Redhawk Caldera So, I will follow you to Virgie

Hotah stared at the boy like the world had tilted under his feet.

He stepped in close, slow and careful, eyes searching the yearling’s face—those eyes—then the line of his muzzle, the set of his ears. He circled him once, as if the truth might change if he looked hard enough.

No, he breathed, disbelief cracking through him. No, no… it can’t be—

But it was.

He stopped in front of the boy again, hands gentle as he steadied him by the shoulders, needing to be sure he’d heard right. Needing this to be real.

Your mama lives, Hotah said, voice rough and urgent all at once. She’s alive.

The words seemed to pull him forward before he’d even finished them. He glanced back toward the caldera, then down at the boy again, eyes bright with something fierce and hopeful.

Come on, he urged, already turning, tail lifting in a clear follow me. Quick, boy. I’ll take you to her. Grab that muskrat. She'll be so proud of 'ya.

There was no doubt left in him now. Only haste as he searched for @Towhee Jr.

Towhee Jr free to pop in whenever!