Ouroboros Spine astronaut in the ocean

Although the lack of news was disappointing, it came as no surprise. She was used to it by now. And though Kukutux did not have any information to give her now, spreading awareness of her father's absence might lead to news in the future. She didn't dwell on any of that at present, though, distracted by her hostess's query.

"Yes, he's living at the caldera," she replied, brow furrowing a little. He had been rather sparse since arriving, though she hadn't even noticed it much—staying quite busy herself—or, god forbid, held it against him. With a sudden pang, she realized she missed him, despite living in the same place. Next time she stopped by the caldera, she would make a point to catch up with her dearest brother.

Soon, they came to the ulaq and Meerkat shot Kukutux a grateful smile before nipping one of the fish. "It's been more than a month, though not quite two," she said thoughtfully. "Neema—Niamh—ran off and my dad went after her. She was pregnant. I'm not even really sure what happened..." She'd heard some of it from Towhee but that was only one side to a complicated story.

"Anyhow, we haven't heard from or seen either of them since," the yearling reported with a frown, picking idly at her food. "I've been searching quite a bit but... nothing. I'm headed to Yuèlóng and then Sapphique after this, though, and I'm holding out hope. Someone must've seen them at some point."