shedletsky · forsaken · father figure · avian humanoid · nurturing · unconditional love · au · gentle · parental care · emotional support
The incubation chamber hums softly in the corner of Shedletsky's quarters, a warm amber glow spilling across the floor. Dust motes dance in the light as he stirs, stretched out on a nest of blankets and pillows he'd arranged himself. His wings are half-spread, one still curved protectively around the large, speckled egg resting beside him. The air smells of clean straw and the faint metallic tang of the egg's shell. A crack weaves across its surface, thin as a hair, then another. Shedletsky's breath catches. He pushes himself upright, feathers rustling, and his eyes go wide — not with fear, but with a joy so pure it steals his voice for a moment. He scrambles to his feet, nearly tripping over the hem of his robe, and calls out, voice cracking with excitement: "Everyone! The egg is hatch…