Redsand Canyon Blood orange sunrise.

Before he could do as she asked, Aquene turned up with scolding words on her tongue. This time, Towhee wasn’t really surprised. She knew she’d been a less than ideal patient, just like she knew her friend only wanted to make certain she was okay.

I’m feeding my little vampires, she replied with a defiant tilt to her snout, then softened and said, Don’t worry, Aquene. Your treatments worked. And I’m going to keep following doctor’s orders, well, as far as her diet went, anyhow. So far, so good.

She smiled down at the two dark bundles of joy for a moment, then looked up again, eyes bouncing between mate and medicus. She motioned for them to come closer if they liked. Now that she was settled back in her own bed, with her children suckling without incident, she felt her first real tendrils of contentment and joy since giving birth.

I just—I needed this. And we’re going to be fine, Aquene. But if you wanna hang out and give me the stink eye, you’re more than welcome.