The dark man had faded away, and the ivory lady sat, breathing deep the air of the wood. She was in the cedar forest, she was near Grizzly Hollow. She was home. She had important news to give. There was no holding back. There was no more time to waste. Erecting her figure to sit a little straighter, she titled her crown, and let out a high toned howl, calling for her youngest son. I am home. She would not let herself think of the possibility Rook might not answer, but she would go no further. There were too many who did not know her, and she doubted much familiar clung to her coat any more. Other then their eyes, would they believe she was the leader's mother? No, waiting here like the loner she was would be better. Besides she wanted to tell him of her wanderings in private. Wanted to decide if she could really stay here any more. There was so little she felt sure about.
What else had happened in her absence? Tomen was probably four times the size. Would she recognize the lad? He probably would hardly remember her. Had anyone else left? Did anyone else notice Cinder's absence? Where there new members? Most important, how was Borden? Her song faded, and her teeth dug sharply into her lips. Guilt weighed upon her for leaving in the first place. Leaving him alone, but she hadn't felt like his caretaker in ages. Even beside him, they could be miles apart with his faded mind. Alright, it wouldn't do to be a weeping mess. She ran her script in her head, concentrating while she waited.