#i may have taken the opportunity to change the name i gave kev's great-great-grandma because i wasn't really happy with it

[kariachi]

Some quick thing to go with that last 'give five headcanons' post last night. A glimpse of the aftermath of the shit that started it all.

~~

As mothers of young children all, the sound of a commotion did not necessarily draw their full attention under normal circumstances. After all, between the ages of three and seven was prime running around and causing a ruckus time, especially their spawn. But a commotion directly after Dalia’d gone off to check on them? Because they had gone all too quiet? And such a loud one?

It had taken only moments for the others to follow after her, some even forgetting their hats in their rush. It was only a short distance to the lot in which the children played during their meetings, far enough for the youngest to feel bold but near enough to hear their shouts and Pearl’s barking laugh. Nobody was laughing there, and the women skidded to a halt as they watched a great squid creature flee through an alleyway that should have been far too small for it. Dalia was watching it go, snarl on her face and shovel clutched in her hands.

There wasn’t a second thought as to whether she had that side of the situation under control, freeing the rest to rush to their children, huddled at a safe distance and openly distressed. Talking of new friends and how mean Dalia was, babbling nonsense of dying out and saving humanity. Little Jose was crying, sending Teresa’s hackles up even further than they already were. It was only once they had assured themselves that nobody was injured- spooked, upset, but not hurt- that any care was paid to the actual issue at hand.

Settling her little girl on her hip, Máire turned her attention to Dalia, stood there with her hand fisted protectively in the back of her boy’s collar, weapon still in hand.

“A shovel, Dal,” she asked, almost bemused, her accent coming through thick.

“Almost surprised she didn’t go at that thing with her bare hands,” Bess muttered, a hand on Pearl’s shoulder like she may vanish.

“Things are less uppity if you hit them with a shovel,” Dalia said. “They learn quicker.” They all nodded at this truth, hoping the children were soaking it in. Hopefully they wouldn’t have to follow in their footsteps, but just in case, it was good to know.

“What was that,” Fran asked. She was the only one without a hand on a child, but she’d placed herself firmly between the twins and the alleyway.

“Not a clue,” Bess said, “but I think we should keep a closer watch on the kids from now on.” An uproar of disagreement came from the children, but the women all nodded.

“Whatever it was,” Máire said, “I’m having Father Slane pray over Erin, just in case. I’d suggest the lot of you do the similar.” Dalia snorted.

“Oh, our rabbi would love that.” Shaking her head, she urged her boy back towards the house. “Come along, ladies. We should probably be discussing this inside…”