Redhawk Caldera oh yeah - it's all coming together

@Amalia. @Towhee. @Ridgeback. And whatever little ones might be growing within his mate's belly.

His crew—his family. The newest cohort upon Redhawk Caldera.

Killdeer had worked to get the old rendezvous in living shape, and when Amalia's heat was fading, he howled to bring them all together (with a special instruction to Mal to find his grandmother, who would not hear). They needed a bonding session. A hunt, perhaps—though Towhee might not be up for that.

Games? Stories?

Or simply just being together would work. Yeah, that would do it. A smile lit his face, the wind lifting the hairs along his neck and back. It was a lower altitude than the Moonspear, and he felt as if his breathing came easier here.

Maybe that was no accident.

Amalia had been asked to gather Towhee. And it took her a hot minute. Her stomach rolling each step. Whew if pregnancy was like this for everyone. She truly held all the women, the mothers that came before in higher regard than ever before. Because dang this was tough and it was only the beginning.

So she sought out his grandma amd would return to settle beside Killer. And wait to hear what he wanted to say. New scent on the wind. New beginnings.

When Amalia came to fetch her, Towhee thought, This is it. We’re official. She assumed Killdeer wanted to rally them together to commemorate this day. She happily trailed after Mal, keeping an eye on her in case she got dizzy or needed to blow chunks again.

They arrived without incident at the old rendezvous site. Towhee took a moment to look around, enjoying the fragrant spring breeze that tickled her nose before pulling at her nape. It smelled like fresh water, grass and dogwood blossoms. And, of course, it smelled like them.

ridgeback follows the sound of the summons with quick paws and even quicker ears. listening fondly to the chatter of birds and the whistle of wind through the budding trees.

the land was greening fast, with the full weight of spring's beautiful bounty. ridgeback found it difficult to be in any sort of mood but cheery and optimistic.

he arrives with a low chuff to announce himself as he pads slowly into view. his coat freshly washed, still glistening with a layer of water sheen.

got your invite, he says with a swish of his tail as he grows closer, eyes roaming from Killdeer, to Amalia, then to Towhee.

Amalia and Towhee came together—gosh, his mate looked lovely. He gave a grin toward Towhee before beckoning Amalia forward, giving a kiss to her crown as she settled alongside him.

And then there was Ridgeback, who made a remark he was prepared for (sarcasm? Killdeer was well equipped).

It's just us, for now, he told them with a shrug. But I'm hoping we can grow. This is Ridgeback— he introduced, nodding toward the large, well-muscled man. He's volunteered to help scout for new recruits, and keep us secure.

He drew closer to Amalia, then, resting his head against hers. We may be expecting children, he went on. We need to make sure the caldera is safe.

Killdeer glanced toward Towhee. Your son's padre, he remarked. Could we rely on him for allies?

Amalia shifted to settle beside Killer. His warmth encompassing. She wanted to sink into it, and well honestly sleep. She was exhausted. How he thought she was attractive at this moment in time. Which he would tell ehr sometimes. Made her wonder at his mentality. Because frankly she felt not attractive at all. if she looked there might even be some barf somewhere sticking to her.

Amalia studied the large male that now made up their little home. Well met. I am Amalia. Thanks for the help. A small smile then towards the newcomer.

Amalia had not really heard much about the youngest son of Towhee. But she knew he existed.

Soon, another scent wove into the breeze. It was stronger than ever, in part because its source was nearby and coming closer. He was wet, which explained the amplification. Towhee returned the male’s stare, fighting the urge to frown when the shock of red fur along his back reminded her of a certain former daughter-in-law.

Otherwise, he kind of matched their palette. Towhee pressed her lips together and turned from him to catch Killdeer’s words. He introduced the newcomer, said a few other things of note. He had a question for her, which she met with slightly raised brows.

He doesn’t even speak our language, she said by way of answer, brows furrowing. But we’re on good terms, so… probably? It’s up to you, as this is your pack now, but I wouldn’t worry too much about alliances yet. We have everything we need right here. Towhee, by the way, she tacked on for Ridgeback’s benefit.

Her orange eyes flicked from her grandson’s face to Amalia’s. Then down to her belly, still flat. Nevertheless, she smiled. Then she shifted her gaze to Ridgeback. Towhee assessed him. Coloration didn’t matter one whit. He looked capable.

We’ve got this, Killer, Towhee said, looking back to him. Although another recruit or two wouldn’t hurt. I can help with that, as well as patrolling. I’m already on both, she assured with a wave of her tail.

skipping Ridgeback since inactive

Don't overdo it, Gramma, he told Towhee, in response to her offer to help. It was a balancing act, much like dealing with Fennec's blindness—he didn't want to infantilize either of them, but he also feared the worst. Just you being here is enough.

They had Ridgeback, now, as well. Amalia would need help at home, especially as the pregnancy progressed, and God knew Towhee had been through enough of those to be a great source of wisdom for his mate.

As for alliances— I'm sure we have friends in the Moon packs, since Treepie is leader on the Spear now, Killdeer mused. He understood such connections could wait, but so much of his experience within groups had leaned heavily on allies. He barely knew any other way. 

Any questions, comments, concerns? he asked the group, as if closing out a routine meeting on Zoom.

If none, they'd disperse and go about their business.

Amalia smiled up at him and winked at his grandma. She was doing a great job. But Killer was right. She didn't want to overdue it. It would be rough if something were to happen to her.

A dip of her head. I know of a few packs that I scouted for that would probably be open to alliances. Though.

A small frown. I don't know how many are left now. It's been some time since I scouted.

Towhee made a playful scoffing noise at Killdeer’s comment, though she followed it with a smile. She didn’t say anything further, just sat back and enjoyed watching Killdeer step into his role as Alpha male. It pleased her. She couldn’t help but wonder what Fennec would think if she could see him now—oh, right.

Nothing further, Your Honor, the eldest Redhawk said when Killdeer began to wrap the brief.

Amalia raised a few more points about alliances. Towhee would leave that to the Alpha pair. She simply didn’t see the value in it right now but wouldn’t begrudge them if their priorities differed from hers. This was their pack now.

Think I’m gonna go fishing like the geezer I am, she remarked, mostly to herself.

She glanced at Ridgeback, wondering if that’s what he’d been doing before showing up to this rendezvous soaking wet. But she didn’t bother asking, nor did she invite anyone along as she began trundling away. They were welcome, of course, but Towhee was fine with her own company.

He touched his nose to Amalia's cheek. Thanks, love, he murmured, appreciating, as always, her help. You'll have to let me know what you know, when you feel up to it.

To Ridgeback, he gave a nod, and to Towhee, a grin. Have fun, Gramma, he told her, then added, teasingly, Try not to fall in.

Class dismissed. If Amalia wanted, he'd stick by her upon retreat. If not, he was more than happy to fuck off and make himself useful elsewhere. He was good about that.