It had been just one, precious week, and while her heat had abated, the fiery woman still dared not hope. Her body was giving off all the signs, but she knew bitterly how quickly that could all change and until she could look upon them, calmly nursing at her side, she wouldn’t truly believe it.

For now she had restricted herself to duties with the pack lands, going no further than the borders, and even that never for long unless Chan or Jethro was with her. So when she first heard the call, she hesitated, a twinge of anxiety clenching her heart. She didn’t recognize the voice, but whether that was a good thing or not, she couldn’t decide – was there some other old demon out there that she had forgotten, coming back to haunt her at her most vulnerable? Or was she just growing paranoid?

A soft growl left her throat as she shook her head violently, forcing her legs to start moving again. She couldn’t let anxiety freeze her up, she still had duties, a whole pack to care for, not just her own family. Mouth set with determination, she turned towards the border, tail raised high behind her. She was still plenty capable of defending herself, should it come to that, but the young blonde waiting for her didn’t appear all that threatening. “Welcome t’ Paradise Falls,” she announced, a little sharper than necessary, but not entirely unfriendly; “How can I help you?”

Her apprehension had all been for naught, as she was quickly joined, first by Jethro on one side, and soon after, Chan on the other. There was a small part of her that felt annoyed, a remnant of her younger, independent self, insisting she could carry her own; but it was no more than a weak reflex, she was glad to have both men at her side.

Only Chan didn’t stay there, but stepped forwards to address the girl, a single word falling from his lips; Marigold? Then tension was palpable, making it clear who the stranger was, even before she spoke to confirm it. Yet still Flair was taken aback, by just how different Marigold was to her brother, making her falter a little; “Oh, uhm… Of course.” She paused to look over at Chan, trying to read his body language as he watched his daughter.

In the end, she couldn’t imagine him objecting though, so neither would she, sharing a quick look with her fellow leader before turning back to the girl; “Do yer share, huntin’ and guardin’ th’ borders, and y’ll be welcome.” That was all she could think to say, the only thing she could offer to help her friend in what felt like it would be a tough conciliation.

The air felt dense with unspoken emotion, pressing against her fur from all sides. Now that the formalities were over with, the alphess wasn’t sure what to do, eyes drifting back and forth between Chan and his daughter – Jethro had already offered introductions and now the father made a tender suggestion, clearly anticipating a rejection. Flair wanted to offer her partner support, but she was also cautious of getting between the two of them, leaving her at an awkward standstill.

Finally, Marigold seemed to accept, moving to follow her father. It seemed to Flair that this time should be for their family alone, Chan and his children, a private reunion without having to spring anything else – like expected younger siblings – on them. Yet she hesitated, as eager as she was to leave them alone, it felt a bit like cowardice, skirting the conversation that would have to happen sooner or later. So, she exchanged a last look with her friend, making sure he was okay with going alone for now.

Once that was clear, she would turn away herself, giving Jethro a quick, tight smile, before trotting off, deciding that she could do with a small patrol while the others were still close by – she could use the exercise.