Redhawk Caldera Tea for three plus one.

The first day of fall dawned cool, rainy and refreshing, which paired well with Towhee's mindset. She had been away much longer than she had planned, though spending several weeks under Raven's care had done wonders for her. Sure, she'd balked at first—particularly when her sister had insisted on twice daily meditations—and the medications hadn't been what she'd call particularly pleasant, but the change of the seasons was marked with a sense of healing and well-being.

She said her goodbyes and thank-yous beneath gloomy skies, then finally began the journey home. @Sifaka wanted to stay behind, so Raven insisted on sending one of her yearling sons to escort Towhee. He didn't talk much, which suited her just fine. They walked at a steady clip, Towhee trying not to speculate on what she'd missed and how her pack mates would react upon her return. Anytime she caught herself getting too wound up in her thoughts, she did a breathing exercise her older sister had taught her. It helped a lot, actually, especially with keeping her stomach calm.

The moment they drew up beneath the caldera's misshapen shadow, Quixote's lookalike bowed his head and excused himself to return home. Towhee opened her mouth to insist he stay at least a few minutes and meet some of his relatives, but she shut it and waved farewell. She then faced her homeland, picturing her children's faces and hoping they would be as happy to see her as she was to see them, especially after being gone for weeks.

Towhee took one last moment to steady her breathing and her mind, then raised her muzzle toward the dreary skies and howled her homecoming, a fittingly hair-raising squall.