Greatwater Lake Before we ever learned the fear of being bold

Oh yeah, he better say that. She was definitely being facetious but it was really, really good to hear him laugh. When he started inspecting her she took it in stride and nosed him a few times too for good measure, seeing what she could glean as well. Seemed like he hadn't really found anyone yet, but that made sense, depending on when he'd left the Frosthawks. He must have missed the news.

Actually, what news did he have? I'm good. Really good, actually. Pack news first, maybe. Mom decided there weren't enough of us for the winter, so we kind of split to do our own thing. I'm not sure where she went, but she's fine. Me and Bronco are trying to do our own thing. We're mates now.

She dropped it casually as she could, though she wondered if that was news he'd gotten. There were still a few insecurities she dealt with regarding that, but there was no denying that the last few days had been immeasurably better than the weeks preceding them. And you, dear, sweet brother, have missed a lot. You're "Uncle Fig" now. She was teasing, but there was a sparkle of happiness in her clouded eyes that was unmistakeable. Killdeer would never not invoke that even if she did already miss him like crazy.

How's life on the lam? God, it had been forever. She probably could have visited him a time or two, but that part of the family had never really interested her all that much, no matter how often mom brought them up.