Months had passed since Nose and Tail had left Daago's care, but their adjustment to life in Morgain's colony in L'hatzif had been slow. The whelps had spent their first days timidly exploring their new surroundings, clinging to each other for comfort. Morgain, though patient, was quickly growing concerned about the two. Neither had really opened up to him, to Cause, or to any of the other Xunari in the colony.

Eventually, he had decided that maybe a trip back to Issiq would be good for the whelps.

---

Morgain adjusted his satchel as the small boat docked on the quiet shores of Issiq. Beside him, Tail and Nose fidgeted with excitement, their tails swishing with barely contained energy. Behind them, Fawn leaned against the boat's railing, humming a tune.

Daago was waiting for them at the dock, her ears turning towards the sound of the waves crashing against the boat, and the steps of the four Xunari as the group approached. When she recognize the whelps, her usually stern face softened into a smile.

"There they are," she muttered to herself, stepping forward as the boat came to a stop.

The whelps bolted ahead as soon as the gangplank was lowered. "Miss Daago!" Tail shouted, throwing herself into a hug. Nose wasn't far behind, clinging tightly to her side.

"Well, look who's gotten bigger," Daago said, patting their heads affectionately. "You've been eating well, I see."

Morgain and Fawn followed at a more measured pace. "Good to see you again, Daago," Morgain said with a polite nod.

Daago greeted them warmly. "It's good to see all of you. Welcome to Issiq. The place hasn't changed much, but I hope you'll enjoy your visit."

---

"Where's that little shop where you got us those fruit candies?" Tail asked, looking around eagerly.

"It's still there," Daago replied with a chuckle. "We can stop by later."

"And the tide pools?" Nose added.

"Just as you remember them," Daago said. "We'll visit after lunch."

---

Lunch was a hearty affair at Daago's modest home. The whelps chattered non-stop as they recounted their adventures in L'hatzif. Morgain and Fawn chimed in occasionally, offering more context when the whelps' stories grew too exaggerated.

"And then Nose tried to climb the fishing net," Tail said, giggling. "But he got all tangled up!"

"It wasn't my fault!" Nose protested. "The net moved!"

Daago laughed. "Sounds like you've been keeping them busy," she said to Morgain.

"They've been a handful," Morgain admitted, though his tone was fond. "Although not worse than the rest."

After lunch, the group set out for the tide pools. Tail and Nose raced ahead, their laughter echoing across the rocks. Daago watched them with a small smile, her hands tucked into her pockets.

"They've changed a lot," she said to Morgain.

"They're growing up," Morgain replied. "But they haven't forgotten you."

---

The tide pools were teeming with life, just as the whelps remembered. Tail and Nose darted from one pool to the next, marveling at the tiny creatures that scuttled beneath the water. Daago kept a watchful eye on them.

Fawn, meanwhile, had wandered off to sketch the coastline in a small notebook she carried. She had been promising herself she would draw on the trip, as she had always found the hobby interesting but never quite had the time. Morgain stayed close to Daago, the two of them sharing quiet conversation as the sun lowered in the sky.

"They've been doing well," Morgain said. "But they've missed you. They talk about you all the time."

Daago looked at him, her expression softening. "I've missed them too," she admitted. "It's good to see them happy."

---

The next morning, as the group prepared to leave, Tail and Nose clung to Daago, clearly reluctant to say goodbye.

"Do we really have to go?" Tail asked, her eyes brimming with tears.

"You'll come visit us sometime, won't you?" Nose added, his voice wavering.

Daago knelt down, pulling them into a hug. "Of course I will," she promised. "And you two better keep behaving for Morgain and Fawn, you hear me?"

The whelps nodded solemnly, their tears giving way to small smiles.

As the boat pulled away from the dock, Tail and Nose waved frantically, their voices carrying across the water. "We'll see you soon, Miss Daago!"

Daago stood on the dock, watching until the boat disappeared from view. Despite the ache of parting, her heart felt full.

"They'll be okay," she murmured to herself, turning to head back home. "They're strong kids." Still, she couldn't deny that maybe she would have preferred coming with them.