Redhawk Caldera Don't don't bother Luke.

Akashingo tags for reference! backdated two weeks to the 25th (if that's okay!) Ebony, feel free to pick whichever guard Pharaoh sent

She'd said a sweet farewell to those most kind to her. Little @Gucci, of course, who still mourned for his erstwhile wife. @Tavina, too, and her woman @Nala; she hoped they were happy together. She wished the best for @Siptah in his path toward the throne one day, and she once again thanked @Ramesses for the blessings he'd given her.

For @Charles, a curt farewell. She'd be back, surely, when her womb was fertile again.

If it ever was fertile.

Whichever guard Pharaoh sent with her stayed glued to her side, an unwelcome shackle to her life back on the mesa. But it wasn't a long journey, and her heart soared high at sight of the caldera, rising above the prairie.

At the border, she howled for @Teya, @Maia and @Eljay—all of them not necessary to receive her, but she wanted to mention them all just the same. There were some new scents here, and the ones she recognized of the children had matured.

It's good to be home, she breathed, smiling.

When he heard Lilitu's call, a smile tugged at the corners of Eljay's lips. He got into motion and got up. His joints cracked as he stretched his body, front to the ground and back in the air, and yawned long and wide. Then he headed towards the borders in a leisurely trot until he reached it. He was first to arrive and smiled widely at Lilitu. Eljay bridged the gap between them and nosed her cheek lovingly.

It's good to see you, he said with a soft smile. He eyed the guard a bit warily, but they seemed not to interfere much, at least.

this would likely need to be after the Auspex vote but otherwise no worries!

The familiar voice immediately had Maia running. Eljay still arrived first but Maia rushed forward anyway, embracing her enthusiastically. Lilitu!! Ohmy gosh. How are you!?! How is... everything!?? She barely noticed the guards she traveled with, though she likely would after a few moments. Right now she was too wrapped up in her happiness at her niece's visit. She wanted to hear everything.

But was she hungry, first? Or tired? Maia broke off her interrogation where she had but did look her over a bit, just to see how she was. She seemed happy at least!

Eljay was first, and any nerves she might have felt dissolved at once in his calm, steadying presence. She leaned into his embrace, about to respond when Maia's galloping form entered her periphery. 

She was soon engulfed, face pressed into her aunt's plush pelt. She was laughing, overjoyed, and her eyes shone as she pulled back to look at Maia.

It's. . .good now, Lilitu replied. Then, without any semblance of warning, she burst into tears. 

It was relief, and happiness, and the pain of recent events all together at once. She stood, sobbing, almost dissolving into hiccups, too, as she struggled to catch her breath.

A soft smile set on the caretaker's face as Lilitu melted into his embrace. Not long after, Maia appeared and as she too joined in embrace with Lilitu, Eljay saw and felt Lilitu's body starting to shake with sobs. Eljay frowned and he tightened the embrace again, pressing his head and chest closely against Lilitu's again in a silent gesture of it's alright, you're home now; you're safe.

Maia didn't expect the tears at all, but she did the same thing Eljay did, lovingly holding her through them as Lilitu cried into her pelt. She could have cried too, and her throat got a little tight in response. What happened?

Everything's definitely okay now. Maia said softly, then began grooming her out of habit, the same way she did Eljay when he was upset, or her kids when they needed comforting. Her worry was mirrored on her mate's expression, but he stayed quiet. That was probably a good idea, letting her tell what happened when she was ready.

She felt overwhelmingly guilty for breaking down, for adding more to their plate. Another mouth to feed. She'd felt like a burden for. . .how long, now? Why couldn't she just be of use to someone, to somewhere?

After a long, warm embrace—one she'd needed desperately—she stepped away and smiled faintly.

Sorry, Lilitu replied, her voice faint and nose clogged with snot. She inhaled hard through her nostrils, trying to collect herself. It's. . .a long story. And Akashingo was nice enough. But I'm just happy to be back.

If only they all were. Perhaps she'd go to the fen soon, visit her mother's and Wraen's graves.

She canted her head. How are things here? she inquired, after clearing the rest of the phlegm from her throat.

Eljay remained in the hug until Lilitu herself took distance again. He didn't feel pressured at all by all of this; sometimes emotions just needed to get out. He was no strange to these feelings, himself. Despite the fact that he'd think the same, Eljay did not actually feel like Lilitu was bothersome by doing this at all. He was just happy to see her here.

She said it was a bit of a long story but honestly, the caretaker really wanted to hear it. He asked, Are you back for good now..? I thought... He trailed off, not sure how to say what he intended to say; that Lilitu had married and was therefore gone forever. He glanced behind her, wondering if the guard brought to escort her was perhaps this new mate..?

Lilitu then asked how things were here, for which Eljay glanced at Maia, hoping she didn't mind filling in. His own head was a bit patchy right now, too, making it hard for him to think and figure which bits Lilitu had or hadn't already heard.

took me a bit to get to this! We can wrap if you like in the next few <3

Maia was curious if she planned to stay too, but she didn't add to the question. Hopefully it wouldn't be seen as pressure (though Maia wanted the answer to be yes, absolutely!). The bit about Akashingo was vague, and Maia sensed a story there, but she was happy to let it go for now. Maybe they could talk later to sort that out?

Things here are wonderful! They've been quiet. The kids are all growing, and Hymnal and Sylvie are out traveling. I think they wanted to see a bit of the world too. Maia understood, though she missed them terribly. Teya and Sorana are doing well. Reyes... disappeared, unfortunately. But they have the rest of us, and Sorana seems almost like a part of our family. The kids really love her. As far as Maia could tell, that is! She didn't know the details of the whole Reyes situation, and she couldn't help remembering what Teya had told her back when she first had Sorana. But it felt important to say, if only because Lilitu might have heard word somewhere. She wasn't sure if the two knew each other.

Yes, she answered Eljay's question, fervent, then amended, For now. For a while. I missed home. I don't know when. . .if. . .I'll go back.

The business of Brecheliant was grounding. She leaned into Maia's words, smiling at the thought of her sisters traveling. It truly ran in the blood, she thought. And new children, and though others had left, many still remained. 

It was still home.

I really did miss you all, Lilitu replied, and brushed against Maia, remaining close as they moved into the territory.

I am good w fading!

Eljay couldn't help but wonder what might have happened to Lilitu at Akashingo. He didn't want to press about it for now, though, since it was clearly such a sensitive subject; but he exchanged a quick glance with Maia that betrayed his concern. To Lilitu he just said, I'm glad you're back. If she wanted to share any more, she was always welcome, but he decided not to pressure for anything. Maia informed Lilitu of how things had been here, to which Eljay smiled at her usual animated enthusiasm.

As Lilitu said she'd missed them, Eljay said, And we you. It was so good to have Lilitu back. He followed behind as they headed deeper into the territory. The family was a bit more complete again with Lilitu back in their fold.

Maia met Eljay's look with mirrored concern, but stayed silent too. He responded perfectly, and she nodded, backing up his words. It was so good to have her home!

C'mon, you must be exhausted. Let's find you something to eat. Maia gave her one last nuzzle, then led the way as they pressed into Brecheliant.