Redhawk Caldera Serenade to the cobwebbed chandelier.

Just as she was considering plunging into the icy water and trawling its depths for her son, Hotah appeared at her shoulder. She felt the familiar brush, saw him dip his head out of the corner of her eye. Towhee’s throat burned from her scream even as a new one built in her chest. She turned to watch Hotah arrive at the same horrible conclusion, both their eyes burning in mutual agony.

Their gazes eventually turned back to the water. Towhee knew it would be downright dangerous to wade into it. Even had the water been warm, she couldn’t possibly conduct a search of its depths. And it was frigid. If Peregrine had entered the water, hypothermia would’ve been as big of a threat as drowning. He wouldn’t have stood a chance.

Towhee didn’t know how long she stood there or who else might have joined them on that dreadful bank. She meant to say something to Hotah before she turned away, though that didn’t happen. At some point, the Elder simply redirected her distant, glassy gaze and began walking, her figure seeming to fade as the fog swallowed it. She was quickly growing numb, though perhaps she would find some other trace somewhere out there in the perilous gloom.

Thanks for playing, you two.