lacertus estimated that he'd only been in there for about an hour, if even that, meaning that the eggs had been left alone for at least eight hours before. Shortly after laying the nest, Muna retreated to their adjoining cave, tended to by Circadia. Muna had spent the night in there recovering from the exhausting birth.
Lacertus' sun-like eyes radiated hopeful energy that today would be the day that an egg would hatch! He concentrated on warming the room with light and subsequent heat, as well as warming the nest with his body. He nearly fell asleep on three occasions, but Muna and Circadia kept waking him up, ensuring that any action in the nest could be observed by the whole family. Muna and Circadia stood around Lacertus, sometimes laying down nearby or fetching Lacertus food and water. It was strange to think that, after so long, they would finally be able to have children to call their own. Lacertus was interested in raising the first-born, although would only truly be good at it with the help of Muna and Circadia.
The second night began to creep in and the first egg crackled with life. Muna and Circadia ran up to watch, their expectant eyes brimming with joy. In an instant, a baby goblin gator burst from the shell of one of the eggs, bearing striking similarities to Lacertus in form, although it shared the colors of Muna and Circadia. The baby toddled out of the nest, next to Lacertus. He gently nudged the infant against his warm body with his prehensile tail, encouraging it to share in his body warmth. The black horn resembled his own, and Lacertus felt a resounding fondness for the baby.
"What element is our child?" Muna whispered.
"I think, my dear, it is too early to tell. It could be Descry, Wind, or Nature... Or perhaps they may be without an element at all!" Lacertus looked inquisitively at Muna. "Why does it matter what element our child is? We should love and care for them regardless..."
"Yes, I know. I wasn't saying I wouldn't love them if they didn't have an element. I was simply curious if you could tell, considering they are very much like a miniature version of you..." Muna looked away and sat down beside Circadia, feeling hurt at what Lacertus had implied.
"If they are Descry, I will teach them how to harness their element... If they are Wind or Nature, I would expect Circadia or yourself to do the same. I do care for you both, as much as I hope we will care for our children. I think it would do us all a lot of good to get some sleep right now, and prepare for any more children to hatch within the week."
"I agree." Circadia beamed at the child, and then at Lacertus. She understood his desire to protect their child and raise it well. She laid down next to Lacertus, back-to-back, and Muna laid down in front, curled tightly into a comfortable sleeping position against Lacertus' chest.
The eggs lie in wait, with the hopes of their parents resting on more of them to hatch.
[576 words - single piece about an egg hatching]
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