Redhawk Caldera One of my favorite people

Maia had not seen this coming but, on reflection, she should have. She had not been able to hold Brecheliant together, and as it fell apart, she knew that both she and Eljay had no choice. Like her husband, Maia had intended to live and eventually die here, surrounded (she hoped) by family. But with Chickadee’s departure, and Kivaluk’s, only Amalia would be left. She wouldn’t ask her friend to be the only one left looking after them. And she wouldn’t force Ceridwen to stay. They had no choice but to go instead.

Maia had spent the morning at Wraen’s grave. She tried not to worry, but her heart sank thinking of any of her children returning and finding the Caldera empty.

This was supposed to be home. How would they know where to go next? What if they never found them!? What if they thought they’d been abandoned!? What if…

Fortunately, Ceridwen was there to interrupt her spiral. Her relief wasn’t complete; there were still other kids to worry about. But she smiled and quickly closed the distance, wrapping her daughter in a hug.

I’m glad too! I wondered if I’d have to find a messenger! She held her tight, then pulled back with a small laugh. Seems crazy, right? An adventure for us, after all these years. She knew that Chickadee was excited for it and so Maia held onto that, despite having grown nearly as attached as Eljay. There was a time when she would have jumped at the chances. Now it felt like a goodbye of its own.