Sun Mote Copse This is the thread that never ends.

Watching the emotions play across Towhee's face as she processed the news was painful. Any happiness that had initially been there slipped away quickly with the realization that Elwood and Finley were no longer with them. "Gone," Avery confirmed quietly, strangely able to speak without a stutter as she confirmed her parents' deaths. She didn't need to say anything else; Towhee understood.

Penn asked about the whereabouts of Wraen, then in the next breath mentioned their older brother. Avery's heart twisted painfully. Sharing this information would not be easy for anyone to handle, but she knew that Eljay would take it especially hard. She dreaded it. But it was something they would all have to get through together, and Elwood and Finley's legacy would be vital to their emotional survival -- the family unit that they established would be as strong as ever, even if it didn't feel like it right now.