Bramblepoint Southstar.

Leaving the caldera behind must’ve nearly finished Eljay, Towhee couldn’t help but think. She frowned as she dredged up the image of him from a month or so past. He’d definitely looked ancient, in part because they hadn’t seen each other in years. But she was still surprised by Ceridwin’s mention of frailty and this notion that Eljay would not have survived the winter…

Damn, was all she could think to say, before pointing out, I guess we’re in the same boat then, either of them the last women standing as their family slowly disappeared into the stretches of wilderness beyond this one.

But, of course, she wasn’t alone and not all the Redhawks had gone, for that matter. Towhee cleared her throat, lips twitching into a small smile as she thought about their last conversation and all that had happened in between then and now.

Remember when I told you I lost a pregnancy? Twice? she queried. Well, third time’s the charm. I went through the whole cycle all over again in later summer, minus the loss. I have a young son now. He’s not here, Towhee said quickly. I left him with family at Moonspear for the day. But he’s the one I’m out here hunting for. Well, him and our gracious hosts.