Emberwood the black hills, the bad lands, the calloused east

his sister—his calm, ethereal sister—was going to pieces in front of him, and it brought his own anxiety to the forefront. olive, if the babies are coming, i don't think we can make it home, cortez responded, almost panting between each word. and it wouldn't be good for them to rush back, right? don't you need rest?

he nudged her once more, insistently this time, tremors running through his body like ripples in a pond. we gotta get you out of the open, he said firmly. we have to at least get you to a place where you're safe.

oh, god, who to call for help? lily had her own children, and aliac newly whelped. everyone seemed scattered. del-- ariel? who? who? who could pull them from this quagmire? he began to lose himself in the frantic moment, feeling as though he was disconnected from his body, floating above the ground. his heart hammered hard and fast against his ribcage.

olive, please, cortez pleaded with a whine, trying to coax her toward the alcove.