The straw that broke my back

Modesty was halfway through moving skins down from the treehouse to the newly excavated den near the base of the tree they had claimed. As expected, Kenway's cattle dogs had made short work of expanding what had probably once been a badger sett. It had multiple entrances, little chambers that could safely house pups, and plenty of room for Modesty, Gilgamesh and Jael. The dogs had done a wonderful job of shoring up any weak spots and renovating the space to suit it's new purpose and larger inhabitants better. The two girls had even happily snatched up the pelt she was moving and took it into the den when the summons came, tails waving with joy at having a job, almost as if they were telling her they could handle it, and she was only in the way.

She sighed and stretched before setting out, heavy belly swaying as Modesty made her way out to the Moor where someone was calling for her. The scent of freshly turned earth clung to her pelt and exhaustion etched every inch of her frame. This was the worst part of pregnancy, the sleepless stretch before birth, where breathing was a challenge and the additional pressure on joints made moving far or fast a challenge. It was more a waddle than a confident stride that bought her to her daughter, rump falling against the ground as she finally reached her, sliding down to her elbows, adjusting her belly as she reclined amongst the browning heather. An apologetic glance and a brow arched in question. She barely had the breath to ask what it was her daughter needed, but she was here and willing to listen.

"speech"