Redtail Rise other loves, other vices

"good," he answered, satisfied--for now--with that. he knew he wouldn't be later, upon reviewing this interaction. he should be begging her to stay, for her family's sake. but it wasn't about them, not completely. she needed to do what was best for her at this time, and if wandering alone was what she sought now, he couldn't deny her that. that had been his life at her age, too.

her question sent his stomach into knots, and he found it hard to meet her gaze, but did so with great effort. "lav disappeared, too," adi said quietly, face solemn. "i don't know if she went looking for you or something else. . .but she left without word. dauntless went to look for you both; he's been gone for a couple of moons, now."

it was not news he wanted to give her. but at least there was some silver lining-- "the younger pups are all fine. grayday and catori had three healthy babies: river, kitten, and eventide. aviana had one--faye--and you now have four new cousins, through shale and pema. timberlake, radcliffe, meadow, and padma."

did the revelation that her family had grown intimidate her or delight her? perhaps both. maybe with some guilt thrown in, too, though he hoped not. she would come back at her own pace; he wasn't attempting to guilt her into doing so early.