Phoenix Maplewood Trippin' on skies, sippin' waterfalls

Reek didn't make her wait. The instant his homely mug came into view, Smash not only broke into a smile, her whole body began to wriggle. He closed the distance, a few surprised words tumbling from his mouth, and she sprang up to wrap her forelegs around him in a wolfish hug. "'Course I did! I didn't want anyone sticking needles in my eyeballs!" she crowed even as she nipped, nibbled and slobbered all over his face.

After a moment, she released him and stepped back, chocolate tail still fanning the air in a blurring arc. "It's so good to see your face, grand poobah. I saw what happened to the rise and it scared the bejeezus outta me. I wasn't sure I'd be able to find you guys. Speaking of which, how's everyone? Is the gang all here...?" Oh, she had a thousand more questions—not to mention updates of her own—but she laughed and shut her trap to let him get a word in edgewise.