The sun slowly crept through the winter trees as she wandered with the baby in her arms. It had been an age since she last held one of her children in her arms...many eons ago.
She thought of them often...Her Firstborn. She would often think about the new arrivals and their predecessor, her eldest children. As the little one she carried belonged to Meridian, she thought about her eldest son.
Lucian...Great and noble Lucian. Many years had passed since she had last seen him...his passing was one of tragedy for her...the sadness and pain that she felt was one too strong for her to ever ignore...She loved Him with a enduring passion and fondness...and though she could never fully accept he was beyond this world, she was content enough to know that he had transcended to the Great Haven, a place where he belonged...and she was overjoyed to learn that his realm would have many strong protectors to watch over the Mortals. And when Cadmus had returned to her with a baby in his arms, she was beyond excited.
The infant Ancient cooed as the Great One rocked her gently back and forth, a smile bright on her face.
"Oh, how I missed this..." The Allmother giggled, looking at the baby. "You have made many days brighter, little one."
The young one gurgled happily, eyes glowing with brilliant radiance.
"I see you have gotten quite attached." A voice spoke behind the two.
The Great One closed her eyes, smiling ever brightly. "Hello, El'dan." She said warmly, turning her head to her new visitor.
He had come to visit her as he had always done. His armor had been removed, wearing only his tunic and breech like trousers. His grey hair, which had become disheveled and matted, was now tied back in a low hanging tail. His beard was also much more pronounced, hanging low and unkept. He had a spear head in his left hand...A trimming day.
"Aru'dan." Marrok replied softly. The towering Ar'dun Ancient leaned down to her height, enabling her to reach to his face, caressing his scarred cheek. His kind eyes looked to hers, his light growls in affection met with a soft chuckle from the Great One.
She looked to her son. Another lifetime away had done wonders to him. 20 000 years had passed, and in that time, he had a much older appearance; soft wrinkles around his eyes, a much broader build...He was starting to bare a resemblance similar to his brother.
"Welcome home..." The Great One spoke calmly. "...I see that your Journey has been weary."
"As it must be." Marrok sighed, sitting down next to her. "Though I could very much do without the constant calls from the Mortals. If I have to go down to another realm, I might end up destroying a shrine. Bloody craftsman and zealots are getting exhausting."
The Great One laughed, the baby cooing again. "Need I remind you that as the oldest of your siblings, you are expected to show a sense of responsibility to your duties. And I will not have an Ar'dun that expresses such disregard to the realms."
Marrok laughed. "Very well...I will try to my best to honour your wishes...though I will not make a promise of it."
"I'm certain that you will." She replied, looking down at the baby. "...What news from the Realm?"
"Word has spread about the new generation quite quickly, Aru'dan." Marrok spoke. "The people of Eclipse sing much praise for their new protectors, and the baby was warmly welcomed to Cadmus from Meridian. Kolariah remains damaged for now, but with Terran currently watching the mortals we can rebuild. But the death of Kolariah's King has resulted in a catastrophe. Prince Eldridge Mace will be taking up the mantle when he is of age. Until then, the King's brother Persian will be acting Regent."
