Redhawk Caldera Heartsigh.

Both children made quite the mess of themselves. Towhee didn’t interfere, allowing them to quite literally immerse themselves in their first semi-solid meal. But when Tawny Lark slowed down and peered up at her, the Elder didn’t need to hear the burps or hiccups to recognize her daughter had eaten her fill. Which meant it was time for some cleanup.

Leaning over, Towhee gently closed her mouth around Lark’s scruff and hoisted her to a clean spot on the floor. She arranged her paws on either side of the little girl, removing her teeth and replacing them with her tongue. She brushed it over little Lark’s face, then her chest and, finally, her tiny forepaws, carefully removing every last scrap of her meal.

When she was finished bathing her, she lifted her again, tucking her beside her dozing sister and then fixing a shrewd eye on Peregrine. He was still eating. She supposed she should be glad about the runt’s voracious appetite. Shrugging, Towhee settled back onto the floor, body curved around her daughters as she watched her son pig out.