Emberwood never coming down

Most days, Lavender had felt overwhelmed at best. A handful of critical events had transpired since she had joined Uaine Gorsedd's ranks, and she was unsure what to make of it all. Bhediya was gone, Ibis was in a coma—a maniac was about, wanting to kill her mother. On top of these more recent events, Lavender was still working through the grief of losing her soul mate, Huskarl, and the life she had once loved.  Everything weighed Lavender down, confining her to her den; it was as though she had never left Round Valley. 

At the sound of Dawn's summoning, Lavender moved at a turtle-like speed. Though she was excited to hear her sister's voice, the weight of her depression slowing her considerably as she grabbed her coat and exited the den. 

Moving as fast as she could, Lavender navigated through the Emberwood towards the location where Dawn's voice had arisen. "Dawn!" she called once she spotted her sister's figure in the distance, and she pushed herself to move quicker. "I'll be right there!" 

When they were finally reunited, Lavender thrust her head under Dawn's muzzle and embraced her older sibling. She lingered there for some time, relishing the rare moment of solace; for now, in Dawn's presence, her grief felt a little lighter.