Heron Lake Plateau ashes against the grain

It took Niamh a while to get there, but Raven didn't begrudge her the traveling time. She knew the dutiful young she-wolf liked to keep busy and was likely out on the fringes of the territory somewhere. Raven remained in the entrance of the den, keeping watch in a sphinx-like position and playfully batting the occasional tiny butt assailant with her tail.

Before too long, Niamh showed up with a grouse in her jaws and approached Raven with friendly greetings. The alpha rose to her paws and returned the gestures, genuinely glad to see the lovely butterscotch wolf, and then turned to go back inside. Casting another glance at the plump bird Niamh had brought, she grinned slyly at Quixote and couldn't resist ribbing him a bit: "How is everyone in the pack better at hunting birds than you, love?" Snickering, she sank back down in her usual spot at the back wall of the den, directly facing the entrance, and gently guided the puppies within her reach back toward her side. "Thanks for lunch, Niamh!" she continued, gesturing in invitation to the gamma. "Come in," Niamh wouldn't quite be able to fit her entire body inside, but there was ample room at the entrance for her to comfortably lay with her body partially inside.

"We actually wanted to talk to you about something." When Niamh was situated, Raven continued, "Qui and I have been paying attention, and we've noticed who's been going above and beyond for the good of our pack. You've really shined these last few months. Things have been crazy and a lot has been thrown at you, and you've really proven yourself to be an exceptionally dedicated and hardworking Redhawk. Sooooo..." Here she paused and her gaze shifted to Quixote, indicated that he could be the one to break the good news to her. That was, of course, if the pestilent Owen and Vasa gave him the chance!