Blacktail Deer Plateau blue sky black death

A surprised laugh burst from Bones's muzzle when Atticus revealed that Osprey was her aunt. She did not mention that she'd already met her, nor that it was Osprey who'd directed her here, but the look on her face probably told Atticus everything. The juvenile snickered to herself for a good fifteen seconds, delighting at her aunt's mysteriousness.

Truthfully, Bones hadn't thought too far ahead about what she'd do once she found Atticus. She hadn't wanted to bench on any particular reaction from him. Not only had she found him, he'd accepted her quickly and openly and even informed her of her other relatives. This was the best possible outcome!

For once, the young scalawag was speechless. After hesitating, she declared, "I'm not sure! I like the creek and I'm loyal to Cap'n Fox and the rest of the crew." One side of her mouth fell uncertainly. "But I want to be near you too..." she quickly added.

Young Bones assumed it went without saying that Atticus was firmly planted here at the plateau, what with his siblings here. Otherwise, she might have invited him to come live at the creek, as it really was a great place. As it was, she was mostly joking when she said, "You could come live with me," and gazed up at him. She was so independent for her age, yet now that she had a father, she almost craved for Atticus to tell her what to do. And Bones thought she just might obey if he did.