Hushed Willows [IPS] Homeward Bound

As soon as the trio of companions made it within eyesight of the plateau, even distantly, Ibis felt her heart seize in her chest and a great weight — like a deep breath held too long — settle inside of her. She had expected to feel elated upon the trip back to her birthplace; she imagined how nice it would be to see @Okeanos again and tell him all about her adventures with their dad, and especially see @Olive and @Seabreeze again. There was always @Lily too, and maybe even @Khali, or — !!!

There were just so many people that Ibis missed. Family she held dear, people she'd left behind in the wake of her mother's accident. It hadn't really dawned on her to feel guilty about it since the trio's departure, but now that they were getting closer to Elysium, it was all she could feel. So their trip took longer than planned, and Ibis was hanging back more than she should've been, letting @Gannet and @Sarah take the lead. She feigned being tired or having sore feet, or some other minor complaint - but the truth was growing clearer that Ibis was feeling cowardly, and so very nervous about this family reunion.

Soon the grassland flowed north and became rougher, rockier, and the scent of willow trees filled the air. The swaying boughs whispered as they welcomed the travelers along the ridge. It was like strolling backwards in time for Ibis — and then the scent of the pack's claim greeted her with a strong sense of nostalgia. Someone made a call, and together they would wait.