Redsand Canyon scrinium

Germanicus decided they should focus on the Saints, while building their alliances. In the next breath, he said something that made Towhee’s face soften, even as a fire licked behind her eyes.

We have your children to consider now, Towhee mused aloud. She knew the Imperator didn’t need to be reminded of this, though the look on her face spoke volumes. She was deeply and personally invested in those pups, by merit of their mother. Protecting them was perhaps Towhee’s first priority, though she didn’t mention that aloud.

But speaking of children reminded her of the ones he’d mentioned. I do wish there was something we could do for those Rivenwood pups… but I just don’t… Towhee trailed off and shrugged a white-streaked shoulder in helpless frustration. She saw no way to accomplish that without inviting great risk, though she would still mull on it, along with everything else.

Now the Imperator mentioned exploring, inviting her to delegate a scouting party. Towhee briefly considered whether she would like to go. But then she thought of Ruenna. It was yet another thing she would have to deliberate carefully. Germanicus had given her a veritable three-course meal for thought.

In the meantime, she had a sudden idea. She looked down at Germanicus’s map, setting her foot astride it. I haven’t had the chance to discuss the diplomacy thing with Mulberry. What if we killed two or however many birds with one stone? Send a small group out to explore, ultimately destined to drop by Kinfolk to extend an invitation to—what was it you had in mind? Dinner?