maternity leave

Her heart grew warm and softened when he spoke. The collie certainly had a way with words, a skill she was sorely lacking. That was why they made such a good team. He made up for her deficits. Luce turned towards the den and surveyed their work, clicking her tongue thoughtfully. "It seems like the ash has been good to the land. With any luck our harvest will be bountiful this summer. It'll have to be." With the health of her own children on the line, Luce would do everything within her power to ensure their prosperity. It would be hard work but she was sure it would be worth it. "Maybe we can see what's growing by the lake...?' she inquired, turning towards the mouth of her waterside cave. Her den was intricate in its scope with many chambers and had been unoccupied for long enough now that the air smelled only of dust and stale herbs. It was time that it was lived in once more.

"We can take a dip while we're at it. I hate grime," she grumbled, giving her shoulders some cursory licks to try and begin the cleaning process. Filth was one of her anxiety's triggers. Luce trotted out of the cave and towards the wide lake and its smaller ponds. Spending the past few months in the desert had given her a newfound appreciation for fresh water. Lucretia couldn't help but smile as she waded into the shallow water. This was home. "The water feels great," she announced, sure that Bourbon would follow her into the lake.