[ such is dextera’s gentle comment, before he looks to the egg once more. it’s breathing, it’s alive, but for the moment, it doesn’t seem to be attempting to finish the process. in response to it, dextera shifts forward, leaning his weight on his palms to get a better look at it.
he doesn’t want to touch it, in case he harms it by accident, but he can’t help but think of how easy it would be to pluck it right from the rest of the shell. ]
[ But this is new territory for Saber, who rarely had time to sit around and watch an egg hatch. She joins Dextera in leaning forward for a better look at the chick, though not as far as he. Sensing his temptation, she continues: ]
Let us wait a while longer. It was strong enough to break its shell, so it should be strong enough to revive itself. And overcoming difficulty on one's own is what builds character, no?
[ saber’s advice is true and correct, but it doesn’t make him worry much less for the little bird. he supposes, though, that if it comes to the point that it can’t break out, then they could step in. any earlier, though, and it could damage the delicate balance that nature tries to strike with its creations. ]
dextera doesn’t think that bagel is going to be doing any crushing under any heels anytime soon, and hopefully he never encounters any enemies in his idyllic chicken life, but he can appreciate the enthusiasm, especially from a warrior like saber. ]
…bravo, Bagel.
[ he can’t yell, but the whispered encouragement is earnest enough to match. the chick, whether responding to them or not, does seem a little more able to pick itself up. go, go…! ]
[ Volume is only half of what matters, with heartfelt feelings the other, so Saber is happy to have Dextera join in with as much as he can manage. ]
You are doing wonderfully, Bagel! You have come too far to give up now!
[ The chick clumsily stumbles to its feet, swerving left and right unsteadily before plopping tired to the ground again near Dextera. Saber makes no move to help it up, looking instead to Dextera with a smile of support. ]
[ dextera visibly twitches when bagel struggles to walk, but it’s so close, and then—saber finally gives him permission to touch. it’s not as if the chick’s actual mother isn’t close by, but dextera has been tending to these ladies for so long, that he’s practically one of the flock. ]
Bagel…
[ tentatively, he reaches out… and touches one of the chick’s wings. ]
[ when the chick stirs, but doesn’t actually seem able to keep moving, dextera takes the opportunity to gently scoop it into his hands. it’s so small, it fits perfectly in the cup of his palm. ]
[ Saber watches as the chick settles into Dextera's hand, its head burrowing feebly into the warmth of his palm. Then she looks to the expression of quiet but powerful joy on Dextera's face. She has ever seen love bloom so beautifully in a person. ]
It has been a journey, but a worthwhile one. Congratulations, Dextera. I know you will care for Bagel as dearly as if he were your own child.
[ dextera nods. he wouldn’t have come this far if it weren’t for saber’s assistance and support, and he’s proud of the hens for all banding together during this strange new time. ]
You can come visit him whenever you want.
[ and he will… reluctantly… give consideration to tristan’s request. ]
[ The invitation fills her with a simple warmth. ]
I fully intend to, and often. If you possess feelings of love and care for this child as a mother, I possess pride for him as a father. I would like to see his development through for as long as possible.
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[ such is dextera’s gentle comment, before he looks to the egg once more. it’s breathing, it’s alive, but for the moment, it doesn’t seem to be attempting to finish the process. in response to it, dextera shifts forward, leaning his weight on his palms to get a better look at it.
he doesn’t want to touch it, in case he harms it by accident, but he can’t help but think of how easy it would be to pluck it right from the rest of the shell. ]
Is it… okay…?
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[ But this is new territory for Saber, who rarely had time to sit around and watch an egg hatch. She joins Dextera in leaning forward for a better look at the chick, though not as far as he. Sensing his temptation, she continues: ]
Let us wait a while longer. It was strong enough to break its shell, so it should be strong enough to revive itself. And overcoming difficulty on one's own is what builds character, no?
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…you’re right.
[ the chick wiggles. ]
Oh…!
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It seems Bagel is as firm in spirit as the bakery good he has been named after.
[ It does feel a little lackluster just sitting on the sidelines and watching, though... ]
Perhaps he can find encouragement in our support. The cheers of an audience can reinvigorate the weariest warrior. For instance...
[ Saber cups her hands around her mouth and raises her voice into an almost-shout. ]
Have heart, Sir Bagel! Crush the enemy under your heel!
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dextera doesn’t think that bagel is going to be doing any crushing under any heels anytime soon, and hopefully he never encounters any enemies in his idyllic chicken life, but he can appreciate the enthusiasm, especially from a warrior like saber. ]
…bravo, Bagel.
[ he can’t yell, but the whispered encouragement is earnest enough to match. the chick, whether responding to them or not, does seem a little more able to pick itself up. go, go…! ]
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You are doing wonderfully, Bagel! You have come too far to give up now!
[ The chick clumsily stumbles to its feet, swerving left and right unsteadily before plopping tired to the ground again near Dextera. Saber makes no move to help it up, looking instead to Dextera with a smile of support. ]
Go on. It should be safe to pick him up.
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Bagel…
[ tentatively, he reaches out… and touches one of the chick’s wings. ]
…he’s warm.
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[ The chick stirs slightly at the touch, but it seems too tired to move away or toward Dextera. ]
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…
[ dextera inhales. ]
We did it.
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It has been a journey, but a worthwhile one. Congratulations, Dextera. I know you will care for Bagel as dearly as if he were your own child.
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You can come visit him whenever you want.
[ and he will… reluctantly… give consideration to tristan’s request. ]
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I fully intend to, and often. If you possess feelings of love and care for this child as a mother, I possess pride for him as a father. I would like to see his development through for as long as possible.