Dragoncrest Cliffs two hearts are left in bleeding halves

Picking up the pace to his rolling lope, he cut a path towards the howl from his prior route. Him, like so many others, had been waiting to hear back like this from their commander. He would have to catch her up on what she had missed here as well, although thankfully it was not anything dire. Already, relief  mixed thickly with anticipation--hopefully, the news that traveled with their commander was remotely favorable. But, over the days of her absence and even from the ones before spent in Redhawk, he had struggled to get muster such hopes in earnest. Ever since finding out about Arlo's end and seeing firsthand how weakened Wildfire had been, he had been plenty convinced that nothing good was to blame here.

A small handful had gathered around Thuringwethil and Eljay, and he knew more would surely come filtering in behind him too. He hung back willingly to observe for now, deferring to the juveniles greeting their Nomi. Despite the tense undertone, his tail swayed gently against his hocks. He was glad to see his comrades back, and seemingly safe at first glance. Étoille not being here was immediately noted, though. That hardened his expression ever so slightly, but trusting that she would fill them in on why, he would wait to hear what the Heda had to say.