Redhawk Caldera And nobody cries, there’s only butterflies.

Towhee planted her feet at the base of the caldera, closing her eyes and drawing in a deep breath. She had enjoyed her little foray, though it was good to be back—to be home. Her eyes snapped open as she exhaled, her neck stiffening and her tail curling over her back as she began striding upward.

There was an unfamiliar scent (@Ridgeback) on the wind. Towhee squinted as she crested the rim and scanned the caldera’s interior. Nothing seemed amiss—if anything, the other scents on the air told her @Killdeer and @Amalia had been busy in her absence—but she raised her muzzle and checked in with a howl.

She wouldn’t hear if anybody bothered replying, of course, but hopefully the sound would summon them like a lightning rod.

Amalia had been in her own thoughts as of late. And as such she hadn't yet realized there was possibly another among them. But could she really blame herself. No SHe could not. She was preoccupied with different things.

Amalia heard the call of Towhee and she did not return the howl. For she knew Killer's grandma would not hear it. Instead she strided along the Caldera to meet and greet her personally.

She wouldn't let her call go unanswered, even if it meant meeting her personally.

Amalia strode into view, the wind blustering her scent into Towhee’s nose as she came closer. It smelled as though her season was winding down now. She debated just how frank she could be with Killdeer’s woman. She didn’t need the gory details—didn’t want them, either—but of course she wanted to know if those two had stretched out their own branch of the family tree, soon to blossom with little Redhawks.

How are you? Is everything okay here? Towhee said by way of greeting, reaching out to sniff noses with Amalia. I smell another dude, she tacked on, fire flashing in her eyes. Did he come here to bother you? Do I have to kill anybody?

Part of Amalia wanted to shrink into herself as her own scent wafted on the wind. But the other part, the part that had just recently been revered, reveled in held her head a little higher.

Amalia's brother was Alaric. Amalia herself wasn't frank or open with her bawdiness, but she had been around enough to get it. And it didn't necessarily bother her. Sometimes took her aback.

Amalia nodded.Good. I think. My uh body hurts a little, but it's a dull ache.

She imagined it was normal. But she hadn't really been involved in such things until well this week so part of her also wanted to be reassured.

Amalia blinked. Oh goodness. I didn't even notice. she grew warm under her fur and looked down sheepish now.

But she did laugh at Towhee's words. I don't think so.

Amalia reported some body aches, which shook hands with her earlier assessment: hopefully, they’d kept very busy. She tried to swallow the laugh that bubbled in her throat, though it escaped at the younger woman’s exclamation of, “Oh goodness.” Preoccupied, indeed…

Sounds like my grandson was doing his job then, Towhee said, eyes dancing, though her expression grew serious once more as she said, I really wanna know what’s up with that scent though.

She supposed now wasn’t the time to investigate, unless she wanted to drop Amalia like a hot potato. And she didn’t want to do that. Towhee shifted her weight, then decided to take her cues from her granddaughter-in-law, who didn’t seem especially perturbed.

Seems like everything went as it should. I know you were worried about that. She paused, head cocking as Towhee thought aloud, They’ll be born at the end of spring, maybe early summer.

Were she human, she'd have definitely rubbed at the back of her neck. A small little giggle escaping her. She knew how it sounded and well it was true. She had been quite busy.

Towhee made her laugh harder, tears gathering at the corner of her eyes in all good ways. I would say he was.

Amalia titl3d her head. Well we can track it down if you want?

So soon, or it felt so soon. Amalia felt cold all over briefly. Looking to Towhee. Will you be here to help me?

Absolutely not, Towhee said, tipping her snout toward Amalia herself. You’re not in the clear yet and we shouldn’t take any unnecessary risks, like tracking down strange dudes. I’ll check in with Killer about it later, don’t worry.

She blinked loudly at the question posed to her. Of course Towhee would be here. She’d said as much to both of them, ad nauseum. She wondered if her little foray had planted doubts in Amalia’s mind. She didn’t regret the trip, though she didn’t mind offering a little reassurance.

Of course I’ll be here, every step of the way. You’ll probably get sick of me, honestly.

Amalia should have realized, but honestly despite her age she was fairly naive about it all still. Having not really had a birds and bees convo of in depth. Or even going through a cycle until now.

A nod. Okay.

Amalia knew Towhee had said she'd be here. And Amalia had believed her. And she still did. But her own worry was out weighing rational thought.

She breathed a sigh of relief. Okay good. I know you said you would. I just suppose I'm a little worried and scared.

That’s natural, Towhee assured with a nod, but I’m here. Killer’s here too, of course. Everything will be okay, Mal. Can I call you that or is that a pet name reserved for my grandson?

As she spoke, she motioned in the general direction of the Hobbit Hole. She wouldn’t mind sitting down after her trek back home, not to mention she had a little snack hoard hidden there that she wanted to raid right about now.

Honestly, Amalia loved Killer. But she didn't know if she wanted him there the entire time. Perhaps when the babes were coming but not as her body geared up for it.

I don't mind, you can call me that. A small smile. She didn't mind any of her nicknames. They made her feel special. Ama and Lia from her family. Mal from Killer.

Amalia nodded and started towards the hobbit hole. But made sure to stay in step with Towhee, so she could still see her face

It took some time to reach their destination, during which Towhee split her attention between Amalia’s face—they exchanged a bit more small talk as they walked—and the surrounding territory. Aside from that strange scent, everything appeared exactly as she’d left it. That made sense, considering she’d only been gone a few days.

But much had changed in their fortunes, a thought that had her lips curling as they finally climbed into the airy lair beneath the hill. Towhee made a beeline toward the back, snuffling at her makeshift nest there. She unearthed the little pile of bones she’d hidden there, full of marrow.

She plucked out the biggest one and tossed it Amalia’s way, then picked one for herself. Rather than plop down in her bed, she walked back toward the doorway so she could enjoy the fresh air and sunshine as she snacked. She eased down into a sphinx position, the bone cradled between her forepaws, and waited for Amalia to join her.

Small talk. Amalia hadn't had it in so long woth anyone other than killer and her brother. She found she adored it and had missed it. She enjoyed having a pack again even if she was super worried.

A bone was thrown towards her. And she smiled at it and chuckled. Reminding her of her brother and mothers snack stash for wounded babes. She remembered it so well.

Amalia settled besides her grandma in law. And slowly chewed at the bone. Tucking it between paws. Worrying the white between her teeth.

Make sure you get all the marrow, Towhee said as Amalia settled down and began gnawing. Not only does it taste amazing, it’s full of nutrients. You’ll definitely wanna get as many of those as possible over the next few months. I’ll do my best to help with that. She paused, thinking. I’m gonna try to brush up on my fishing skills. I hope you like fish, ‘cause it’s a pregnancy powerfood.

She glanced over to see what Mal thought about that, then took her teeth to her own bone. Towhee didn’t know why it was so satisfying to chew on something, though the simple act soothed her. And when she poked her tongue into the open end and tasted the marrow inside, that was a delightful little treat, of course.

She blinked surprised. And looked at the bone with surprise. Well how about that. She could get behind d bone chewing.

But the next one and she frowned. Amalia was not crazy about fish. Oh she ate it. But she much preferred small game to fish. But if she needed it.

It's certainly not my favorite, but I'll get through it.

A Crack of her chew bone. And she tasted marrow. A soft sound of delight. Thank you by the way for being so patient with me and explaining things.

She wondered if Amalia likely knew some of this, considering her dabbling with medicines. But if she did, she didn’t belabor the point. She actually thanked Towhee for her knowledge, which earned a grin around the bone in the Redhawk’s mouth.

It’s seriously my pleasure. You’re carrying my grandbabies now. Between Killer and me, we’re gonna take really good care of you guys. You’ll want for nothing. Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a bony in my eye.

She grasped her chew between two toes and mockingly jabbed it toward her eye, then laughed and dropped it back between her forelegs. Soon it was scooped back into her mouth, rattling against her teeth as her gaze cast outdoors to the view of the sunken lake.

Killer out on patrol? she wondered around the bone.

Amalia knew enough to get around. But honestly she had never actually been around nursing mothers only after they were born and a few weeks old.

Amalia laughed happily. Ahe hoped she was right. That it had taken and there was new life growing. Hwr laughter growing at Towhees humor. Her grandson was a lot like her. She wondered if she knew.

A nod. Yes. I actually worry about him. He's trying really hard to get the caldera back up. I hope he doesn't exhaust himself.

Her brow furrowed when Amalia expressed her worry about Killdeer. She didn’t necessarily share this particular concern. He was in his prime. But Towhee did think they could use another hunter and guardian in their ranks. Just one more would be enough, she thought, to get the pack off its feet and take care of the incoming puppies.

It’s hard work, but it’ll be well worth it. I’m excited for the day when we’re official again, Towhee mused, dropping the bone with a clatter. I know I told you I’d be here, and I will, but it was good to get out of the house too. Maybe I can scout the surrounding areas, try to scrounge up a recruit.

Bushtit would’ve been the perfect fit, though Towhee knew better than to ask again. Her son was living large out there in the wilderness. He stopped by frequently enough that she didn’t end up missing him too badly. She did wonder if he would be a vagabond for life, or if some pack or another might draw him in someday.

I’ll get on that in a couple of days. Gonna sit back and relax in the meantime. It really is good to be home, Towhee said, pushing the bone to the side and letting out a happy sigh.

Amalia wished more would come as well. Had she any other siblings she'd have had them arrive. But as far as she knew it was just her, Alaric and their sister. And bless her she could help them.

It would be worth it. But she was still concerned. But Killer was healthy and strong. And she was at borders before her current situation.

I think that would be lovely.

Amalia chuckled. I love scouting. But it is always nice to have a place for home.

You can come with me, Towhee thought to say, turning her head to catch Amalia’s eye, since you should be good to go by then. We’ll stick together, so it shouldn’t be a big deal to wander a little. Exercise is also good for you and the pups.

She glanced at Mal’s slim midriff, just for a second, before her orange eyes glided back to her face. Towhee flashed her a smile, then let her eyes wander back to the views out the Hobbit Hole’s door. She could see the wind ruffling across the lake, pushing down the grass.

I’m going to rest my eyes for a bit. If you need anything, just nudge me, Towhee said after a moment.

She didn’t bother moving from her spot. Instead, she let her head drift sideways to lean against the threshold made of packed dirt. She would probably fall asleep, though that wasn’t necessarily the plan. It was just that, unlike other wolves, Towhee couldn’t continue conversation with her eyes closed.

No, it was all darkness and silence. It let her other senses come out to play a bit more. She could smell the daily news brought on that sweeping wind, feel it tugging at the longer fur of her nape. She sighed into it, letting herself steep in all the sensations of home.