Firefly Glen (PHE) The ballad of the witches’ road.

A familiar face emerged from the general milieu. Towhee’s heart lurched as she regarded Killdeer, who looked a little frazzled. Bushtit immediately caught his attention, of course, but before she could drop a quip about saying hello to his little uncle, he demanded to know what they were doing here. It wasn’t asked in a particularly positive way, going by his expression.

Before she could think of how to react, Kukutux appeared beside Killdeer. She looked worried. Towhee’s orange eyes flicked between their faces as she reached out to protectively gather her son closer to her. She knew he was very young—too young, even—but she guessed she hadn’t properly prepared herself for the judgments she might receive for bringing him here.

She took a breath and looked to Killdeer first to say, This is Bushtit, my latest and greatest creation. He’s here because I’m here. Towhee paused, eyes sweeping to Kukutux. The copse is very lonesome and quiet with Meerkat et al gone and Reyson’s family here for the hunt, she said, feeling defensive but softening as she said, Don’t worry, Jr was with us the whole way here. And she’ll be back to take us home.

The pale Alpha asked Towhee and the baby to accompany her to the healers’ site. Kukutux said she needed a break, which was probably true, but the Redhawk also figured she was being led to one of the safest areas of the encampment. And she was more than okay with that. When Kukutux requested Killdeer to accompany them, Towhee bit her lip and gave him a hopeful look.

Of course, she murmured, bending to nudge Bushtit again. It goes without saying that we won’t be going anywhere near the hunt. We’re just here to look cute and mingle, Towhee assured both her escorts, maybe eat a little food, do a little grow…