Redhawk Caldera her lips are stained red

As soon as Jr came within reach, Towhee slung out a foreleg and wrapped it around her nearer shoulder. She pressed her face into the side of her daughter’s neck, breathing in her familiar smell. Aware that she was jostling the puppies a bit with her movements, she reluctantly let go and drew back.

Her doppelganger remarked on the children’s beauty and the Elder’s heart panged. Truth be told, she couldn’t remember the timeframe for Jr’s losses, though fresh or not, that wound would never truly heal. Towhee knew that much from experience and smiled sympathetically at her grown child. She couldn’t resist bringing up a paw, this time gently cupping the face that looked so much like hers.

She withdrew it only to say, -I’m so sorry about your little ones, Jr. Their dad too.- The younger Towhee hadn’t just inherited her mom’s looks but her luck too, it seemed. -I’m glad you came,- she continued, her face softening and her movements somehow doing the same. -You know you can stay as long as you like.-

Her mother and son were here, after all, not to mention the countless other relatives milling about the Hobbit Hole. Jr would not find a more familial or supportive group anywhere, not even with Raven and the Frosthawks. She could rest here, if she wished, or put herself to work and stay busy. Whatever would help her navigate this particular dark age.

-I suppose I should introduce you,- she thought to add after a beat. -This is @Splendid Fairywren, @Tawny Lark and Peregrine Falcon. They’re just a few days old.-

It struck her how unfair it was that she should be sitting here with the latest of two dozen children. Of course, many of hers were gone too, but Towhee Jr had lost all but Tzar. Towhee Sr swallowed thickly, her orange eyes resting heavily on those intimately familiar features.