Bramblepoint Will it ever stop

@Towhee

The world kept turning and here was Rodyn. He felt sort of stuck if he was honest. He was going through the motions. He was trying. But he was existing only. He had no family. Any relationships he'd pursued were just empty. His sons gone to the winds.

He bowed his head against the wind that stirred. Sniffed at the nearby brush. At least hunting hadn't been taken from him. That was a plus right?

Life was simple at the moment, if not easy. Especially now that Killdeer and Amalia had come to stay, Towhee took it upon herself to patrol the caldera at least daily, twice if she could manage it. In her spare time, she gathered what herbs and other supplies she could for her granddaughter-in-law, then added her sparse catches to the few stockpiles. She slumped into the Hobbit Hole each and every night, a little achy but content as she drifted to sleep with her grandson’s smell in her nose.

The day dawned gray and drizzly, though this didn’t deter the elder Redhawk from her morning circuit. It began and ended on the northern edge of the territory. When she finished, she gazed into the nearby woods and thought of Fennec for a moment. Towhee hoped she might turn up someday soon to see what they were doing with the place… well, see in the ways her blind daughter could.

She pivoted, preparing to scale the nearby slope, when the wet breeze wafted a familiar scent into her nose. Towhee paused, trying to remember the last time she’d seen Rodyn. She supposed it had been at the end of summer, when she’d been struggling to produce enough milk for Bushtit. She could barely remember those days of duress now, though she probably owed Rodyn some gratitude. Regardless, she would like to see him.

Pushing through the underbrush, she followed her nose to a small clearing, the light rain clearing up as she spotted Rodyn among the brambles. Even after all this time, her heart skipped a beat when she saw him… then sank a little as she studied him. He looked rather downtrodden, though maybe he was just under the weather. Towhee glanced at the ugly sky, then settled her orange eyes on him as she strode forward.

Hey, you.

Rodyn knew the regular stirrings of pack walking and border patrol. He did it himself. Keeping the borders vibrant with scent of wolves. It was something he could do for Kukutux and Aiolos.

The day was not a pretty one. However, Rodyn had always found it slightly easier to hunt qhen the weather was nasty. Prey animals took shelter and usually couldn't smell him past the scent of rain.

Rodyn wondered after all the wolves of Moontide. Whether they had been long term or short term. He missed them.

Rodyn froze midpawstep as he heard a noise. Smelled Towhee. Then her voice came on the wind. Yellow eyes sought her out. A smile to light them up.

He shifted so she could see his paws. But he spoke too. Heya Towhee.

When he saw her, his eyes lit up noticeably. That warmed her heart more than a little bit, though she was just glad to see him smile. She wondered what invisible burdens weighed on his shoulders. She still sensed them as she closed the gap, assessing him now that they were up close and personal.

Haven’t seen you since late summer. How are you? What’ve you been up to? Towhee queried, folding to a sit a few feet in front of him.

Rodyn had the same burdens as he had. He was lonely. And he missed companionship.

He blinked as she got closer. Looked down at her. A small laugh at her getting straight to the point.

A soft shrug.Not much. Moontide fell. Not sure if you knew it. I have been okay. Felt a bit like a failure. My kids aren't in the teekon wilds anymore. Been helping moonglow hunt.

There was nothing but understanding in her eyes as they read the words from his lips. They’d always been kindred spirits, of a sort, enduring despite all of life’s aches and pains. Her stomach sank when he mentioned his kids in particular—oh, she could certainly empathize there—and called himself a failure.

Hey, she said sternly, don’t talk about my friend like that. Despite her tone, she smiled softly at him. Then she said, C’mere, and pulled him into the kind of bear hug usually reserved for her dearest loved ones.

Towhee often said more in her silence than words. And he liked that about her. It made him glad she was his friend.

Laughter jarred him out of his thoughts at her words. Yellow eyes crinkling at the corners. He shifted to return the hug. And when she released him.

:;How have you been?::

As she held him tightly for a moment, she marveled at how there was no awkwardness between them, no matter how much time stretched between visits. Towhee gave Rodyn a firm squeeze before pulling apart, orange eyes twinkling in the gloom. It was so easy to like him, to be around him.

I’m alright. I was traveling for a while, though I’ve hit the point where my age is slowing me down and I can’t pretend otherwise, she answered. I’m staying at the caldera with my grandson, Killdeer, and his lady, Amalia. Did he know them? They plan to revive it, so I’m supporting that effort.

She thought again of that hot summer day when she’d carried her newborn babe to Moontide’s borders, deperate for help. Rodyn had come. He hadn’t been able to provide nourishment, though he had been there for her. He hadn’t left her side when she’d hustled to Moonglow. Towhee remembered that much.

Bushtit’s doing really well these days. I raised him on the road, so I’ve passed the nomad’s baton to him. He checks in fairly often. She was afraid to ask if Roly and Payne did the same, so instead Towhee said, I’m sure Moonglow is treating you well—how’s Kukutux these days?—but you looked a little downtrodden when I came up on you just now. You sure you’re okay?

Rodyn tried not to be awkward around anyon3,but for some it came easier. Perhaps he was a wolf pleaser, but he preferred when everyone got along.

Rodyn frowned in though. I know Amalia. I may know your grandson, but I can't place him at the moment. At the very least he's been mentioned to me.Amalia was here when Natigvik failed.

Rodyn felt a laugh bumbling. Her child's name never fail3d to make him smile. A frown. Kukutux is having dark days. I am worried for her.

He blinked and have a hollow laugh. Oh. I was just thinking and categorizing my failings. You know I was given 2 names after Samani passed. Other daughters of Kukutux. One also died. The other chose another and then disappeared. I suppose I just feel a bit stuck and strange lately. Unsure all of why my brain is foggy.

His mention of Natigvik reminded her of her conversation with Amalia last week. She had taken responsibility for that upon herself. It seemed like Rodyn was doing the same for Moontide. Towhee knew they couldn’t help it, though perhaps some real talk would help lighten the load on Rodyn’s shoulders.

But then he said something about Kukutux that sidetracked her. Towhee’s lips twisted into a moue. What ailed the fabled “moon woman”? She wanted to ask, though she let her friend finish, not wanting to interrupt him especially if he was unloading.

She didn’t quite follow at first, thinking Rodyn meant nicknames given to him upon his wife’s death. But slowly she pieced together the context. Towhee blinked. She could almost hear the edge of bitterness in his voice, though perhaps it was only her imagination. He didn’t seem the type.

Who were they? she wondered, genuinely curious. What’s the matter with Kukutux? was her other question, finishing with a third. Is there anything I can do, for either of you?

Where the difference lied. Was Rodyn had been the founder and leader. And to watch it break it was painful and hard.

Rodyn himself wasn't even sure what had felled the moonwoman besides perhaps grief. But there had to be more he knew. She had dealt with grief before.

Rodyn was not bitter in the sense of normal bitterness. It was the women's choices who they married. More so he felt a bit defective honestly. More so woth Callyope than others. She had hurt him in a way.

Ariadne and Callyope. More daughters if moonwoman.

A sad look on his face. I do not know. I would have told you grief and age. But I found her recently half out if her mind and half frozen clutching something a trader gave her moons ago. She couldn't speak to me.

Honestly, being here. Listening hashelped me inmeasurably.

Well, it made sense to Towhee that Kukutux might spiral after losing two daughters. Her heart went out to the bereaved woman, lips twisting into a grimace at the grim picture Rodyn’s words painted. Towhee wondered if she was doing better now, even glancing in the direction of Moonglow. She ought to visit, though the Redhawk refused to stray further from the caldera until it was more established.

Please send her my heartfelt well wishes when you get back there, Towhee said, which felt pretty useless after all the things Kukutux had done to help her. I’ll try to get out to the spine sometime, it’s just that my leg gives me a lot of trouble these days, she added, hoping it didn’t sound like it felt: as if she was making excuses.

She let out a breath, scanning their soggy surroundings for a moment. She felt a few droplets; it was going to start raining in earnest soon, she figured. There were enough leaves on the trees to provide some cover, though Towhee wondered if Rodyn would be opposed to taking shelter at the caldera. She warmed at the idea of sharing the Hobbit Hole with him, even just for a little while.

Any chance I can convince you to come home with me? she said, wiggling a brow. She laughed, then added a touch more sincerely, I want you to keep talking to me. I want to keep listening. I’m pretty good at it for a deaf wolf, right?

Rodyn was unsure what the future held for Moonglow and Moonwoman. The once proud village was beginning to wane as the moon does. And it made him nervous. But all dynasties must eventually fall no matter how much it was hated. To make way for new ideas, wolves.

He nodded. I will do that. He glanced at her leg with a frown. He could not remember of she jad ever told him about it. He had only known it hurt her.

Rodyn lifted nose into the slight drizzle. Sniffing. More rain. Big rain was coming. He probably wouldn't make it home before he was soaked. He could seek shelter.

Rodyn was taken aback at first. Though he didn't outwardly show it. But he did chuckle a little at her eyebrow wiggle. Her next words and he thought about it for a beat of a minute. Then nodded.

Okay. Lead the way. Will your grandson be upset?

Rodyn contemplated for a moment, during which Towhee silently coaxed him. Her eyes flashed brightly when he eventually agreed. She shook her head as she turned, motioning for him to follow her back through the brambles to the foot of the nearby caldera.

I don’t think he’ll mind at all if I bring a friend to visit, she said en route, just in case he was truly concerned. He and Amalia are pretty easygoing, though I’d like to think they can trust my judgment too. I wouldn’t bring just anyone into our sanctum, she said with another sparkle in her eye.

It wasn’t long before they reached the foot of the slope. Towhee led Rodyn uphill to the rim, then down into the basin. She pointed out the Hobbit Hole on the far side, trekking past the sunken lake and then climbing again to reach the lair’s mouth buried in the hillside. She ducked inside, the rain falling in earnest now.

Welcome to the Hobbit Hole. Make yourself at home, she said, gesturing at the wide open space around them.

She stood near the doorway to shake out her pelt, then moved deeper into the oversized burrow. It was gloomy in here due to the weather, though the large doorway let in enough light that she could navigate with relative ease. Towhee took a few steps toward her makeshift nest near the back, though she paused to see what Rodyn made of the place.

Rodyn didn't mind exactly. He was wary that Kukutux would worry or have another spell. But he also needed a break.

He remembered Amalia briefly. She had seemed pretty easy going. For the life of him he could not place Killdeer. Though he was certain he had either met him or spoke to many many wolves about him. Soft laughter at her words.

He took in Brecheliant with wide eager eyes. It was pretty here. Roll8ng hills. Small forests. He could hear water and then saw it.

He pressed forward. Allowing Towhee to enter and shake her fur. Following suit. Licking some of his stray strands down.

It was larger than he had thought it to be. He found it cozy. Bit like his in moonglow. Though he had more furs. He mentally reminded himself to bring Towhee some more furs.

It's cozy

It was cozy, despite its height and breadth. Towhee flashed him a quick smile, then finished walking toward the rear, where she’d made a nest out of a ratty old skin and some other odds and ends, like dry grass and feathers. It’d kept her warm enough, even on her nights here alone.

She sat, then eased down into a sphinx position, canting her head to indicate Rodyn should do the same. She knew he knew to settle at an angle where she could read his lips. It might be a little tougher with the lair’s mouth backlighting them, though she would manage.

So I’m going to rewind our conversation a little bit. I know neither one worked out, she said, frowning a little at the reminders of what had become of them, but it sounds like you were trying to get back out there again?

She ignored the tiny flicker in her chest. Although Rodyn wasn’t a spring chicken anymore, he wasn’t far past his prime, if past it at all. He had several years left to find a mate and bear more offspring, which she assumed he wanted. Towhee probably couldn’t give him the latter, so even if he’d ever thought about her that way—which she doubted—she wasn’t exactly a viable option for that and other reasons.

Even if little crush remained forever unrequited, Towhee liked to think her companionship could fill in some of that hole she knew still existed in his chest… probably still Samani-shaped, even after all these years. She knew, because hers was still shaped like Maxim.

Rodyn shifted. Took another look around. Wondering how many little ones this place had housed. It made him a little nostalgic.

I have some extra hides from this past trading journey. I'll bring you some new. Your grandson and his paramour too.


Rodyn settled as was told. He also made sure his paws could be seen in case she couldn't read his lips and he'd have to resort to his crude ptero fumblings.


A blink and he nodded. I suppose I was. I will always love Samani. But I think she would be fine with me loving another.

Rodyn was just a few from 5 years. He was not a young man. But he wasn't an old one either. Middle aged.

She wanted to argue with Rodyn’s offer, though she bit her tongue. Life had stomped on him enough lately, she didn’t need to refute him, even if she couldn’t help but think of her ill-fated buffalo hide. Towhee swallowed, merely smiling. The Hobbit Hole could use some fresh bedding.

I didn’t know her, so I don’t want to speak for her, she said on the subject of Samani, but I like to think she’d want you to be happy, Rodyn. I know it’s hard, imagining feeling that way about somebody again. I know she was the love of your life. But I felt the same about Maxim and, almost despite myself, I’ve moved on in some ways. I won’t lie to you, it felt a little weird at first, almost like I was dishonoring his memory. But I think the real dishonor would be not living life to the fullest. You know? I think they’d want that for us.

She couldn’t help but think of Bushtit, of course. She was hardly in love with the boy’s father, though they had a strange camaraderie. Towhee remembered feeling weird, knowing Maxim was no longer the last man she’d had children with, but that feeling had passed. In fact, she wasn’t as closed off to another fling or, hell, even a romance. She just didn’t think that was in the cards for her, though, not at this point in her life.

You deserve to know that kind of joy again, she murmured to Rodyn, reaching out to pat his paw with her own. I really hope it finds you.

Rodyn had more than enough to share. That is why he did so. Not many knew that truthfully in terms of wolves. He was quite wealthy. He had furs and herbs, small trinkets, he had traded most of his time here. And as such had built quite a life. Perhaps that was why he was unlucky in love. The universe felt he had enough.

Rodyn shook his head with a smile. I am sorry about Maxim Towhee. You are probably right. He didn't know of she had ever given a name to her what he could only assume was late mate.


He caught her paw and squeezed with a small smile. Thanks Towhee.

When was the last time anyone else had spoken his name or offered condolences? The thought didn’t make her sad, strangely, though it did evoke something like nostalgia. Somewhere along the way, she’d really moved on with her life. Towhee couldn’t say how, or when, or why. She hadn’t really realized it until now.

Rodyn squeezed her paw and she did the same thing right back. She held onto him a moment longer, their eyes meeting as she offered him a smile. Towhee bit at her lip as she broke their grasp, sliding her paw toward herself and folding it to tuck beneath her chest.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: you’re a catch, Rodyn, she said to him, making no effort to hide the admiring look on her face as she stared at his. You’ll make someone very happy someday.

She felt a pang of jealousy toward that mysterious woman who would capture his attention, then his heart. It was chased by a feeling that could only be called protectiveness as the paw beneath her chest hardened into a fist. Rodyn had been through so much already. He deserved the world. If the next she-wolf who caught his eye hurt him in any way, she would have to reckon with the wrath of one Towhee Redhawk.

Rodyn could understand if Towhee had verbalized about Maxim. Even he could handle the talk of Samani. It did not hurt as bad. He missed her certainly. Sometimes wish things had been different. But it wasn't a serpents tooth of pain or like his heart was breaking in pieces anymore.

Rodyn laid his head to his paws. But kept an eye on her, so he could listen and speak back if she continued to talk. He was glad to have such a good friend. He briefly thought that it would be nice if his next marriage was toa friend. He was tired honestly of chasing the younger females.

Rodyn chuckled softly. Doesn't feel like it sometimes. Thank you. Towhee.

want to fade since we have the new one?

She snorted softly when Rodyn let his head drift to his paws. Towhee was glad he felt comfortable here in her home. He could stay here as long as he liked, as far as she was concerned. They could keep talking or just chill here in companionable silence. It was all gucci to her, an errant thought that made her think of Tegan for the first time in a long, long while.

Sure thing, I’ll archive this! :)