Redtail Rise serenade

The call did not summon her, but the voice did. 

"No way," She breathed softly, and it felt as though her heartbeat itself even paused for a moment to allow her to listen better. Avicus' voice was unmistakable, but unbelievable still. She had to see for herself, and after scuffing her feet to leave a marking along the border she so often patrolled, she bolted up the slope, through the woodlands and toward the borders where the voice had called from. 

She couldn't believe it. If it was simply some stranger who sounded exactly like Avicus, Lilia would tear her to shreds for getting her hopes up. She panted with every stride she took, and by the time she came within sight of the gathered wolves, she'd bristled every piece of fur until it all stood on end, in anticipation. She slid to a halt, recognizing Masque, New Snow and Mulherin immediately- her stance still stiff, tail flagged. Habit, for the Berserkr.

But the figure between them all was none other than Avicus, and Lilia broke from her posture like a statue suddenly melting from its post. 

In the time since Avicus had disappeared, Lilia had found love, secured herself a mate, and had established herself as a leader. She'd fought many fights to keep the pack safe, killing a trespasser who had returned to taunt them. She'd cared for the kids, training them and protecting them. But through all that, grief had cast a shadow over her. She felt it still snug about her shoulders even though she could see that Avicus had returned. Still hanging there, like weights in the hem, were questions. Why had she left? Where had she gone? How was she supposed to feel about someone actually coming back for once?

She saw that some of those questions might be hanging over Mulherin's shoulders, so she moved forward to nuzzle him gently, smiling, and break him from the spell so he might go and reunite with his mother. 

She envied him, having such an experience- and while she wanted to grasp Avicus herself, she felt the moment belonged to Avicus and her children.She moved to press herself to New Snow's side, sharing in her excitement with happy licks, waiting to greet Avicus once she had had the chance to be reunited with her children.