Redhawk Caldera Light the fire, stir the cauldron.

She didn’t catch his remark about pee, her eyes momentarily sweeping the horizon to make sure nobody was encroaching. Towhee then pivoted and began retracing her steps back toward Lyric, sidling alongside him and noting a smudge of dirt on his muzzle.

You got a little something, she indicated with a paw, wondering how he’d managed that.

But the kid’s apology sidetracked her thoughts. She huffed a little laugh and reached out that same paw to rest it on his shoulder. How many times had she used this same move on his father? Towhee felt warm and fuzzy even as her toes squeezed, then released.

Thanks for saying that, kiddo. You ready to head back to headquarters and get some snacks? ‘Cause I am.

She surged forward, her nose skimming over the child’s forehead before she brushed past him. Deciding they could burn off one last burst of energy before she took him home to his parents, Towhee accelerated to a full gallop. Her tail flung up, waving in invitation for her great grandson to give chase.