Sun Mote Copse at the end of the day

Eljay responded that he liked it better than the glade, and Phox nodded along. He didn't have a strong preference for one place or the other, but it was nice not to have to learn a new place. There was still a lot of work to be done to refill the caches, but since returning, Phox couldn't focus on that. He'd spent his days going around and around the pack's borders, searching for any sign of Alyx's scent. So far, nothing, but it was all he could do.

Out of nowhere (at least to Phox), Eljay brought up Maia and Wraen's departure, and the Regent blinked. Did you want to? Phox asked. Do you still want to? Eljay was one of the best medics Phox had ever known, and losing him would be a blow, but he couldn't help but notice that this was the first time he'd seen a glimmer of hope in Eljay's voice.