Redhawk Caldera three little piggies

Okay, so she'd found her sister - and Finley, who had been fit to bursting - and then she'd fucked right off and explored the valley. Nothing seemed all that thought out by Fern's standards. She'd picked her way along the mountain range, spent some time wandering in the forests of the valley, and even entertained the thought of going north to the coast - but nothing really stuck with her for long. She was incredibly bored since losing Neasa's trail, and for the first time in her life Fern had no direction. She had no plan, no purpose, and it ate away at her.

As much as she had loathed caring for mom and dad's kids every year, she missed them too. The girl wanted to be useful, not out here roaming around without a care. Thus, inevitably, she found herself approaching the Caldera all over again. There were signs of increased border patrols since her last visit which begged an unspoken question, and briefly Fern was worried about Finley and the babies she carried. She realized as she slipped along the heavily marked borders that Finley's scent wasn't as strong as the others, but taking that into account with her older sister's chubby belly, she could only conclude that she was having her kids.

Maybe Fern had returned right on time, then. She paced around until she found a copse of trees that smelled distinctly like @Quixote and then plopped herself down, lifted her nose, and sang to her extended family: I'm back! I'm over here, come find me!

changed tag bc oops lagan isn't ppc... lemme know if the assumption isn't alright iris!  We Need a thread sometime

Colt was itching to explore, and to explore one area in particular, but with Finley so close to popping he hadn't wanted to bring it up.  So he'd hugged close, occasionally traipsing off but mostly only to hunt or track.  He'd also introduced himself to @Eljay and offered to help a bit on the sparring side. The kid was nice enough but definitely soft.  For that he blamed Finley... she needed to throw a few challenges at him.  Luckily Colt was here now to spread some recklessness around.  Just a tidge.  Maybe.  If he could be sure Fin wouldn't find out (or the damn hawk wasn't watching, literally.  He didn't trust it not to be a snitch).

When a familiar voice called out, one he hadn't nearly expected to hear so soon, Colt was close enough to be first on the scene.  He grinned as he strode up, recognizing Fern by sight as confirmation of his guess on the call.  "That was quick."

Of all the people to find her, she had hoped it would be the thorn-in-the-bum guy from before. Nope, her luck wasn't so great. It was Colt of all people - and he came sashaying over as if to gloat about her choices. His comment rankled her spirit a little but she didn't let this show, and instead puffed a little bit for dramatic effect as she countered, Ain't much to see in this place, and made sure not to mention Neasa. 

Without worrying for the limits of the territory or anything, she slipped over the boundary and bumped shoulders with her big brother, her tail whisking in a friendly display as she tried to show her version of affection (which might leave bruises). But I'm here, I'm hungry, and I don't know about you - but I figure Finley could use all the familial support she could get right now. She's pooped out some kids by now, right? That was a given, or so she thought, and went on to add: I've helped mum and dad so much I could probably tend kids in my sleep. Or I dunno, help you man the ramparts!

That was her way of begrudgingly asking to stay, but it mostly just felt like she was bullying her way in (affectionately).

"Not much prettier than this mug," he said with a grin, accepting her greeting with (barely) a wince and nipping lightly at her shoulder as she backed away.  He kidded with her, but it was good to have her back, to stay or not.

"She's popped, though couldn't tell you if it's improved her outlook much.  I'm keepin my distance - seems smartest."  At least until the kidlets were old enough to be allowed visitors.  "She might let you around if you ask nice though," he finished, not sure there was a world where Fin wouldn't want Fern to stick around.  Right? She was family?

But oh, right, she wasn't head honcho anymore.  He sighed.  "Guess we should check with the numero uno."  He cast a final glance at her, then lifted his head to howl for Towhee... only to lower it once more. "Shit, I always forget."  She wouldn't hear the damn thing anyway.  What the fuck?

Fern nodded along with what Colt was saying, doing her best to keep herself serious-faced rather than reacting with disgust upon hearing that yes, Finley had indeed had her children. On one hand - great! She was healthy and the babies were healthy. On the other, ew, sister spawn. Being told that it was still early in their life (and at least early enough that the parents still stuck with them most hours) alleviated some of her mental anguish regarding the topic. She had left mom and dad behind because of all the babies; finding more wasn't ideal.

The strange part was when Colt admitted to the pack being led by someone other than Finley. That didn't.. Make sense. Finley was the matriarch of this whole place, wasn't she? The Alpha? The one with breeding rights? The one that had somehow gotten the strongest man around to bone her and make the next generation (strong, better, faster, etc)? Colt was howling for someone and Fern just kind of.. Awkwardly watched him. Then when he stopped to comment something, cutting his call short, she gawked at him.

The hell? Who are we calling? Just take me to my sister.

wrapping! Ooc decision or y'all can continue in here <3

Colt was a bit peeved, and he frowned as he looked at Fern.  "Finley handed the reins over to some kid, and she's deaf.  She has a bird, but damned if I'm calling it."  He started walking and flipped his tail, indicating Fern should follow.  "Maybe popping out kids is messing with her head.  C'mon, I'll take you close and we can sort it out with her or Elwood."

He wasn't too nervous, she would have an escort and she was family.  Of course she'd be allowed to stay, in his eyes this was only a formality.  He'd lead her near the den and let @Elwood or @Finley sort this out, though he'd stay well back from where the pups were hidden away.  They weren't exactly free access yet.