Golden Glade Got a heart like a neon sign

@Rannoch @Liffey :o

In the time since the Redhawks and Frostfurs had joined together in Golden Glade, Breccan had existed on the outskirts. He hunted, he filled caches, but he didn't spend much time with his immediate family. He couldn't; he was too conflicted, and was having a hard time separating his head from his heart and making sense of his feelings. This whole move had thrown him for a loop, and after the first few days, it became clear that it wasn't just teenage hormones and attitude driving his emotions.

Despite his confusion, he had made a decision. He had to leave. He wouldn't return to Lost Creek Hollow -- there wasn't anything left there for him -- but maybe he could head back to that area, find Nunataq or Ibis, and figure out his life from there. His plan was about as clear as mud, but he felt good about it -- at least, he did until he thought about breaking the news to his parents.

Briefly, he had considered simply slipping away under the cover of darkness. It would be easy enough. But he had been there when Wisteria and Remi had disappeared, and had seen how that had hurt his parents. Not knowing what had become of their children had been devastating, and while they might not like or agree with Breccan's choice, they would at least know that he was alive and well. And when he stopped to think about his siblings, he faltered. How could he leave Deshyr? And Wisteria, when she had just come back? And did he really want to miss seeing his little brothers and sisters grow up? But, gritting his teeth, he reminded himself that this wouldn't be goodbye forever; just for now.

He was nervous but determined as he made his way to his parents' homestead. The sun had just risen, shepherding in a new day, and the streaks of color beyond the tree canopy bolstered Breccan's courage. His parents were not unreasonable wolves; they would understand, right? He swallowed hard and then called out, "Mom? Dad?"