Twisted Slough And heart to heart you'll win, if you survive

When Fen countered her suggestion, Towhee said nothing. Maybe she would bring up the idea again later, when it wasn't the heat of the moment, because she felt certain her daughter could master a tool like that. But Fennec would know better than anyone what would work for her, so the mercenary didn't plan to push it.

Her head cocked at the yearling's next few words. Towhee wondered what it sounded like, though it wasn't really something she could conceptualize too well. "Okay," she replied simply, moving so that her shoulder and hip bumped her daughter's. "Come on, let's go this way."

Towhee led Fennec toward a shallower part of the stream, grimacing as she dipped in her toes and hissing when she plunged into the deeper water near the middle. Luckily, it only brushed her belly. Clenching her teeth, she kept a close eye on Fen and made sure to stay near to her. She didn't bother to shake herself when she reached the far side, not with the rain still pouring.

"We're home," she announced not long after, wondering if she was telling Fen something she already knew.

Fennec stuck close to Towhee, invading her mom's personal space in the same way that always had.  The rain made even hearing pawsteps harder.  The constant brush of their soaked pelts and her mom's occasional sounds were enough to keep her on course, though, even when she entered the frigid cold of the river.  She sucked in a breath and gritted her teeth, but followed, afraid to let Towhee get too far ahead.

Fennec could guess when they met the border, but Towhee's announcement made her relax fully.  Immediately she just wanted a warm and dry nap, and she nosed the direction she knew her mom was.  Want to go to the nest? she asked.  There was no real way for her to plead her case without tone, but she wagged her tail instinctually.  She really wanted her mom to say yes and come with.

Fen seemed to relax at her words, which tugged Towhee's lips into a fond smile. She wished things weren't so hard for the girl, though the mercenary knew she could overcome the odds stacked against her. Towhee certainly hadn't let her missing sense hold her back in life, though she knew that being blind must be a lot tougher than being deaf. Still, she had faith in Fen's abilities.

Towhee returned her daughter's nuzzle and replied, "Sure. Lead the way?" she suggested, already looking forward to getting out of the downpour. She would lick Fennec dry first, then herself, and soon the two of them would be cozy and warm again.

This path she knew, at least well enough to lead!  She traced her way through the familiar landscape, a landmark here and there confirming and then adjusting.  

When they got there she'd snuggle up to Towhee and then they could talk a little more about everything. As she ducked in, she finally smiled.  It felt so good to be out of the rain, finally.

cool to wrap or continue, up to you!