Swiftcurrent Creek You Only Live Once

The plump pillow that was Larus often slumbered next to his siblings, or he would try. Their jostling would always rouse him from his attempt to sleep. When he woke he took comfort in his mother's presence - or in Maera's, since she was often so close in proximity - but today was different. Neither parent was around, and Larus picked up on that absence as he stirred; Maera's flicking foot landing a soft pat across his exposed belly, which had grown full with milk to the point of being bigger than his own head. With a murmured cry of protest, Larus rolled over and gummed at the air, until finally catching something of interest in his mouth. Maera's fur was swiftly swamped by his eager saliva.