Redhawk Caldera it's gonna be may

Something special was in the air. Killdeer couldn't quite place it, but others could perhaps describe it as puzzle pieces finally coming together. Things made sense.

And now, the Redhawk-Blackthorn stood at the precipice of his birthright and let out a joyful howl to his pack—to @Amalia, his beloved, and to @Alivia and @Cinar. @Towhee he addressed, too, though he knew she wouldn't hear him.

It was with that knowledge that he set off again once their collective song had faded, looking for his grandmother. Maybe near Amalia? After all, the two had been close lately.

But he had a message for Towhee—something he'd been meaning to ask her for a while. And at this point, he was asking for forgiveness, rather than permission.

pack howl—feel free to chime in with your voice! Also killing two birds w/ one stone and seeking out Towhee specifically <3

Cameo, he's just happy to be here lol

The caldera residents were few, but it felt like a pack nonetheless. Maybe it was not Siena's bustling scene under a burning sun, but when Killdeer's howl met his ears he felt himself tilting his head to return with a song of his own.

Somewhere in his heart he doubted that the caldera would be his home forever, but it was home now. It would be home while there was no other to return to, and what a good home it was.

Her son was gone again. Bushtit had seemed so much more grown during this last visit. Towhee missed him but she found herself less worried about him in general this time around. He could very clearly take care of himself. Besides, she had other losses to distract her, though the Redhawk didn’t want to dwell on those either. She gave herself a few days to mourn, then she resumed her daily rituals, attention facing forward to the caldera’s bright future.

She was on the last leg of her latest patrol when Killdeer found her. They saw each other multiple times a day most days now, so Towhee didn’t pull him into a hug. But she did press close, her shoulder bumping his, her snout snuffling at his cheek before blowing a breath in his ear. A moment later, she sidestepped away again, if only to better see his face.

You look particularly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, she observed, oblivious to the celebratory howl she’d missed.

just the one post for Alivia

Alivia added her voice to the howl echoing across the Caldera, enjoying how her unique song blended with those of her new family. Hopefully, her personality would fit in just as seamlessly, but only time would tell. Fitting in had never been her strong suit.

We did it, Gramma, Killdeer told her with a grin. I think we're off and running here. I can't thank you enough. . .we really couldn't have done it without you.

@Towhee had indeed worked her ass off—much more than he would have liked. With Redhawk Caldera's foothold finally (somewhat) secured, he hoped now that the elder stateswoman could rest on her laurels, with the rest providing for her needs.

He gestured for her to amble alongside him, the two taking well-worn trails through the interior of the territory.

I've been thinking of the pack hierarchy, he went on. I want it to be based around family, and skills. So Amalia and I can be Matriarch and Patriarch, and the rest based on what they're good at—but I was wondering if you would be okay with being my Number Two.

Killdeer stopped and gave Towhee a look of love and trust. I can't imagine anyone else in the role, Gramma, he said fervently. Please think about it, at least—I promise we won't work you too hard.

He motioned for them to walk, so Towhee fell into step beside Killdeer as they began meandering. She flashed him a smile when he reported about how official things felt, then launched into a brief disquisition about ranks. She bit back a quiet, good-natured snicker at the titles he’d chosen for himself and Amalia—they both seemed so young for it, though she knew they weren’t—and then smiled warmly as he entreated her to join them in leadership.

Towhee could tell he anticipated a refusal, so she sought to put him at ease by nudging her muzzle against his and saying simply, Sure. But if you’re the Matriarch and Patriarch, what does that make me? The Ancestress? she joshed, snorting a breath that ruffled his whiskers.