Redhawk Caldera Die young.

I think I'm gonna fade this one. Feel free to post again or send directly to the archives.

Rue did as Towhee asked. Even as the Sovereign soberly observed the call, she realized she could not face an indefinite wait. Who knew where Reyes was right now and how long it might be before he returned? Towhee's entire being recoiled at the thought of lingering here for hours with poor Marten's little body, waiting for that instant when her mate showed up to learn the terrible truth.

"I'm going to take Marten to the cave," Towhee said a little abruptly. "Please stay here with the others and tell Reyes where I've gone when he comes." She threw Rue a very sorry look indeed, hating that any of them were in this position. Hopefully he would hear those words and simply come meet her there, without forcing an explanation out of poor Rue.

Without another word, Towhee ever so gently scooped up her dead son. His weight felt all wrong in her mouth as she strode out of the Hobbit Hole, tears soon flowing down her cheeks to dampen his small body.