Phoenix Maplewood Coming Home

his searches for river had proven fruitless. kitten had been returned to them, but her brother was still missing, as was sebastian. hadn't he seen them together briefly, before fleeing to the maplewood? they had either perished together in the fire--dawn had found bones, after all--or managed to escape. he prayed each day and each night that it was the latter.

it was a marvelous thing, to have prayers answered. the howl went up and his spirits with it; he headed briskly that way, heart hammering in his chest. his eyes fell first upon sebastian and then the boy at his side. he broke into a lope, barreling toward them, his tail wagging and tongue lolling madly.

"mithra," he gasped, covering river's face in joyful kisses, forgetting himself entirely. weeping, he pulled the child to his chest--whether he squirmed away or not would be up to him--and attempted to hold him there for a long moment, his relief palpable beyond measure. when he felt as if his emotions were expended (for now) he looked up at the medic, eyes like twin suns suffused with gratitude.

"oh, god, sebastian," adi whispered, feeling tears sting the corners of his eyes. "i'm so glad you both are home safe. thank you--thank you--for bringing you both home safe." his own failures could wait to be examined; for now, he was simply over the moon to have another two packmates alive and with him.