Qeya River But often it happens, you know

Ridgeback’s tail waved, and he bobbed his head to acknowledge her gratitude. Star Eater was not the first woman he had helped feed throughout her pregnancy- he found the task fulfilling, though he couldn’t help but dread the possibility that he was perhaps investing too much. After all- the last mother he had nurtured had been slain by Star Eater’s husband. The others had all disappeared. 

Not again. He decided silently, as he made himself comfortable at her invitation. After all- he might soon have to feed Ice Diver, if she conceived. 

Star Eater deftly distracted him from his concerns. Alright, but you’re gonna have to give a nice speech at my funeral, so, He said with a shrug. Start rehearsing now, ‘cause I want to hear it while I’m alive. Dark humour, always a good band-aid. 

He reached around to nibble at an itch in his side as she began to eat, but scoffed at her comment, blowing warm air across his own flank and surprising himself with how it tickled. Tchyeah, He said, slumping down onto his belly. Sheep’re easy. One time, I knocked over 32 in one day, He said, but hastily continued. Different kind of sheep, and I mean, they had no escape so it was basically a slaughter, but yeah- I know how they move, how to bring ‘em down quick, He licked his lips, where saliva had begun to collect. He grinned. S’why I called myself ‘Sheep Killer’ here, when Sun Eater got me to change my name the first time. He explained. Ain’t as badass as Star Eater, but, y’know, He said, with another shrug. We can’t all be good at names.