Sun Mote Copse it’s not too far now, one day we’re gonna dance on the sun

Towhee stayed close while her daughter labored. Once the puppies were safely delivered, she moved to sprawl just inside the door. Everyone in The Taigh drowsed for a few hours, though as soon as the first fingers of sunlight felt their way into the space, it stirred them awake.

She didn’t hear her daughter’s welcoming croon, though she smiled and sat up as the others gathered around. Towhee’s attention flicked to the nearby threshold when a shadow fell across it. She nodded at Nyssa, eyes flicking approvingly over the fresh rabbit as she climbed onto all fours.

Towhee thought she ought to go out on patrol, especially while much of the pack was otherwise preoccupied here. First, she intended to say hello to her newest grandchildren. She stepped closer to where Meerkat and Njord curled around the newborns, planning on giving each tiny head a quick kiss before departing.

She did press her nose to each fuzzy babe, though Towhee immediately realized she wouldn’t be going anywhere soon. With a happy sigh, she stepped back toward her post beside the door, the picture of a matriarchal guardian keeping a close eye on her family’s newest members.