Redhawk Caldera Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine

Fin was actually talking herself out of visiting in the seconds before Wildfire's approach.  The alpha's family was already in enough turmoil without her bringing her sullen self about.  She was just turning away when she heard shuffling in the grass that brought her attention back.  Finley paused as she spotted Wildfire racing towards her.  For a second, she panicked, thinking the pup was going to plow right into her middle and harm the precious cargo she carried.  But fortunately, Fin stayed still, allowing the little girl to hop up and wrap her arms around her neck.


She wanted to laugh - to at least smile, but she found herself unable to do anything but sit down and swallow the lump in her throat.  When Wildfire sat back and stared at her, she too felt an urge to fill the silence that stretched between them, but nothing came to her mind either.  When the girl reached for her, Fin lowered her muzzle and wrapped it over her spine, pulling her into her arms with a soft whine.  It was one thing for her to be sad, but to see that sweet little face so melancholy and desperate was simply unconscionable.

After a moment or two, Fin lowered her arm to release the cub from her grasp, peering down at her face as she fixed a soft smile upon her own.  It was a sad one, but it was more of one than she'd managed for anyone else.