Redhawk Caldera Vísdómr.

All good!

The breeze picked up a bit more, making Towhee glance skyward. Was it going to storm later this afternoon? The rim of the caldera prevented her from viewing the horizon, where she guessed gray clouds might be gathering in the direction of the coast. The system would sweep inland, dumping rain as far and hard as it could until it inevitably broke up over the mountain ranges.

She sensed movement and dropped her gaze to the shoreline, swiveling to fully face it as two figures ranged closer. Wagtail led, her expression tight. Towhee wondered if her brother had banged a coyote to produce such a small, pointy daughter. Speaking of which, her orange gazed danced beyond the yearling to the elder ambling behind her.

Before she could fully assess her brother, he spoke, drawing her attention to his lips. Towhee’s brows raised as she quickly deduced his words were directed at Wagtail more than herself. She stepped out of the water, still openly eyeing the pair, curious about this dynamic between them.

It’s nothing urgent, Towhee assured both. I just figured we’re overdue for a chat. And I owe you both an apology for my behavior the last time we spoke, she added with a light shake of her head. Things are on an upswing now, though, and I’d like to get to know you both. Starting with finding out what brought you back here.

Her brows raised again, this time in inquisitive invitation. Clear of the water, Towhee took a seat with her back to it and the ducks still coasting across its surface. The wind continued to push and pull, though Towhee figured they had plenty of time before the weather took a turn. She couldn’t be sure how she knew, though Maxim silently concurred.