Blackfeather Woods from a cheap and chippy chopper on a big black block

That was interesting—that she liked the dark and quiet. More than a few were put off by it, and Maegi was glad to hear that Lilah was taking to the atmosphere. It would go a long way in making this a home for the quiet woman. She was perplexed at the assessment that no one liked her, but let it slide for now. The Melonii didn't know Lilah well enough to refute it, and she wasn't one for saccharine rebuttals.

There is, yes, she said with a smile. Moonshadow—a dark woman with green eyes. And myself, as well. She settled back on her haunches, preening for a proud, silent moment before speaking again. I think it's the first time either of us are having children, so we'll definitely need help.

In that regard, Lilah's addition to the woods was a veritable boon. Maegi didn't know what she would do without a midwife by her side, when the time came. Poppy's bloody death was still etched in her mind; if only she'd known what she was doing, then. . .