Redsand Canyon I will love you until the last breath leaves my body

She felt stronger today, steeled against yesterday’s fluxing emotions. She arrived at the palazzo bright and early to discover Ruenna had gone into labor sometime after her departure the evening prior. Towhee’s heart skipped in her chest as she tried to peek inside without actually entering. Aquene was in there, coaching the Matrona through the delivery. The Redhawk wished she could be right beside Rue, holding her hand. But she stood outside, eyes glued to the door, waiting…

Towhee didn’t hear the call of her name, of course, but she knew when the moment came. She ducked inside the leaders’ household, pausing in confusion for a split second before swiftly moving toward where the Matrona sprawled in a corner, three newborns at her breast. Towhee gazed at the puppies, but it was to her friend’s face that her gaze clung.

How’re you doing, Mama Woo? the former Praefectus breathed, deaf to the children’s naming, the Imperator’s own soft words and Aquene’s surprising declaration.