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"I have had a stroke of genius!"

They were curled around each other in a pile of limbs and tails. This was the seventh day that he'd been experiencing what could only be described as an artistic mental block. An art block. Nothing he did seemed to generate anything good. It had become increasingly frustrating.

He'd had his beautiful muse try new ways of running and moving in the hope that it would spark inspiration, but he'd come away with nothing but an uninspired lump of mud and some ruined berries. Come With Me had been particularly upset with himself that day for ruining their lunch as well as not creating anything new.

He watched her expectantly for a response.

@MikaMoo

[imgleft]http://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/image ... uncert.png[/imgleft]The statement pierced through the lovely little haze Autumn's Turn had let herself fall into.  After a good bit of frolicking amongst the greens and splashing in some water and generally having quite a day of movement, she was enjoying the relaxation of a friendly cuddle and a patch of dappled sun.

That said, the exclamation was not unwelcome.  Come With Me had been struggling so much lately, and nothing she did seemed to help, despite his continued claims that she was a lovely little muse.  It was a title she accepted with honor, but it was difficult for her, too, to find herself unable to help inspire him.  She didn't mind the tired muscles or the ruined lunches, but she did long to see the light in her friend's eyes again, the sparkle that took over when he had an epiphany.

This was just such a moment.

And so, she blinked herself out of her comfortable stupor and turned to rest an attentive chin against his side, ears eagerly forward.  "Oh?"  She scooted slightly closer, practically wagging her tail in anticipation.  "Please, do tell me!  What can I do to help?"

He looked on at her with such fondness it made his eyes and heart ache. Oh, but she was lovely. A light smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as she scooted closer and struggled to a more lucid state. Once he was satisfied she was going to be able to take in what his grand plan was he leaned his face as close to her's as he could manage.

"Let's have children!"

That was more blunt than he'd meant for it to be. So, he tried again before she could respond.

"Yes, let's have children. It'll be the perfect combination of art meets artist. You know I've been having a rough time of it lately, and I've near but exhausted all other forms my art could take. And life is the highest form of art, even!"

He sighed with contentment.

"Thoughts? Questions? Concerns?"

@MikaMoo

It was, in fact, an unexpected, and thus slightly startling, suggestion.  She lifted her head, certainly more alert after his blunt suggestion, eyes fully open and attentive now, ears flickering back slightly before standing fully at attention again as he continued to explain his insight.

Her gaze floated off slowly, and her head followed, as she imagined the possibilities he laid before her.  Children!  She had, of course, thought about having children.  She always figured she would have children someday.  What she had not anticipated was that they would come at the behest of an artist stuck in a rut.

But... was that really his only reasoning?  Even just the look in his eyes before telling her, the fondness there, the time they had spent... a bond had certainly grown between them.  Yes, it would be an interesting experiment -- and, as he pointed out, a delightful meeting of artist, muse, and creation -- but was that all it would be?  Of course not.  Children were not just art, they were beings, they needed love and care and tending.  Was she ready?  Would he be not only an artist, but a decent father?

She looked back to him as he prompted her for input.  She watched him carefully, imagined him showing young foals around the swamp and pointing out the beauty in every corner; surely he would pass on his artistic eye.  A slow smile curled over her lips, and she tilted her head at him.  "Would you enjoy fatherhood?"

He paused. That was certainly an understandable concern, and one that he had to admit to himself he hadn't considered. Would he enjoy fatherhood? He looked carefully at Autumn's Turn with the softness and care that had certainly grown in their time together. It was luck that he'd found her, and luck that she'd agreed to his bizarre request to follow and make art inspired by her. But he'd been reckless in that decision. What if this was a reckless choice as well? Would that become apparent to their kids, and would they resent him for it? Kids weren't just art. They were going to have their own opinions about things. About him.

His pinned back just a tick, as he thought, and worry edged about is mouth.

"Enjoy it? Yes, wholeheartedly," he took in a breath and closed his eyes. Opening one just a tad to peek at his lovely muse. What he was saying was true, he did think he would enjoy being a father. He could teach them art while their mother showed them the love of running and being alive.

"What if they don't enjoy having me as a father?"

@MikaMoo

She appreciated that he took the time to consider the question.  It was worth consideration, and her faith was that much stronger for his thoughtfulness when he responded that yes, of course he would enjoy fatherhood.  A smile played upon her features and one of her ears twitched with glee.  He, however, was still taking time to consider... something.

When he finally voiced his concern, Autumn's brows furrowed with sympathy.  "Oh, dear one.  Of course they will."  Autumn's Turn nudged him lovingly with her muzzle before sitting up, strengthening her stature in her conviction.  "You will be kind and supportive and encouraging, and you will always help them find the beauty and potential in the world.  You have a kindness and an eye for the corners of the swamp others do not examine."  Autumn's eyes softened at him, and she reached out to nuzzle against his chin.  "You will be a wonderful father."

If he could have literally lit up the air around him with pride then he absolutely would have in that very moment. As they'd grown closer and spent more time together he'd learned that there were so many ways to be inspired by just one kin. She was his muse in all matters great and small. "And you will be a the best mother." He was certain now that there was no possible way they could mess this up, and his concerns were gone as soon as they'd began. "I could build them a nest! Something with bright feathers for their developing eyes. And as they get older we could add obstacles and slides. Things they could climb and run on. To play with you!"

His tail started to tap into the ground with every word, a sign that he was planning something grand. "On rainy days we could show them how rocks change color when they get wet. And how you, and eventually they, look like a rainbow when the clouds have passed." He nuzzled into her cheek in excitement and carefully watched her reactions. "What would you teach them, my lovely?"

@MikaMoo

Her ears fluttered with his flattery, more pleased to be reassured than she realized she could be at such a prospect.  She felt herself blush, and turned to rub her face against her shoulder to try and alleviate the sensation.  She turned back eagerly at his own excitement, thinking of ways he could encourage their children to flourish, beginning to feel a buzzing in her chest.  The nest sounded lovely, perfect for curious eyes, and helping them develop with games and obstacles sounded lovely; the thought of playing with their children was a delight she hadn't thought far enough ahead to realize.

She giggled as he continued listing the possible delights, and when he nuzzled her cheek, she nuzzled him back.  When he asked what she would teach, however, she blinked and had to think for a moment.  "Hmmm... the joy of movement, I suppose.  All of the wonderful things that their bodies can do!  Run, jump, swim...  But also the joy of a lazy day in the sun.  The sound of rain pelting on the leaves above...  The simple delights of a cuddle shared with a loved one."  She blinked over at Come With Me, searching for some validation, that all of these were worthy things for their children to learn.  She did not have the eye of her friend for art, but perhaps she still had worthy things to teach them.  What else could she teach them?  She suddenly wasn't sure...