Dragoncrest Cliffs Willow Tree March

She supposed now that Mercy was gone, Meerkat didn’t have to worry about accidentally making her feel bad about all of this. She didn’t really want to burden her mate and sons with her grief, either, so for a little while, she kept to herself. Meerkat couldn’t hide her feelings any longer and just needed a little space and time to let them run their course.

By the time Njord came looking for her, Meerkat didn’t mind being found. She sighed, her breath furling visibly in front of her muzzle on this cold, clear night. She nodded him closer, otherwise remaining motionless. She probably looked a little disheveled, though her tears had dried by now, at least.

I’m sorry, she whispered in the dark, I didn’t want to bring down the room. I just feel—felt—very… fragile. But I’m doing a little better now.