Bramblepoint Pull together for the clan and kin.

He tried. Towhee tried. But he sensed the tension in the air, and saw Treepie metaphorically dig her heels in, even before she spoke up.

Tiuttuk, Killer began. He'd rarely used the name given to her by Sialuk, but it felt appropriate, now. He moved closer. I understand, kiddo. And trust me, I don't make the decision to leave lightly.

She had always been attached to the mountain. Perhaps she always would be. He supposed loyalty wasn't the worst thing she could be shackled by.

He pressed his muzzle to her forehead, if she'd allow. The caldera was my birthplace, like the mountain is yours, he explained. There's a history there. A legacy. But you gotta know, no matter what I decide, or where I go, I will always love you.