Weavers of the universe

Fuji was anxious.

There was no other word for it. She had stayed behind in the Armada while her mother had travelled home, despite her better judgement, and she had plans to return once she knew her new siblings were safely delivered, but everything her mother was choosing to do was putting the young healer on edge. She knew her mother was particularly skilled with plants, but should she really be risking gathering mushrooms and herbs that may or may not increase the chances of a miscarriage in her condition? She could tell from the glazed-over look on her face that her mother was tuning her out, so she glared instead, and gritted her teeth. Even Otis was worried about her (though to be fair, that seemed to be a standard state of affairs with the crotchety opossum).

The girl tried to be relieved when they finally made their way back towards the bamboo, a suspicious trail of fireflies seeming to gather around them. She was sure to tell her mother that 'this was their last outing' and they wouldn't be leaving the limits of the bamboo again, and as a healer, that was her order! But nature always seemed to have other plans.

Her mother's cry was sudden, and unexpected. She darted closer to provide what little support she could given her meagre size. They were so close now, it was just a few more steps. With a tip of her head she signalled for Otis to run ahead and start preparing their medicines. It seemed like today was the day after all.

“Speech”