Redsand Canyon Baby lion lost his teeth.

Towhee remembered the tale of Aquene’s mother and certainly understood her apprehension, especially with the trauma of Ruenna’s birthing still fresh on her mind. Rather than repeat any of the reassurances she’d offered last time, she simply thrust out a paw and placed it top of the healer’s.

She didn’t interrupt as the medicus reacted to her remark. Only after Aquene finished did Towhee speak, taking a moment to organize her thoughts. You should get a say, Aquene. Just because someone asks you doesn’t mean you have to say ‘yes.’ Even if it’s your husband. If you want to go, then that’s valid, of course. But I’m just saying. And does it really feel like Kallik isn’t that far away right now?

It was a rhetorical question, of course, but also a serious one. They could downplay the distance all they liked but Towhee had lived through the realities of sister packs before. They were simultaneously closer and further than one might think. For instance, adults could travel fairly freely between them, but their pups couldn’t possibly meet for many months. And the two of them would be too busy with the kids to leave home much in the meantime.

Realizing her thoughts were spiraling, Towhee flopped down to the floor with a sigh. I’ve avoided talking about it so long because, truth be told, I hate it, she admitted, looking at her feet but then glancing up to catch Aquene’s eye. I mean, I get it. And I support an outpost. But I’m really going to miss you two in particular. And if we keep talking about it, I’m probably going to cry. And I’m a really ugly crier, she warned.