the quiet things that no one ever knows

It was true, they'd been an accident. It was perhaps the best accident that Halo had ever been a part of. A happy accident... they'd never know. They would never need to know, if she could help it. They didn't need to know. For now, the only things they needed to know were how much they were loved, how much they were treasured. How deeply they were loved and cared for. Raised with all the love in the world, that much was for certain. The tiny, pale creature could channel all the love in the world, and all that love would go straight into her family.

Without looking up, Halo knew that Mort had returned from his patrols. His return to his tasks and duties had been hard on her, but maybe... maybe there was a little relief too. Halo was used to being alone, just her and Mr. Raccoon. It was easier to get things done when she was on her own in the den. When Mort was around, Halo wanted to put all of her attention into both him and the pups... but splitting attention in seven pieces was hard. It was just easier to get things done with one less large body in the den. Still, every time he came back home, it was like the first time all over again.

"Welcome home," she breathes the words softly, her tail wagging gently behind her. "Not long, fifteen minutes maybe? I was just straightening up." Halo remained quiet, careful not to wake the sleeping pups. "How was your patrol?" Halo did not envy the warriors. Patrolling wasn't the sort of work she had an affinity for, that was for certain. Tending the gardens, though? Maybe Halo was missing that just a bit. She had to trust that they were well cared for, between Dee and Hazel.

"Halo" & "Mortis"