Redhawk Caldera Event horizon.

The “hawk” snared her attention, despite herself. Towhee drew in a deep breath, willing herself to focus on this stranger. Much as it felt like a betrayal to think of anything other than Killdeer and his fate, she could use the distraction. Besides, what the hell else was she going to do with herself at the moment, stuck under this tree until the storm ceased?

Redhawk, she muttered in reply, then clarified, First name: Towhee. She heaved a sigh, if only because small talk required so much effort right now. Do you live around here? Or just passing through?

The rain slackened somewhat, Towhee noted dimly. But the storm did not relent, if the shuddering was any indication. The tremor hadn’t even dissipated before the sky lit up again. Towhee’s eyes caught a glimpse of the bolt forking through the sky between the wet leaves of the fruit tree, so bright it earned a squint.

She quickly cut her aching eyes over to Trailhawk to capture any reply she made, doing her best to ignore the spots dancing in her vision.