Redhawk Caldera Anima resurgence.

Some unknowable amount of time passed, Towhee’s eyes gone glassy as she stared across the water. She jerked slightly when she sensed someone beside her, though her face softened quickly as she turned it toward Jr. She drew in a sharp breath, knowing that her daughter couldn’t just sympathize, she could empathize with this loss. She hated that for her.

She didn’t reply verbally, though she reached out a paw and placed it over one of Jr’s for a long moment. When Towhee glanced down at their clasped paws, she saw a tuft of white down wedged in the rocky soil. Her jaw tightened. She hadn’t caught any scent beside her son’s, which had ruled out most predators. The idea that Peregrine had been snatched by a bird of prey made her feel sick to her stomach.

When Towhee finally spoke, she said, -I don’t want you or any of the others spending any more time searching. I appreciate what you guys are trying to do, but it’s…- She couldn’t quite bring herself to call it a waste of time, which felt far too cold. -Winter’s coming. We need to focus on preparing. And I want closure just as badly as anyone, but it’s not worth it,- she continued bitterly. -Peregrine is certainly dead.-