Sheepeater Cliff it's not over

remaining vague as to their last thread! set shortly after

So. That was that.

Things had begun to shift within Killdeer, harsh and jagged as fault lines, since he'd first learned of the conflict between Germanicus and Fennec. Perhaps sooner than that—perhaps as early as his first soldiering lessons. 

The goofball had become a man. And the man had a family to look after.

He stood watching the bighorns from afair, idly sucking in the inside of his cheek. The sheep reminded him of the Imperator, and the way he'd been a mentor to Killdeer. The way they'd sparred and hunted and lived together for so very long.

He'd trusted the soldier. But no longer.

He glanced over to where @Fennec was, eyes flitting over his mother's face. No, he couldn't ever forgive a man who'd caused her so much pain. Maybe that was why he felt so horrible about what he'd ask of her next.

Ma? he called out, a question in his tone.

Fennec followed Killdeer. She’d taken care of what she needed to and finished what was necessary. Anything left in the canyon would stay there now; a new start.

Yeah? They’d spoken a bit about what would come next, but never in detail. Now that it was time she knew it was a conversation they needed to have. She also knew that she didn’t have the energy to form many opinions. She just didn’t care, as long as he was happy.

Her voice was low, to not startle the animals she could scent nearby.

He meandered nearer, drawing close and letting his tail brush against her shoulder. 

I, uh, I wanna go see Dad, Killdeer said, a little timidly. I wanna let him know that I'm not in Mereo anymore, that we're traveling.

He swallowed and glanced at his mother, gauging her reaction. That's okay, right? I mean, you don't have to be there. I just need to stop by and tell him.

He knew Bronco had wronged her, just as Germanicus had. But the latter meant nothing to him; the former was his father, whom he loved. And Bronco needed to know.

Her first thought was that he didn’t deserve to know. Her second was, as usual, more reasonable, which was why she never went with the first when she spoke with Killdeer about his dad. She would likely never lose that regret that said she should have let him ditch when he wanted to. Killer could have never known his dad, and Fennec could have been done with him.

It was selfish, but according to him, asking him to stay had been too.

That’s fine. I’ll find somewhere to be, for a little while. She wouldn’t go with him but she wouldn’t resent him for needing to go.

Just don’t stay there.. She thought fervently, though she kept that to herself too. It was the one place she wouldn’t follow him.

Her answer wasn't surprising, but it hurt him more than a little. Not the fact that she wouldn't go with—but the fact that he was going somewhere that made her uncomfortable. He didn't want to leave her alone.

I promise it won't be for very long, Killdeer insisted, the corners of his mouth tugging down. Can you stick around here, near your dad and Gramma Towhee? That way you won't be alone.

And he wasn't trying to infantalize her or anything. Fennec could probably get around better than he could. 

After the whole Germanicus thing, though. . . Ugh. He didn't wanna make her sad.

Are you sure it's okay? he asked again. I can wait until we settle somewhere permanent and then go, if that's better for you.

Fennec’s look sharpened a bit. Not against him, but if she had been able to see, she likely would have shot him a bit of a questioning grimace.

She should probably be glad she wasn’t bringing more kids in anytime soon because she sure seemed to have made herself his problem to solve. It wasn’t hard to see why - outside of Towhee, Phox, and Killdeer, Fennec had no one. She’d lost, or chased off, or left, anyone else with any kind of meaning.

If it’s a day or less, I can hang out nearby. If you planned on staying longer, then I can stay here. If you’re too old to need a babysitter, kiddo, don’t worry about me. It was only partially a joke. She didn’t like the implication that he considered her fragile.

It hadn’t occurred to her that he might stay longer than a short visit, though, and it was a good point. She had no real desire to lurk around Brecheliant’s edges for more than a day. Too much of a chance of running into someone - and yeah, maybe too much time alone with her thoughts too.

She didn’t entertain the second notion. They could wait if he wanted, but that didn’t seem to be the case, and with her luck Bronco would probably fucking come and find them. That? That was the last thing she needed.

Her sharp tone was—would always be—in opposition to his gentle one.

It's—sorry. I don't need a babysitter, and neither do you, Killdeer replied, shaking his head. I just wanted to make sure you'd be okay. But I mean, of course you'd be okay. Sorry.

Sheepish, overwhelmed, embarrassed, he turned away, ready to depart.

Just. . .I'll see you later, Ma. Okay?

She was blind, but not helpless. He was young, but not helpless.

The two of them had reached a place where they worried for each other needlessly—or so he thought.

She hadn’t meant it to sound angry, but his tone made it seem he’d taken it harder than she intended. Fennec thought about walking it back, but decided against it - hopefully he knew she cared, and understood he did too. She just needed him to also understand that it wasn’t his job to parent her. No matter how shitty life got.

You’re going now? It was abrupt. She frowned, then sighed. You don’t need to be sorry. Just be safe, okay? We can meet near the south end of the canyon when you’re done. It would be closer for him and she could be there waiting. There were things nearby she could take care of as well… and her mind went to Akashingo. Maybe a welcome distraction was just what she needed.

He glanced over his shoulder. I should tell him sooner rather than later, Killdeer reasoned, shrugging. He turned, feeling a bit bad for his abruptness, and draped his neck over her shoulders. That sounds like a plan. I won't be long, promise.

He held her in embrace for a few moments—or as long as she wouldn't pull away—and then realized, hoping she could hear his smile in his voice.

Here's to a fresh start, Killdeer told her. 

He began to make his way down the mountains, glancing backwards until she was out of view. At least she wouldn't be able to see him so constantly looking back.

Fennec returned the embrace gratefully, leaning in. He was taller than her now; bigger too, substantially. Fully grown.

Love you, kiddo. Be careful. She let him pull away, then listened a moment as he began to move off. After he made it a short distance she turned as well and set off towards Akashingo.

She’d make herself useful in the meantime. Waiting here no longer held any appeal for her.