Phoenix Maplewood It was inevitable.

Desna may have accepted the passing of her mother in stride, but Reek still refused to accept the terms and circumstances of Scarlett's demise. He was overcome with a level of sadness that left him feeling hollow and paper-thin. Although he had done everything he could to heal her body, Reek still felt he could have done more to help. Addressing her physical wounds had not been enough in the long run; she succumbed to a poisoned mind— her will to live, spent.  

He accepted Desna's gestures of thanks, but her display brought him little comfort. Scarlett had been in his care, she was his responsibility— and he had failed both her and her family.  Reek hung his head low with shame.  Ears splayed backwards, Reek remained silent and he pressed in closer to Desna for comfort. The poor thing was now an orphaned child, alone in the world.  Of course, Reek woud care for her and her siblings like they were his own now that Scarlett was gone. It would have been what she would have wanted

The pained howl from the border came from Ukko. Scarlett had touched the lives of each and every longstanding member of the maplewood.  Surely, her loss would be felt by all.  Briefly, Reek wondered if Ukko would join them and pay his respects.  When he finally heard a rustling in the brush, Reek slowly fixed his gaze on what he thought would be Ukko.  Instead, it was another child: Sesi, another one of Scarlett's daughters.  He hadn't seen much of the awkward girl around the territory, but he didn't think much of it. In fact, he hardly noticed she was gone in the first place.

"She's gone Ses," he murmered. She seemed to be the fragile sort. Knowing this, Reek debated allowing her enterance to the den to see her mother in the state she was.  After a quick internal debate, Reek conceded.  Motioning to the den with his muzzle, Reek murmered, "you can say goodbye if you want to."