Broken Antler Fen We don't need to be related to relate.

She was really glad she’d come here today. Although her emotions had run the gamut—anger and hurt, camaraderie and joy—Towhee settled into the solace of this place where Marten’s memory could frolic freely. There she came to terms with his loss and the others, like Phox, so she could truly begin to look forward.

She couldn’t be sure how much time passed between them as they lingered in this peaceful corner. Towhee could’ve lived in these moments forever (and would think about them often, when she came to find out they were her final moments with Wraen). But duty and family eventually called.

Any last words before I head back to the real world? Towhee wondered, touching her nose to the side of Wraen’s neck (her choice of words would similarly stick with her later on).