There you are,Aurin said, holding his arms out.Daddy’s here when you’re ready.
The eye blinked, and the little tentacles opened the hole wider. Then the baby shot out and swam for Aurin’s arms, chirping happily. He was a golden-black colour, his eyes were... Oh, one dark, and one gold, and oh... Oh, it wasn’t a he at all.
It’s a girl, Aurin said, crying and laughing as he cradled her. Then the other three joined in, climbing into Aurin’s arms, chirping happily, and he cradled them all. His skin glowed bright gold with joy, the colour pouring across him uncontrollably.
Salem stopped for a moment just to watch him with them, to commit the sight to memory, before he wrapped his arms around them all and held them, so tight.
And Aurin cried, utterly overwhelmed with love and happiness. Andnoise.... The tiny chirps were loud and echoing in their den.I think they’re hungry, Aurin said with a laugh.
But just then, Kellan called out,Just me. Can I come in?
Yes, Salem replied.
Kellan appeared, cautious but smiling.I can hear a very happy sound,he said.
Salem pulled back so Kellan could see them. Their four little ones. They peered up over Aurin’s arm, curious and... quiet.This is Uncle Kellan, Aurin said.
Kellan’s eyes went comically round, and he trembled and sniffled.Oh. Oh my. But then the first hatchling chirped angrily at him, and Kellan laughed.Look at them.
I think they’re hungry,Aurin said again.
Kellan turned and spoke behind him.Can we get some baby food in here?Then Kellan came closer, his eyes scanning the babies, though he kept a respectful distance.Four healthy hatchlings, and this one’s a little leader already, I see.
The first hatchling was still chirping at him with all the might and fury of a mosquito.
And a golden one,Kellan added.Like you Aurin, and...He stopped, his eyes going wide. He shot Salem a look, then Aurin, then back to baby number four.It’s a...
Yes,Aurin replied.A girl.
She scampered down to hide under Aurin’s arm, only peering back up when she was tucked in nice and safe.
Then Ciaran came in, holding a small trinket jar. The first hatchling fled back to Salem, and only when he was in his pappa’s arms did he turn around and chirp at the intruder.
Ciaran gasped when he saw the babies, like he didn’t know where to look.Oh wow. Oh my. Oh... oh wow.
Then he seemed to remember the jar and offered it to Salem.Plankton and larval crabs.He paused then, meeting Aurin’s eyes.Amazing. I’m so proud of you both.
Aurin gave him a teary nod.Thank you.
He backed out and disappeared, and Kellan said,I’ll just wait to see if they take food, and then I’ll leave you all be. You need some alone time. Some family time.
Family time.
Aurin still couldn’t believe it... but they were a family.
Salem opened the jar, one long tentacle expertly turning the lid, and moved it closer to their little ones before taking the lid off. As soon as they scented the fresh food, they all popped their heads up and began eating, chirping happily.
Kellan beamed.Good enough for me. I’ll leave you guys to it. We’ll bring some food for you two as well. You’re gonna need the energy. We’ll also have two outside your door, and two on patrol. If you need anything, anything at all, just yell.
Thank you, Kellan,Salem said.
Thank you, Aurin repeated.It means a lot.
I’ll be back tomorrow to check on them. Monitor growth and development, that kind of thing. Rest easy, Kellan said, then he was gone.
Aurin’s eyes met Salem’s, and they smiled at each other as their little ones happily munched away. And soon afterwards, when they were done and the jar was closed and put out of the way, Salem settled down next to Aurin.
One of the hatchlings reached toward Salem, tiny tentacles stretching open. He gathered the baby carefully into his arms,and the little thing immediately settled against him, his colours softening into sleepy hues. The other three quickly followed, two with Salem, two with Aurin, and soon all four were tucked in and sound asleep.
