The Heartwood between the rays

By and by, Ruenna and Meerkat located one another. The owner of the warning howl hadn't made themselves known, but that didn't mean they weren't still nearby. Ruenna was relieved to see Meerkat's familiar face. 

Ruenna was met with a flood of news, and her concern over the stranger in the wood was driven from her mind. As expected, her current worries and reliefs were modified, or replaced with new ones which were equally (or perhaps even more) troubling than those previous. 

Towhee gone missing was particularly worrisome. Their Sovereign was a homebody; her wandering was, for the most part, limited to the territories surrounding the Caldera. If Towhee hadn't returned to the Caldera, especially given the tender age of her children, it was because something was forcefully preventing her. 

At least the news about Phox and the children was a comfort; but of course, that came along with its own troubles too. Rue's brow knit in concern. Prevost. "She'd be about the size of one of Towhee's.." Rue murmured, thinking aloud. She spoke again, this time addressing the young Redhawk. "Who is out searching? You, Phox, and Niamh? Do you need my help with the search, or do you think I should return to the Caldera?" Ruenna trusted Meerkat's judgement as to where the Regent was most needed.