Sleepy Fox Hollow Away from all of reality

Stag was lost in the what-ifs, and could-have-beens, unlike his sister. He was tormented by the idea that the sooner he brought Simmik 'home' the sooner they parted ways again. Last time it had felt like forever and he had not known whether she was alive or dead -- now he felt like any joy he could feel had been ripped from him as soon as he glimpsed it.

Trudging back home, Stag's steps were admitted slow. They traveled in silence, for his throat refused to work and he did not want her to hear any crack in his voice anyway. Eventually they came to the borders and Stag let loose a howl -- for both Takiyok and @Mahler.

He knew what he would see when they came. They would both come stiffly out of the range, eyes dour and demeanor cold -- but hope would light their eyes when they saw who was with him -- he only hoped that hope would not die forever when they realized Simmik was not here to stay.