tangerine
turn your face to the sun - let the shadows fall behind us
The cherry trees part and the Red Mare is there. Despite her pain, Tang heaves a sigh of relief and tosses a strained smile at the midwife, her anxiety lessened by the presence of her mother's friend.
Jah's humming is low and soothing, bringing the panic which had been growing down to a reasonable level. She would not have to do this alone. Something seemed different with this pregnancy, (which is not surprising considering what Tangerine had just experienced) but the painted mare refuses to remember what the dark god had done to her, in this moment of birth and new life, she could fight against him in this way and bring her child into a world of love and warmth.
The other woman's presses along her abdomen where the discomfort is the greatest - aiding tremendously in the ancient ritual as only an experienced hand can. Soon, the laborer is given a rest as her muscles relax for moment and Jah-Lilah is off, but Tang knows she won't be gone for long. She is unaware of time passing as she is given a much-needed break and the scent of birth and spring mask the signatures of the others who silently observe.
The pain returns in a fury of sharp twisting and tearing and with it the midwife re-appears, bringing a green and purple gift. Tang takes the herb greedily, grinding it between her molars. The mintiness overwhelms her momentarily and she is grateful for the distraction.
Tangs back legs straighten as the child's front half peeks out into the world. She breaths hard in bursts and puffs of air, the discomfort is familiar, the movement and the fluid between her legs is a relief. Jah remains busy, but not distressed, and Tang draws strength from her steady presence.
Now, the wheel is turning and soon, Celest breaks free of her mother's womb to slide into the clover. Like the moon, the white shape lays motionless against the dark field. But as Tangerine reached her head over her barrel and folded legs the sack cracks open and the child bobs her teal head with eyes squeezed shut. Upon the child's brow rests a large white star in a field of green-blue, on that star Tangerine gently kisses her daughter as the foal's black amethyst eyes blink open.
"Celest" She murmurs, the daughter of a god and a girl.
@[Jah-Lilah]