Redhawk Caldera On foot I had to cross the solar system.

There were a lot of people and places they could’ve visited en route, though Towhee led @Fennec past them all without a sideways glance. This visit was already long overdue and they could always make a few stops on their way back, if Fen wanted. If she didn’t, Towhee could simply set out again once she dropped her back home.

As much as she adored her two newest grandchildren, Towhee enjoyed the fresh air, all the sights and smells as they ventured around the mountains toward their final destination. She could sense spring’s imminent arrival everywhere she looked, further corroborated by the scents drifting about on the tepid breeze.

It took a few days and nights of travel but eventually they made it to the far edge of Bramblepoint, the caldera looming in the distance. Fennec could probably find her way from here, though Towhee stayed close at her side as they moved toward the borders. It would not be the most uplifting of visits but she could scarcely wait to reunite with @Killdeer… supposing, of course, he was here.

I’ll probably future date this by a few days, just wanted to get it up while I had the mojo! :)

Killdeer was, indeed, here, and they happened to catch him on a day he was patrolling that particular bit of border. He narrowed his eyes at the approaching figures—one dark, one tawny—but as they came closer, his eyes widened to twin golden orbs.

Abandoning all other thoughts and duties, he trotted down the slope, breaking into a lope once he reached flat ground.

Towhee would see him from here; he wouldn't surprise her by not speaking. But Fennec—

Ma! he called out, tail flagging happily behind him. He slackened his pace when he came within spitting distance and shoved his muzzle into both of their cheeks, practically vibrating with the joy of seeing them both.

I'm— he began, then switched to ptero abruptly. -I'm so happy you are here,- he said fervently. His heart was in his eyes, full of love.

Fennec had intended to call as soon as they arrived, but by some miracle, Killdeer found them first. Her stress and worry that he wouldn’t be here immediately evaporated. It had taken her a moment to recognize the border and she realized, belatedly, it was because it lacked Bronco’s mark. She wasn’t sure why she’d been looking for it, but it was a familiar gut punch reminder of why they were here.

Mainly to see Killer, but also to ensure he was okay.

It’s so good to hear you, Fennec replied affectionately, returning his greeting with a warm hug of her own. She couldn’t see it but she could feel the happiness radiating off of him and it was a relief. She always worried, baselessly, that he’d resent her when they were apart. Especially now. It was good to be proven wrong.

She wasn’t really sure what to expect when Killdeer appeared in the distance and moved rapidly closer. Would he be beside himself with grief? Towhee thought of the times he’d helped her through her own devastation. She would return the favor, no questions, though she remembered that Bronco had actually died some time ago. Perhaps he’d processed already.

In fact, he seemed in good spirits when he greeted them. His nose nudged her cheek and Towhee smiled, glad for his sake. While he was busy greeting his mother, she clapped him on the back, then slid her paw upward to affectionately ruffle the fur on his head. As soon as she could, she would pull him into a hug.

It’s good to see you too, kiddo, Towhee said, eyes searching his face for any sign of latent sorrow.

But she saw only love beaming from his eyes, true joy at seeing them. Towhee’s heart did a little lurch. She almost didn’t want to bring up his loss, in case Killdeer didn’t want to be reminded of something so sad in such a happy moment of reunion. It would feel terrible not to acknowledge the elephant in the room, though.

We would’ve come sooner but we just heard the news about your dad not long ago. I’m so sorry for your loss, Killer.

There were a lot of other things she wanted to stay, though she stopped herself there. Towhee wanted Fennec to get a word in edgewise. Otherwise, she readied herself to take her cues from him, providing whatever support Killdeer needed at this juncture.

He returned the sentiments not with words but with embrace, folding himself into the pair as if he'd always belonged. And he had, hadn't he? His two favorite (female) wolves, here again with him. 

For as long as they remained, he'd be by their side.

-Thanks, Gramma. It's okay,- he insisted, smiling. -I'm just glad you're here now. How long are you planning to stay?- 

He smelled other wolves on them—Meerkat predominant—and figured there was an expiration date to the visit. That was okay. He'd just need to make the most of their presence while they were here.

Fennec loved her mom, but hadn’t been entirely sure about having her there when she and Killdeer reunited. It was a stupid, selfish thought when Towhee had come along specifically to help her get here more easily, but it luckily disappeared the instant her mom broke the subject of Bronco. Fennec wasn’t sure she could have brought it up directly herself.

She didn’t interject, keeping quiet until there was a pause in the conversation or a question obviously addressed to her. She just didn’t know what to say.

Sorry for your loss sounded stiff, detached, as if it wasn’t supposed to be her own loss too. Was it? At what point was it okay for it not to be? Bronco deserved better than that… they’d been friends for years before everything happened. Apparently Fennec just wasn’t a good enough wolf to give it.

She probably should have sorted all of this out before they got here.

Fennec stayed close at Killer’s side, affectionately leaning in, but letting Towhee carry the conversation for the moment.

If Fennec said anything, Towhee missed it. She didn’t think her daughter would mind that 99% of her focus remained solely on Killdeer. He seemed to be holding up well, despite the harsh blows life had dealt him this past while.

We can stay a day or two, longer if you and your mom want, Towhee answered, glancing at Fen again. However long it takes to hear every last detail of your life lately, she said a bit more lightly, truly interested in any and every detail he was willing to share.