Redhawk Caldera Tretale.

Of course, Killdeer knew all this from experience. Towhee felt jealousy spear through her at the mention of Treepie’s tendencies. It made no sense to feel that way, particularly as she hadn’t even given Bushtit the option of a proper home. Besides, even the most die-hard homebodies tended to strike out on their own eventually. Exhibit A: Towhee Woodley Redhawk.

I know, she said quietly. And I know he’ll be okay. But will I be okay? Towhee huffed a laugh, though she wasn’t entirely joking now either. I was a lot like Pie when I was her age. I was fiercely loyal to this place, she said in the next breath, glancing around at the caldera before meeting his eyes. Look at me now. It’s not necessarily that I want to live here—or anywhere, really—but it’s only a matter of time before my body makes that call for me.

She was totally rambling, she realized. She shot Killdeer a sheepish smile, then fell silent. Hopefully he could make sense of it.