Redsand Canyon So take the good stuff, honey

It was late, so that meant it was close to time to return to the den with his family. He had spent a little longer than usual on his evening patrols since the twins had been born, his need to protect them riding him hard. He wouldn't be able to rest easy if he didn't take the extra time to make sure everything seemed normal and safe before turning in. 

The call from the borders made him freeze; they had also called for his wife, which irritated him. He knew she had an important role in Mereo, but that didn't mean he would ever like her meeting anyone at the borders. He knew he couldn't demand that from her, though, so he kept those feelings to himself. 

When he arrived, he recognized the woman as Tierra, but there was a man with her that he didn't know. He lay unconscious next to the woman. Kallik came to stand beside Aquene, his gaze cold and appraising. He wondered what kind of trouble she had brought to their borders. He knew his wife had likely already asked what happened, so he remained a silent guard at her side, muscles tensed and ready.