Larksong Grotto With apple blossom in her hair

Assuming that Reek and Indra have arrived as well with their players' permission! Sorry for length.

Saena's stare was so intent on the grotto's borders and what lay beyond that when Casmir approached from behind, he spooked her nearly into stepping forward into Larksong territory. Her hackles shifted all along her back as the thrill of fright coursed through her and she froze, but it was no word of discouragement that came from him. She turned her snout sidelong and beheld him, and didn't know whether to feel fearful of his opinion or thankful for his presence. The sway of Casmir's tail spoke for him, however, and she breathed out a long breath. "I'm sorry," was all she could muster in that moment with her nerves so tightly coiled.

"Thank you," she murmured in response, easing herself back into a stance that was less frightful and more confident. She couldn't show any fear or hesitance here. This mission was of utmost importance and she could not handle losing to Reek yet again. "How did this happen?" Saena breathed, but before she could ask much else, or begin to truly dwell on her question and who she should blame for Reek even managing to get her daughters, they began to arrive one by one.

Indra's second cry of MOM was just loud enough that it tipped Saena's ears forward. She craned her neck, her shoulders rigid, and called out, "I'm here!" She didn't know which daughter it belonged to. They hadn't been speaking much when she disappeared, and now she could not recognize them by sound alone. It wasn't until Indra burst into view that Saena's breath came out in a whoosh and her heart swelled and she cried out for her—her red-haired baby was all right, and so grown up already—but then Reek arrived, slinking like a ghoul, and two other wolves came swiftly after him.

The first was a mottled chocolate-and-white thing, and fat. Very obviously pregnant. Saena paid her absolutely no mind but a cursory scathing glance. After all, Jhala was not involved as far as Saena was concerned. Saena's children and Reek's crimes against her and them did not concern this wolf, and Saena herself would not stand for her interference in what was a (broken) family affair. She tried not to look at that pregnant belly—it drudged up the same irrational, jealous thoughts she'd had when she'd learned of Rowan's role in all this, and she couldn't bear to think of Reek's potential involvement in that, if there even was any.

The last wolf to arrive was one that brought Saena's heart simultaneously into her throat and into her belly. Laurel was unmistakable with her brown nose and her pinkish-brown coat, but much larger and prettier than Saena remembered, but her little Pinky had only mistrust and misery in her eyes. It cut her mother to her very core. "Laurel," Saena breathed softly, "Indra, my sweet girls, come to me." She was heedless of Reek for the moment with eyes only for her daughters. She trusted Casmir to ensure that their girls were returned promptly and safely without Reek's involvement—but she had words for her ex-mate, too, should he attempt to intervene.