Lost and Found

Passage

We stayed a further day at the encampment. During this time, we nursed our wounds and readied supplies for our journey.

The terrain will be rough at times, so we leave the cart for Maros. He and others may need some assistance getting to the northern city.

Sage and Ivy have decided to travel north to Avlam. In fact, most of the people here will be travelling towards Avlam, opting to stay at established cities or with their extended families.

The base camp will continue to stay functional. One of the healers and two family groups opting to stay and help any still escaping the Citadel.

There is a group that wish to join us towards our new home.

The falcon, Storm, from last year's festival was amongst the survivors. He asked to join us on our journey. I didn't have it in my heart to refuse when I remembered the death of Clay's brother.

Dawn and her males want to join us. After travelling to the Citadel with them, I know they are capable of the journey, and I also appreciate the companionship they offer.

McBurney's group now includes the three boys that assisted around the encampment, several of the beastmen still with him from Glesall.

The female, Olive, that first offered her males as assistants on our first day here is also joining us. Olive also has four cute fox cubs that are two years old, and seven males.

Along with a few familiar faces from Glesall, the entire group totals 50.

It is quite a group. Despite the numbers, there are no males joining us that we have not met. Olive's family and an additional 7 males having helped and interacted with us here. They all appear trustworthy, capable and willing. Even Thorne has not expressed his displeasure with the group.

The supplies that were on the cart have been distributed throughout the survivors based on need. Food, furs and utensils. The few personal effects that were packed we will be taking with us. Instruments, games, seeds and some clothing.

Just one day into the journey I was met with a flurry of beautiful grey feathers, that quickly turned into the familiar musk of Alder as his arms wrapped around me.

His trembling torso pressed so close to my body. His kisses meeting every part of my face before finding my lips.

Pouring all his love and frustrations into it. His kiss devours me, taking my breath away and turning me into a puddle of goo.

We break apart, placing our foreheads together. Pausing to take a much needed breath and to steady my legs, I am gently pulled into my loving eagles embrace.

Ethan tenderly touches my face before he too starts kissing me. His kiss not as urgent, but so tender and passionate. He kisses down my jaw, resting his head in my neck. I feel a small shudder as he exhales all of his worries and concerns.

With one last lingering kiss to my lips, he releases me and goes to embrace the waiting males.

Strong arms wrap around me from behind, and I relax into Mateo's hold and look at this joyous reunion. I look to see Alder and Emmet forehead to forehead.

I smile with joy and happiness. Emmet looks over to me a little scared. He relaxes as soon as he sees me smiling back.

Alder cups Emmet's face, drawing those beautiful red eyes back to him. Their expressions conveying so much more than words can. The same expression of happiness, joy and love I have received from them.

I do not have a single grain of jealousy or anger towards them. Just a newfound sense of relief and serenity, that they are comfortable and secure in themselves. That they can find and express their love with one another.