Heron Lake Plateau ashes against the grain

She grinned as he entered the den, not minding at all that he hadn't returned with food this time. Her belly was content after the warm rabbit Ceara had kindly delivered. He complained about the heat, and she nodded in agreement. While Raven enjoyed warm weather, the highs of midsummer were often too much even for her. She found herself looking forward to the cooler days of autumn, though that was several months away yet.

Her mate lay down close by and rolled onto his back, whereupon the mischievous little Vasa immediately went to heckle him. A moment later, little Owen woke up and, after pausing to pee on his mom and indulge in a huge, squeaking yawn, toddled toward Quixote as well. As the children clambered on their father, Raven stifled a laugh — she didn't want to wake the other two as well — and then commented, "I was hoping we could talk about Niamh. Towhee's all for it, but I don't think you and I ever came to a final decision."