Redhawk Caldera Fighting a giant goldfish at the South Pole

Sneaking away to have her heart-to-heart with Towhee had been a wonderful, liberating thing. As much as Finley loved to be with her latest brood, her prior freedom had lead her to the decision to make more time for a repeat occurence. Things felt as though they were looking up, albeit slightly. Their pack had thinned with Burke's and Malice's departure, which meant less competition for the little food they did have. She'd also been seeing less of OG Birk (as she called him in her mind), which was less desireable, but ultimately for the best if she had to weigh her enjoyment of his company against the lives of her family. So, overall, Fin was in a pretty good mood as she stepped out for her hour or so of freedom for the day.

She'd not seen much of Nightjar since giving birth, which was instinctively more comfortable for the new mother. She hadn't anticipated coming across a fresh scent trail of his now, but wasn't unhappy to do so. At least, not until he came within view and she found herself remembering the numerous times she had approached a coiled cobra, rattling its tail threateningly at her. Fin slowed her happy trot to a stop a few yards from him, her face contorted into a frown of confusion and curiosity. Her legs stiffened as she shifted them to a defensive posture, her own hackles lifting though the growl in her throat remained hitched and silent.

"Ninja...?" Fin said slowly, lowering her head to try to meet his level. Something seemed to be distressing him - there was too much tension etched in the tightness of his shoulders. As much as her instincts demanded her to be wary, she couldn't just leave her kid like this.