Big Salmon Lake The wreckoning.

Towhee sucked her lips against her teeth as the message continued. She had to fight hard not to laugh, even as she attempted to piece together what Ruenna had actually intended to convey. As her daughter—indeed, Alivia—kept going, tears began gathering in the corners of her eyes: tears of joy, tears of mirth and tears of longing for one of her dearest friends in life. So much for “please don’t eyeball”…

Making no mention of the bumblings, Towhee said thickly, Thanks, Alivia, you have no idea how much it means to me to hear from your mom. I’ve never been the mushy type but I hope she knows I love her too. And miss her every day. She’s doing well, I hope? She found someone to help her with the pain?

Ruenna had sent her daughter to find her and relay this message. Towhee let that sink in even as she waited for more details. Rue’s message had mentioned the caldera, which made a little shiver go down her spine. How had she known? It was obviously nothing more than a coincidence, though the Redhawk marveled, her chest aching as she inevitably blinked and the tears slid down her grizzled face.