Though storms have torn her dreams apart,
Hope still sings within her heart.
A gentle wave, both strong and long,
She is the river's whispered song.
Hope still sings within her heart.
A gentle wave, both strong and long,
She is the river's whispered song.
.
" Piranha-- oi, ye wee tike! Don't bother th'new kits with yer teeth, ye lil scamp! " Wavesong called out, her voice light with laughter as she rose from her nest. It was still unbelievable how full the nursery had become. Willowburn's arrival with the foundlings had certainly shaken things up, but in a good way. And, of course, Wavesong had promised to help however she could. Kits were kits, whether they were hers or not, and she had plenty of warmth left to give. Besides, it was comforting to share the space. To feel like part of something still growing, still thriving.
She watched fondly as Willowburn padded into the nursery, a quiet twinkle in her eyes. There had been a shift in Wavesong lately... Subtle, but noticeable. She had started smiling more. Not the forced kind, not the sort that masked wounds for the sake of others… but genuine smiles. Real ones. And today? Today was a good day. And that was enough.
" Yer critters are a fine lot. " Wavesong chuckled toward Willowburn, a smile on her face before she, flicked her tail toward Piranha with mock exasperation. " If Piranha don't try t'mark 'em with his greedy lil' teeth. " she spoke fondly, shooting a wink to her kit. She knew her son meant no harm, he just had a thing about chewing. It was a habit she'd long since accepted, and one she often tried to redirect. She gave him sticks, moss knots, even pebbles once or twice. She had half a mind to toss him a bone at one point, just to see if he'd gnaw it like a hound. The image still made her laugh.
" They like ye. " she added after a moment, her gaze softening as it settled on Willowburn. The foundlings she had brought to RiverClan... They were kindly... They had grown used to the sight of Willowburn coming in to give them something to eat, to talk with them, to play with them. With a gentle tilt of her head, she leaned back into her nest, curling her tail slightly around the nearest kit of her own before her voice softened.
" How've ye been doin', Willow? "
Speech, thoughts/emphasis
@willowburn