Phantom Hollow bodak yellow

Part of Towhee wanted to just break down and cry when Caracal wrapped her in a hug. Instead, she found herself strengthened by his grip and the tickle of his warm breath as he spoke into her ear. Fondness swept through her, so powerful it was almost excruciating. Even if Maxim was gone, Towhee was not alone.

He said as much, when they slid apart. She nodded. There was Caracal and Heda at the island; Meerkat, Fennec and the grandkids at Moonspear; and of course her brother, Jack and the babies back in the vale. Her natal family had shrunk a lot lately—did Caracal even know about Leona? Towhee couldn’t remember—though her extended family was growing more than ever…

Thanks, Cackle, Towhee said, her affection stirring up the old nickname. You’re right. I’m not alone. And I’ll keep that in mind. I mean, I’ll have to stop by sometime to meet my grandchildren, won’t I? Her lips twitched faintly, then fell. I need to go home.

Her eyes glanced in the direction of Neverwinter Forest over yonder. But Maxim wasn’t there. He wasn’t anywhere, as far as she could tell, and Towhee needed to turn her attention to the loved ones who were around, specifically her youngest two.

Give Heda my congratulations. You guys can still stop by the vale but… Towhee would not be the best company right now and sort of hoped they could meet under better circumstances, some other time. I’m glad I bumped into you tonight, Caracal. Take good care of your family.

Towhee touched her nose to her son’s cheek, then pulled away and turned east, where the horizon was already getting lighter. Maybe Maxim would be waiting for her when she got home, though Towhee quickly plucked that optimistic thought of her head, set it aside and faced the reality of a future without the love of her life.