Heron Lake Plateau Sooner rather than later

Quick one because I’m on mobile at work and these customers won’t leave me alone. >:( This’ll be my last reply!

Once the kids were rounded up and safely with their dad, Raven returned her attention to the matter at hand. The arrival of Towhee and then the unceremonious party-crashing of the pups had effectively dispersed the tension, and Raven could find no more anger for them. Signing along with her speech for Towhee’s sake, she picked up where she’d left off, -“I wish I could change your mind, but if this is really what you want, then I accept it. I’m sorry I freaked out on you earlier.”- That last bit was directed at Phox, and spoken with earnesty in her eyes. -“I’d better go let Qui know.”- She gave each of them a weak smile before she turned and headed off to find her mate and break the news to him.

The pups had definitely disobeyed her, though maybe everything really did happen for a reason. Between their shenanigans and Towhee's own antics, there was no tension left in the air. There was a note of sadness and regret and the look on Raven's face before she departed made the mercenary wince internally. She wondered if Quixote would be happy or sad about this development. Probably a little of both. Or maybe he wouldn't react at all. He was pretty milquetoast, after all.

After offering the Alpha's back a soft goodbye woof, Towhee turned to Phox and the kids. "You guys are naughty!" Towhee declared, though there was no anger on her face. "You are totally grounded." She winked at Phox, then said to him, "Should we escort the prisoners back to their cell?"

*posts out of turn like a jerk but also last post for me so whatevs*

Phox was visibly relieved when Raven seemed to be level-headed again. He himself would definitely need to work on his personal skills if he was planning on being a leader. No sense in starting his own pack if it was just going to bomb when he insulted somebody (oops). -I'm sorry about insulting Quixote,- he managed to say/sign, even though it was really hard to admit maybe that wasn't a very nice thing to do.

When Raven departed, Phox returned his attention to the kiddos, nudging them along with his nose back to the den. It was absolutely insane how fast they were growing, and yet, he was happy for it. The older they got, the more independent they would become. He wondered if they would want to leave their parents someday, and although the thought broke his heart right now, he made a mental note to look back on this moment and Raven's acceptance to guide him through if that ever happened.