Heron Lake Plateau home is where your heart is

Wiffle wasn't the only one who missed a slew of her kids. Eljay's heart had never truly stopped aching for Blix and Bobbin, the two of her brood that he'd spent most time with. He'd known them only a short while but it was strange to be missing out on their lives, and he felt the same guilt that he had felt towards Wiffle for not letting them know he was alive -- for not returning -- towards Blixen and Bobbin. At this point, though, Eljay doubted they even wanted anything to do with him.

Just as he was freezing up, unsure how Wildfire would respond to him after not seeing him for so long -- after he'd abandoned Drageda like that -- he heard her voice. Eljay's muscles tensed in physical reaction, and his breathing came out in rapid bouts. He hadn't had a panic attack like this in some time, but there was one thing that Eljay was determined about: Not to let Wildfire show that he was having a panic attack. This actually helped him focus his breathing and calm down at least a little bit before Wiffle got to him.

It further calmed his nerves a little to see her cheerful at seeing him. Eljay's breathing was shallow and rapid as Wiffle came closer. There was a nagging voice at the back of his head that said that maybe she was only pretending to be nice because it was expected, but was in fact not thinking positively towards him at all. But then, it was Wiffle -- how could she be harbouring ill will towards him? Surely not?

He caught about half of what Wildfire said while trying to calm himself and debating his own mind down, but there was something about the kids, and he registered Wildfire asking 'how are you'. She likes you, she's not angry, Eljay kept telling himself calmly in his mind while he battled down the rapid breathing and worked hard to keep his face as normal-looking as he could. Since it was Wildfire, he wouldn't be surprised if she noticed, but Eljay kept hoping she might just not. "Wiffle! I'm so glad you're -- it's nice to see you -- I can't believe you're here!" Eljay felt a little guilty that he hadn't gotten to meet her youngest children yet, either, but surely this would all come to pass eventually.