Blackbeak Bluff boss man

Backdated to 3/5/25

The sound of water filled his ears.

Following his sudden departure from Hearthwood, he wandered aimlessly. Nonetheless, his paws carried him the bluff. They already knew the path out of the Sunspires and to the coast. He had walked this way before.

The field was empty, save for himself. His paws just inches from the edge. The ocean waves below crashed against the sharp cliff and retreated with a hiss, preparing for the next volley. Mist and salt spray wafted up to the edge, cascading over his face.

Kyrell's nose twitched as his head bowed. What little traces there had been of the Harbinger had now been washed away. Wolf scent and the crimson iron that dotted the trail from their borders was overridden by brine. No matter how many times he searched, there were no footsteps leading away from the cliffside.

His eyes never left the hazardous surf. A molecule of hope brought him here. As if the swirling waters would turn up the giant man that had ran the little willow pack.

He didn't know how long he sat at the edge. Time ceased to exist beyond the waves. The breath of the ocean as it surged back and forth. Each exhale marked with a crash against the cliff face.

Kyrell couldn't imagine a wolf faring well in the water below. It was much easier to envision a body being battered repeated against the rocks. Chewed up by the waves before being swallowed. He still held onto the hope that a familiar face would look back at him. Oakwood eyes and a beaming smile. They never found Boone's body. Surely it could happen.

Kyrell was aware that no such thing would occur. It was truth he didn't want to face. Not to speak. Not to think.

It was kind of his fault after all, wasn't it?

It was one of his responsibilities to survey the borders of the hushed willows. To strengthen their hold with his presence as well as to meet those that passed the threshold. Stupidly, he decided that hunting was a better use of his abilities as Reverie labored. A fresh meal would have been nice for everyone, wouldn't it? For her, her babes, and for all who sat with bated breath for the delivery.

But hunting didn't keep them safe. Someone came knocking on their door and Boone answered it instead. Now the boss man was gone.

Where was his friend?

Kyrell's mind swirled with the waves. He had no plans for what he was going to do. He wanted to go back to Hearthwood, Boone in tow. Safe and sound to meet his children.

A sharp pang cut through his chest. It wasn't like he stuck behind to help support Reverie and her family. Another crime he was guilty of, surely.

Despite the shame, he didn't want to go back. He wouldn't. It meant he had to explain himself. To ask for forgiveness he didn't deserve. To look at the lake, expecting there to be a great, big fisherman by the water. To watch the Harbinger's children grow up without him.

He decided that he would do none of those things. Instead, he would sit right there until he figured out what to do next.

Kyrell sat at the bluff for a long time.