Ouroboros Spine putulapâk ≬

Both Kukutux and her daughter spoke with such silver tongues. Meerkat listened as her hostess mused on fireflies, murmuring, "My dad calls them starbugs," when she finished. She swallowed, her throat feeling a little thick. "He lives at the caldera, same with my mom and Neema. That's why I'm going there, probably tomorrow or the day after. I'm sure they're worried."

And she would take along anyone who wanted to find refuge there, though Meerkat realized she was rambling a little. She'd interrupted Kukutux's story. Meerkat offered her a sheepish smile and fell quiet, ears pricking attentively to catch whatever else she might say. She'd always enjoyed the way she spoke, from their very first meet, and found the sound of her voice particularly soothing right now.