Lost Creek Hollow haces

Ash Paw was forthcoming with the information she shared.

Crowfeather felt a creeping sense of dread in his dark limbs. He didn’t interrupt the expecting mother as she spoke of her trip to the Pharaoh’s grounds. She spoke of a man named Ingram who had become important to her. She spoke of a girl named Toula – a princess. The shadow wondered if the girl was anything like he had been to Akashingo.

It sounded as though Ash Paw had made a few friends.

The most striking news came with the mention of the Pharaoh’s passing. Crowfeather’s chest rose and fell swiftly. His eyes shifted to Silvertongue, again. She had been silent. She had been watching with the sharpness of her glassy stare.

You- You-

Damn the words and the thoughts that did not so readily come to him. The dark Star cleared his throat with a shuffling step.

You don’t have to leave.

The tripod swallowed at the lump in his throat. Riverclan was a place of healing and a place of care. It was not meant to be guarded from those who needed it. Ramesses was dead and his daughter had taken the throne. Crowfeather couldn’t help but wonder if Germanicus knew about this. He thought to tell him, though he did not know when the ranger would return.

Ash Paw, I- I need you to tell me these things before doing them… next time. We- he gestured to Silvertongue with his snout, have not had a good experience with Akashingo or its rulers. We would prefer if they did not know we were here. And- And I could have helped you find a way to speak to your husband, without risking that.

Was he within his rights to say this to her? Would she scoff at him and then leave? Crowfeather hoped not. He had opened his home to her and her unborn pups. He was opening the door again for the man she called her husband, without knowing him, without knowing the risk of what he might carry from Akashingo.

Akashingo is not a good place. So- So Ingram may come here, if it is where he wishes to be. But I ask that nothing is carried over from the Pharaoh’s land. Riverclan is a peaceful place. A place of healing. We do not want their ways here. Is that agreeable?