Redhawk Caldera kabhi alvida naa kehna

haa, beti, adi murmured, hoping to gather her against his chest. his throat was tight and he struggled for words; his time here had been so nice, but tytonidae must worry. and he'd promised he'd bring word—alive or dead.

well, their daughter was alive and well. and he must tell his erstwhile mate.

i promise i will come back to see you, he continued, gaze burning gimlet into her own. i promise, ani. as long as i have breath left, i'll come back to see you.

for once, he gave a child a goodbye.

it was more than could be said for any of his other exoduses.