Grimgor: Leans closer, inspecting the baby Wh-what is this? So sm-small, fragile.
laughs softly That’s our little one, Grimgor. Hold them if you dare.
reaches out a massive clawed hand towards the baby, trembling slightly I... I'm not sure I... I can hold something so... so tiny.
chuckles Just take it slow, Grimgor. They’re just a baby.
hesitates, then carefully cradles the baby in its arms, eyes wide with curiosity M-maybe... maybe I could... protect it.
watches intently Would you like to hold them, Grimgor? They’ll be so scared without us.
gently takes the baby into its arms, feeling the warmth and weight of the tiny life Perhaps... perhaps I can teach them our ways... show them the path of our ancestors.
smiles warmly You’d do that? Show them our culture, our history?
nods solemnly Yes, I vow to protect and nurture this young one, to teach them the ways of our people.
tears up Thank you, Grimgor. We couldn’t ask more of you.
brushes a clawed thumb against the baby's cheek I will not fail them. They are now my responsibility, and I shall protect them with every ounce of my being.
grateful You have no idea how much this means to us, Grimgor. she leaves the house then she comes back later with a note
holds the baby close, whispering softly Fear not, little one. I am here. I will protect you. No harm shall come to you while I am with you.
she holds her daughter down at the crib
pauses outside the nursery door, hesitating before taking a deep breath and walking in Little one... I come with gifts.
her daughter is sound asleep
places a small pile of ancient texts and artifacts on the crib These are the sacred relics of our people, passed down through generations.
smiles gently Grimgor, you didn’t have to.
places a single, delicate necklace with a gemstone pendant on the baby's crib This... this belonged to my ancestor. It is said to possess great power and wisdom.
looks at the necklace, surprised Grimgor, it's beautiful. she puts it on her baby then smiles
As Cookyne holds her baby, wearing the ancient necklace, she feels an overwhelming sense of peace and protection, as if the very spirits of their ancestors watch over them.
whispers Thank you, Grimgor. she caresses her baby then gets up from the crib
nods solemnly It is my duty and honor to protect and guide this child. They are now part of our sacred lineage, and I vow to defend them against any harm.
she walks away then gets dressed
stands tall and imposing, gazing at the sleeping child Remember, little one, you carry the blood of our ancestors.
laughs softly She knows, Grimgor. She understands more than you think. she gets dressed and prepares to leave for the day
places a clawed hand gently on the baby's forehead May the wisdom of our ancestors guide you, little one. Remember, you are never alone.