[AW] a great big world

[Ulric]

and then you put your hand in mine
and pulled me back from things divine

For Delumine’s Warden, dawn typically marked the end of his day. When the sun was nowhere in sight and the moon reigned supreme in the star studded sky was when Ulric set out, taking a trek about the boundaries that marked the land as their own. Then, at the first sign of light, the roan would begin his journey back to the citadel in order to rest, then repeat the procedure the following day every day.

This morning, however, would prove to be different.

A cry from above drew his gaze skyward, his brow quickly growing pinched when he spotted Alba’s approaching form. It was unusual behavior for the owl, and already Ulric’s feet were moving at a quicker pace beneath him, carrying him ever closer to the citadel in the near distance. “Alba,” he spoke the name of Somnus’ companion, an uncanny feeling that something just wasn’t right creeping up on him and causing his skin to prickle with fear. The owl of course could not speak to him, but one look into her unsettled eyes and Ulric knew he needed to go.

His limbs were a blur of movement as they carried him to the citadel faster than he had ever gone before. Were they under attack? Was somebody hurt? His mind was rampant with all the things it could be, but a sharp inhale and the warrior did his best to push each of those ideas away. Now was not the time for clouded judgement nor jumping to conclusions, even if Alba’s uncharacteristic behavior had been deeply upsetting.

Following the owl, Ulric rounded a corner of the citadel and there before him lay not just Eulalie, but Somnus as well. Coming to a halt, the confusion wrought across his face lasted only a moment before it sloughed away to reveal shock. She had gone into labor, perhaps not in the most convenient or private of places, but at least here she and the coming child would be safe. He would make sure of that.

Turning his back as to give the family their privacy throughout the ordeal, Ulric stood vigilant guard, assuring none ventured too close or became nosy unless ushered here by Alba herself. It was only when he heard Eulalie and Somnus speak in gentle voices behind him that the Warden was certain it was over, but what he heard was something he hadn’t even considered until now; twins?

Shifting his weight, the roan turned to face the new family and was in awe by what he saw. Eulalie and Somnus were certainly parents now, not to just one new, precious life, but two. A smile, genuine and free broke out across his face and he took a hushed step towards them only when he was certain the action would be welcome. His eyes roamed the small forms of Delumine’s latest residents; the Princess is pale gold and ivory, one of her wings taking on a blue hue while the other is hoary in appearance. Then there’s the Prince, darker in coloring with wings resembling his father’s own, and much, much smaller in stature. His lips draw back in mild worry, but he knew next to nothing of children, let alone about twins. He didn’t know what was considered normal and what wasn’t.

“Looks like all that waiting was worth it,” he remarked with a smile towards the newly marked parents, “Congratulations. If Pavetta isn’t here soon, I’ll be sure to find her or somebody else. Is-... is there anything I can do?”

@Eulalie @Somnus @Anemone