Starglow Basin Re_jaded.

The moment someone appeared, Towhee looked toward them almost hungrily. She recognized the figure, though it wasn’t at all who she’d expected to see. Her jaw dropped as her heart leaped, then began thumping hard against her ribs as she hastened forward.

More than a year had passed since the last time she’d seen Tierra. Her daughter looked a little threadbare and felt rather bony when Towhee promptly pulled her into a hug. She supposed she shouldn’t be totally surprised; they’d last bumped into one another not far from here. Had Tierra been down here this entire time, she wondered?

Still gripping Tierra by the shoulders, Towhee drew back to look into her face. She then gently released her and stepped back one pace further for a proper assessment. Was she injured? A broad paw fluttered toward Tierra, hovering near her neck particularly. There were scabs and scars. Towhee fussed but did not touch.

What the hell have you been up to, kiddo? she asked, paws dropping and soft eyes locking on her face.