Sun Mote Copse Sins of my father are heavy

Fennec hadn't sought @Towhee out in a while. It was easy when her mom had been off traveling, but she knew the real reasons went deeper than that. Once again Fennec found herself with very little of her shit together and, finally, she was getting tired of that being the only version of herself anyone in her life ever got to see.

Meerkat's news that her mom had come back injured, however, both gave her a reason to seek her out and neutral terms to talk on. It was a little fucked, maybe, but there was some relief in having something to focus on besides the need to make conversation. Fennec had never been amazing at letting things go and their last conversation still hung in her thoughts. She could never be glad her mom was hurt but she could at least see the silver lining in it, for the first time in a while, giving her an actual job to do.

Mom? You around? Fennec called out near Meerkat and Njord's family den. It wasn't used as much since the kids were more mobile and out and about in the copse, but she assumed that was where Towhee would have stowed away for now. If she was wrong she'd try the lake or the garden next.

Something tugged on her paw, pulling Towhee out of a bad dream. She sat up with a snort, blinking blearily in the dim light of The Taigh. She jerked when she realized Skipjack was standing over her, staring at her in the spooky way only a blind wolf could.

“You were havin’ a nightmare,” Skip said before Towhee could grumble about it. “What was it about?”

I honestly don’t remember, she muttered, slowly stretching upright. Probably the sea lion. Thanks for—what’s up? Towhee asked, changing tack when she noticed the Bairn’s ears prick.

“Auntie Fen is looking for you. She’s outside,” Skipjack shared before darting out to greet his favorite aunt.

Towhee plodded slowly after him, squinting against the June sunshine as she emerged from the communal den. Her neck and tail seemed to twinge with every step. She wondered if that’s why Fennec was looking for her.

Did you make an appointment? If not, I’m afraid you have to scoot, Towhee teased her grandson, tickling at him until he skittered away laughing. What's haps? she said to her pale daughter once he was gone.

She was banking on someone in the area letting Towhee know if she was around, though she knew if her mom was the only one here, that strategy was doomed to fail. Luckily her gambit paid off.

Fennec smirked as Skipjack's noteable gait scampered to meet her, and gave him a quick greeting before he immediately sidetracked and went off to do who-knows-what. Her ears flicked sideways to listen to him depart, but her attention was mostly fixed on Towhee.

Meerkat mentioned something about you needing a doctor? A number of wry retorts could have followed that, but she let the question hang as it was. It was pretty clear her mom had no intention of seeking her out herself, but for once, Fennec didn't want her words to be taken the wrong way.

I’m not sure there’s much anyone can do, Towhee replied. I’m pretty sure I pulled a muscle in my neck, she went on to explain, and my tail’s possibly broken near the tip. They both hurt like a bitch, so maybe there’s something you could give me for that, otherwise…

Well, she didn’t actually know. She peered at Fennec, all the aches and pains of these past few days washing over her. They weren’t just physical, of course. She thought of her poor grandsons trying to fight the sea lion only to witness what must’ve looked like her death. She just hoped to get a message to them sooner than later.

It occurred to her she should probably explain the nature of her injuries, so she said wearily, I think I’m officially joining you and Meerkat in the ‘fuck the fucking coast’ club,’ which she supposed was less of an explanation than a grievance.