Redhawk Caldera We'll wind up at Jilly's right after Toot's Shore.

He'd forgotten Towhee was deaf. He realized as soon as she spooked, and cowered in the face of her reaction, even as she softened and noticed who was greeting her so suddenly. He felt bad, stomach fluttering, eyes downcast, tail tucked to his tummy.

-S-sorry, Grandma,- he responded, his ptero as shaky as his words. He managed a grin, working his way into her embrace even as he still felt uneasy. Missed you, he mumbled, and even though she wouldn't see his lips, he hoped she could feel the sentiment in the way he pressed tightly against her, as if fearing she'd slip loose once more.

He pulled away, and gave the lingering other wolf a curious stare. Hey, he said, then looked back at Towhee. -Where'd you go?- He'd completely missed her question in all the hullabaloo.