At Pride's question, Envy looked up at Pride as though dazed. What could they say? What could they do? There were so many feelings in them right now. Their gaze, for a while, didn't move from charity. They felt high; but they also felt low. They felt their insides trembling with anxiety, still, but her presence also made them feel calm. This was a moment so special; and yet, they couldn't help feeling that its weight was taken away by the fact that Pride had already felt it before.

They felt themselves growing numb, quills shivering gently. They looked up at Pride, but their expression remained tired- they weren't sure what else to do. This moment of happiness felt as though it were warring with everything that made them them. And yet... looking down at the tiny body beside them gave them hope. Gave them a sliver of happiness the likes of which they'd never felt before. All their problems- all of their bitterness and resentment seemed to melt away- because here was a child that was truly theirs.

They couldn't answer Pride's question.

There was too much to say. So instead they looked at the deer and smiled- a small smile. But it was, for perhaps the first time in their life, a genuine one.

-exit Envy-

Speech. Thought.

@Pride

Pride watched Envy, watched them think, watched their quills shiver a little. Why..?

Then Envy gave a smile--small, but the first real smile he'd seen. It warmed him, abruptly, strongly enough that he responded with his own broadly-contented expression. Impulsively he leaned down, offering the weasel a gently-affectionate nudge.

"You rest, with her. I think she will make a wonderful child, and I am sure that you will raise her well. She seems kind. I'll keep watch for now," he offered softly. He gave a dip of his head, and then turned, pacing a bit away. He'd give them both privacy, but guard them both, so that they could rest.

Charity obviously needed it--and Envy certainly deserved it.

exit Pride