Dragoncrest Cliffs earth laughs in flowers

Before any of her own youngsters could answer her, a voice cried out, “Meemee!” Meerkat mouthed that nickname with amusement, turning and smiling welcomingly at Quennell. It reminded her of Veteran’s nickname for her (“Coach Meekah”) and her heart panged as she wondered how her former favorite was doing these days. He would be totally grown up now…

She brought her attention back to a focus, motioning for the leaders’ son to join them under the shelter of the trees fringing the marsh. He was only a month older than her trio, though he was taller and ganglier. Probably he was right in the middle of a rapid growth spurt.

Hey, Q, she rejoined, coming right back at him with a nickname and a cheeky smile. I was just asking these guys what they wanna be when they grow up, Meerkat said, raising her eyebrows in invitation.