Redhawk Caldera Squid Game drill.

The odd snowflake flickered past as the Sovereigns took a seat beneath the bare apple tree at the foot of the caldera. They faced one another and Towhee squared her streaked shoulders, quite clearly about to impart something as heavy as it was important. But she took a moment to gather her thoughts and her wits first, staring dolefully at the nearby slope.

"I think," Towhee began, though there was a long pause and an even longer sigh before she could bring herself to say the words, "it might be best if we tried joining one of our allies for the winter. Brecheliant is the obvious choice, if they'll have us." At first, she spoke to the branches overhead, then she dropped her gaze to @Ruenna as she drew in a breath. She felt like she'd swallowed a great, cold stone. "If they won't for whatever reason, there are other options. I just don't think staying here is a sustainable one any more."

She didn't understand how they'd gotten here, which made processing her emotions about it difficult. Anyway, Towhee could worry about her feelings later. Right now, the Sovereigns needed to look out for the handful of wolves remaining in the pack. They needed to do what was best for them, even if it was difficult. Bronco needed somewhere he could feel safe with Fennec and Killdeer. All the kids deserved a place where there was plenty of food, shelter and good company. Every one of them deserved the stability and support of a successful pack and the Redhawks could hardly call themselves that these days.