She had followed with little complaint, content to let the more enthusiastic members of their company announce themselves while she familiarized herself with the land — and her new body. There was a certain satisfaction in watching the beginnings of something take shape, particularly when that something involved claiming territory others might have considered too dangerous to possess. Joxer and Fairytale had gathered an interesting collection of individuals beneath their command, and Liora had found herself quite comfortable among them. There was little expectation of goodness here.

The watering hole however, presented a rather personal inconvenience.

She disliked water. More specifically, she disliked the uncertainty of what waited beneath it, the unpleasant sensation of losing her footing and the knowledge that should she find herself submerged, there would be very little she could do about it.

Naturally none of these concerns showed upon her face as she selected a particularly inviting tree overlooking the shoreline. Its broad canopy offered some welcome relief from the savannah's relentless heat, and she wasted little time settling herself beneath it, stretching her forelegs comfortably before her and allowing her tail to curl loosely against her flank.

From here, she could observe the comings and goings of her new companions without feeling particularly obligated to participate in their endeavors.

---

Princess Fairytale

Liora had been enjoying an agreeable afternoon beneath the sprawling acacia, watching the occasional disturbance ripple across the water while the worst of the summer heat passed overhead. The shade was generous, breeze pleasantly warm and she had found herself content to do absolutely nothing. A rare luxury, and one she intended to enjoy for as long as she was permitted.

Her attention shifted at the sound of approaching footsteps and she lifted her head to discover Fairytale making her way toward the tree. Oh, goodness. The woman seemed to have grown considerably since Liora had last taken a good look at her. Her gaze traveled briefly over the enormous swell of her belly, noting the effort required for what should have been a rather ordinary walk.

Pregnancy was a fascinating business, though she couldn't imagine finding much enjoyment in surrendering to the whims of one's own body. To be rendered helpless by something growing inside you, dependent upon the mercy of those around you? How terrible.

Still, she rather liked Fairytale. Their acquaintance was relatively young but the woman had proven entertaining enough and Liora found her company more agreeable than that of many others.

Oh, of course. Come, make yourself comfortable her expression brightened as she gathered her legs beneath her and shifted to one side surrendering a good portion of her chosen resting place. You poor thing....and in this heat, too there was genuine sympathy in her voice, joined by a small affectionate laugh. I imagine you're beginning to understand why some mothers are inclined to eat their young, it was an amusing thought. A dark humor she was all too comfortable with.

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Princess Fairytale