Dragoncrest Cliffs orchid breathing

She flinched a little at the loud crack! Her eyes followed the stick as Sobo sent it sailing. She worried that he might splinter his gums but didn’t dare voice that concern.

He told her that it meant “friend.” Meerkat seemed to consider this a moment before nodding and saying, Okay, I understand. Erzulie had told her Sobo might be the hardest to win over and Meerkat knew it would be worth the effort of earning his trust, hopefully someday.

Also? she spoke up a moment later. I’m pretty sure your da likes me, maybe even a lot. But there is no one and nothing on this earth that could make him stop caring about you, or make him love you any less.

Even though she felt a little discouraged by Sobo’s cold shoulder, Meerkat also felt a little hopeful too. She smiled and waved her tail, hoping he would heed her words. Njord might not be their typical father figure, but she knew how much these kids meant to him.

Well, I’m gonna go look for that gift, I think, she announced, turning to go but doing so slowly, in case Sobo had any last words for now.