Bramblepoint Pull together for the clan and kin.

*rudely crawls over myself*

She gave him a pained look when he first used her formal name, then a pet name. But she blinked and schooled her expression into one of stony resolve. Treepie knew she was being reactive—partially because she felt blindsided—and it was possible she might change her mind. Possible that he might change her mind. But right now…

Pie glanced at Towhee, then back to her taataa and said, I’m going home.

That was all. She lingered for only one heartbeat before turning swiftly and galloping back toward the mountain. Guilt nipped at her heels, particularly for dismissing both her elders and not returning Killdeer’s “I love you.” But it was for the best, she knew, to take some space. Take some time. Process this news and these emotions by herself before having these difficult conversations.