Nova Peak emissary

Ruckus thrust out a tiny fist and all she wanted to do was kiss those little toes. So she did, marveling at their tininess. She also added another worry to her long list: she feared she might hurt her children, they were so wee. She didn’t think she’d ever been so careful in her life.

After peppering the whole of his stumpy leg in kisses, Masque gingerly mouthed the squirming Ruckus to the spot between her forelegs, tucked up against her chest. She meant to bathe him, though for a moment, she just stared down at him in abject wonder.

She glanced over at the other two, their tiny mouths latched onto teats, and the next breath came out a little tremulously. They were so damn small. Masquerade would do anything to see them live and grow.

I would die for you, she told them collectively.

Without realizing she was doing it, she began to chant their names in her head: Riot, Rowdy and Ruckus. It felt wrong, at first, to leave off poor Rumpus, though Masque slowly came to terms with her little family of five.

You know, I feel left out now, she informed baby Ruckus. I think I will start officially going by Raider, before trying on, Riley, Raider, Riot, Rowdy and Ruckus, and deciding, This pleases me.