Swiftcurrent Creek Home is where the heart lives.

Though tense, the exchange went off without a hitch and Ferdie von Pelt's band of wolves turned 'round to head back to Sunspire's keep. The Swiftcurrent assemblage was silent and still, like petrified gargoyles watching their rivals until they could not be seen, heard, or smelled. Eventually, the stagnant air broke and taught muscles unwound. The worst was over. With Magpie and Leaf's returned, Sunspire no longer held the upper to blackmail or contort how they saw fit. However, Fox was still missing... or at least that was what Tuwawi thought until Bazi delivered the announcement.

'Fox is gone. She isn't coming back. We will meet again in a couple of days, all of us. Until then, stay close to home - and far away from the Sunspire,' she informed the band. Gone? Tuwawi thought, Or dead? the way Bazi phrased 'she won't be coming back' suggested the latter. What were the circumstances of their alpha's departure? Was she hurt? Driven off by Ferdie? Didn't feel like coming back to the creek? Questions reeled through the ember's mind, but he jaw only clenched as expression became stony. Dark lips upturned into a stiff frown, dotted brows pinched in solemn thought. It was difficult news to digest.

However, despite their urgency, now wasn't a time for questions... and Tuwawi knew that.

Her storm-colored eyes grazed over the others in their group, from Shadow, to Galileo, Danica, Scimitar, to Njal. She shared a look of discontent with her mate until her gaze finally came to rest on Bazi's disheveled figure. Her red ears rolled forward in a questioning way, a visage of concern painting the Sveijarn's face. Did Bazi need help? Want help? Their usually pristine beta looked tired and worn, earth and twigs ensnared in her lustrous pelt. Tuwawi took a tentative step towards her, body language offering help.