Northstar Vale A mother's heart

She welcomed Meadow with a tired smile. One that did not reach her eyes. But her tail waved with life and she openly reached out to bump her nose against the curve of the woman's cheek. She enjoyed the company of those who came by. Anything that might serve to take her mind off the children's father.

"I could be much better, truthfully." Her soft voice was tired. Strained. She would not mention Cerne. Anyone who had dropped by in recent days would have sensed her betrayal towards the man. "I'm worried for her..." She shifted back, unfurling a platinum furred fore leg from it's protective embrace around tiny Arika. "She's so much smaller than her brother and sister. Naps longer, too." She looked down, afraid to even touch the tiny head of her daughter. "I just...I just want to know if she is healthy. If she will be alright." Keyni looked up, a plea in her eyes for Meadow.