Deepwood Weald only for a moment, and the moment's gone

for @Minnow and babes!

arrey, niece, aditya called softly, approaching the den site with tentative pawsteps. he was newly come again and wasn't sure how she'd receive him, though was reasonably confident the woman wouldn't turn him away completely.

still, he'd keep his distance. i've brought you something, he murmured, dropping a fresh-killed squirrel near the pathway to the whelping den. not much, but would help keep her fed, at least.

how are you feeling? he asked, straightening and smiling gently.