Sun Mote Copse glitter and gold

She ducked her head when Nyssa rubbed her shoulder, appreciating the words of reassurance. Her comrade was right: she was eager for the pups’ arrival. Meerkat dearly wanted to meet them, though she also wanted to reclaim her body. The last weeks of pregnancy were always so challenging.

For the moment, she kept her attention on the topic at hand. She was a little surprised by Nyssa’s fluster. Meerkat worried that she’d touched a nerve, especially since she’d lost her natal family not so long ago. She didn’t sound upset, though the leader noted her bashfulness, listened to what she had to say, and respected the implicit boundary.

Of course, that’s a very worthwhile endeavor too. If there’s any way we—that I, in particular—can help you with that, you’ll let me know, won’t you? Meerkat offered, tapping both into her counselor roots and her maternal instincts.