Firefly Glen all we ever do.

Fig had promised his parents to only be gone for a few days, and so he knew it was about time to be heading back. He'd done what he'd intended to do in coming here, but he still wasn't quite ready to go. Not without seeing a couple of wolves first.

The young wolf rose early that morning when the world was still shrouded in a cool, misty darkness. He'd gone for a long run and then hunted himself down a bite to eat. It was mid morning when he decided to head back towards the Glen and see if he could get the attention of his half sister and step brother. As usual, he came to the borders and stopped a respectful distance away. He sniffed about for a few minutes, still curious as ever about the new pack. Then, he tilted his head back and called for @Meerkat and @Bronco.

He knew it was a little early still, but was hopeful they'd come. He really wanted to start heading back that evening--earlier if events allowed. For now, Fig was content to settle in and wait.

She couldn't immediately place the voice, mostly because it jerked Meerkat out of a drowse on the cliffs overlooking the lake. She'd been sleeping more lately, after her exhausting bout of gastrointestinal disruption, though luckily the worst of that was behind her (pun intended?). Yawning hugely, she unfolded herself and gingerly rose onto all fours, only to dip into a downward dog stretch. When she stood up straight again, she gave herself a bodily shake, wiggling rapidly all the way from her ears to the tip of her tail, and began to walk.

By the time she spotted her older brother, she'd realized who'd called. "Fig!" she exclaimed, bounding up to him with a sloppy kiss to the chin. She loved all these visitors lately. Meerkat hadn't had much time to feel homesick recently, yet the familiar faces soothed any lingering soreness in her heart. "Welcome to Firefly Glen!" she busted out one of her favorite slogans of late, sweeping out a foreleg like an infomercial model presenting the coolest new product.

Fig was just starting to regret not taking a mid-morning nap before coming to the borders when he heard his name being called. He turned his head to watch as Meerkat ran towards him. The sight woke him back up instantly. He stood to greet her with a smile, returning her kiss with an affectionate nuzzle to her head. 

"Why thank you for the kind welcome, ma'am," Fig replied, smiling at her theatrics, "It's quite the home you've made for yourself." He paused, debating with himself before shrugging inwardly. "I know it's the dorkiest of big brother things to say, but I'm never going to get over how much you've grown, kid," he told her, beaming like the big goob he was.

"Damn straight," came Meerkat's smiling response. Ever since echoing her older sister's curses the other day, it was like a seal had broken and she couldn't resist adding more swears to her daily vocabulary. She was Towhee's child, after all, and it was funny 'cause she delivered most of her epithets with a broad smile. "Very dorky," she tacked on with a fond grin, tail waving hither and thither the entire time.

Taking a step back from her brother, Meerkat gestured at the glen sprawling behind her again and then pretended to put a hat on her head as she announced, "My name is Meerkat and I'll be your official tour guide today! On behalf of the Firefly Glen pack, I'd like to invite you into our humble home. Please save any eating and drinking for our final destination and and remember to drink responsibly. And most important of all: enjoy your stay!" After delivering her totally unrehearsed speech, she let out a laugh, waved for her brother to follow and loped further into the glen.

Fig simply shook his head and accepted his title. He was a dorky older brother, and this was perfectly okay with him. It wasn't as though he could change it about himself. He remembered Meerkat being small, rolling around between his arms, nipping at his paws. He remembered her sprawled along his side, snoring lightly while she napped. He remembered her as a child and seeing her as something else was too bittersweet for him to not be affected.

He quirked a brow, smiling as she took up the role as enthusiastic tour guide. He tensed a little though, wondering if this was really okay for her to bring him past the borders. Fig opened his muzzle to question her, but thought of Fenn. She was allowed, so maybe there was an exception for members of sister packs? He still didn't understand the arrangement well enough, but she was already on her way, so he picked up his paws and brought himself back to her side.

"You always let non-pack members pass the threshold?" Fig asked, trying to be teasing in his tone though he was honestly concerned with the answer, "Or do dorky brothers just get special consideration?"

His words made her freeze, one leg still crooked in the air before she swiveled to face him. "You're my sister!" she rejoined, laughing at her own joke. "Fen's been running around here a couple days and Aunt Hydra hasn't eaten her yet, so I think it's okay!" she went on to say. Her expression grew thoughtful then, wondering if that was really the case or if she should check in with Hydra—no, Osiris—first.

"If you'd be more comfortable chilling at the borders, we can do that too," Meerkat assured, loping back over to him with a grin. She couldn't help but wonder if Fennec was given a special allowance due to her condition. Was that an uncharitable thought? Meerkat didn't know, though it ultimately didn't matter. "I don't care where we go, as long as we get to hang out!"

His question made her hesitate and he watched as the wheels turned in her head. Somehow, her uncertainty calmed his own and he smiled. "Why don't you howl for your leader and ask if it's alright if I come in," he suggested, "You can give me a tour of the borders until you hear back. That sound like a plan? I don't want you getting in trouble over me and even if he's fine with it, I'm sure he'd appreciate the heads up that there's a stranger in his territory."

Fig could only imagine how their parents would react if they came across a random wolf in their territory who wasn't pack, even if they were being escorted by a pack member. He supposed if the pack member was young like Meerkat, they'd be more forgiving. But it was a good lesson in etiquette for the youth, even if Fenn would've just rolled her eyes and called him paranoid for it.

"You right," Meerkat surmised in response to her brother's suggestion. It was a sound one, even discounting her penchant for going with the flow. She swung up a foreleg to tap at her temple, scrunching one eye in the classic "thonk" pose. "You're not just dorky, you're a smarty pants too."

Without further adieu, the young ambassador tossed back her head and called out to @Osiris, heralding Figment's arrival and requesting permission to take him on a tour of Firefly Glen. The worst thing he could say was "no," and even then, Meerkat would just be glad to spend some time with Fig. Maybe they could even go hang out in one of the neighboring territories, do a little exploring together.

Meerkat's call reached Osiris on the other side of the territory. He cast his head back once he'd made his decision, promptly howling in reply, "Of course—family is always welcome in the glen." Then, to acknowledge his thankfulness, he added, "Thanks for checking in with me first. I appreciate it." 

A pause, before Osiris added a final thought, "I'd like to meet him if you both have time—I'm patrolling on the other side of the territory, so I understand if you can't make it."

"Well, yeah," Fig replied with a smile, "That's part of the dorky brother requirement. It helps for keeping little fiends in line."

He waited patient while Meerkat called for her alpha, wondering how long it might take. Apparently, not long. He'd no sooner parted his mouth to ask her to show her guardian skills when an answer came back--a polite and welcoming one. He gave Meerkat a pleased look, then paused to listen as more was added. Once again, Fig was startled by the attention the leaders of the Moonspear Collaborative were sparing him. Were they just super friendly, or was Towhee way more popular over here than he thought? It certainly couldn't have had anything to do with him.

"Looks like I'm going to get the opportunity to embarrass you in front of him," Fig commented. He looked at Meerkat, wagging his tail. "Lead the way, little Shoes?" he asked, intentionally choosing the silliest of the nicknames he'd given her as a child.

Not only would Osiris allow it, he wanted to meet Figment in person. Meerkat waggled her brows at her older brother, wondering if he was excited to acquaint with Firefly Glen's top dog. He seemed much more at ease now anyway, urging her to lead the way and earning a playful snort as they began shuffling into the glen, after all. Meerkat sent up a quick, "We're on our way!"

"What is this 'embarrassment' you speak of?" she jested with a little cackle as she led the way. "Impossibru!" she declared in the next breath, shaking her head with another, louder laugh. "I can't wait for Osiris to meet my hamsum older brother, the one from the same mother." She glanced over her shoulder to explain, "As opposed to Bronco, my older brother from another mother." Did she even know Figment and Fennec hadn't actually come out of Towhee's mystifying loins?

They traversed the breadth of the glen, Meerkat chattering away and pointing out landmarks, big and small. Since she'd just done this with their sister, she made a point to use descriptors aside from just visuals, painting quite the portrait of her firefly-infested homeland. By the time they approached the far side of the territory, her throat actually ached from talking so damn much and she paused to rub at her overused jaw with a sandy paw.

Osiris was thrilled to hear that Meerkat and Figment were on their way, and he quickly decided to postpone his patrol for the time being. While he waited, as they were still a while away, Osiris laid down and began to chew at his calloused paw pads; he was long overdue for a pedicure. 

He had nearly given each of his feet a thorough cleaning by the time that they arrived, and he put off another task in favor of their company. "Hey guys," he greeted, standing as they approached. "Thanks for making it all this way. I really appreciate it." 

Osiris then turned to Meerkat with a grin, well aware of her aspirations of becoming an ambassador; even in this mock-scenario, he wanted to give her a chance to hone her skills. "Ambassador Meerkat," he said, turning to her, "Would you mind introducing us?" And then, he offered a knowing look to Figment, hoping he'd play along.

Fig shook his head at Meerkat's ramblings, amused. He'd always known that once she mastered speech, she'd be just as energetic with it as she was in all things. He did wonder for a moment about the being from the same mother comment, but she was off on the next before he could really say anything. It didn't much matter anyway--he didn't really feel the need to explain his true origins to her. Let Towhee do that one day.

By the time they reached Osiris, Fig had learned quite a few things. Most importantly, though, was that his little sister was incapable of running out of oxygen. It was a good quality to have in a tour guide as he was pretty sure there wasn't a thing she'd left out. He'd commented and questioned here and there, but otherwise sat back to enjoy the show.

He was honestly interested in all she shared with him, having never been part of a different pack before. He'd been so young when they'd moved from the plateau to the strath. Going to the copse after all that had been more of a family reunion that joining a new pack. He'd rarely ever had to interact with complete strangers before. He was impressed with Meerkat's ability to join this one and to integrate herself so wholly and quickly.

He kept comments like those to himself, though. They were for Towhee when he got home. For now, he focused his attention on the glen's alpha as they stepped towards him and made their greetings. Fig shifted his posture to show deference while remaining casual to fit the nature of the situation. He nodded his head politely, holding his own greeting and gratitude as Osiris gave the responsibility of introductions to Meerkat. Ambassador Meerkat, to be exact. Fig smiled. It fit.

She set her foot back on the ground and continued both prattling and walking. Her voice cut off abruptly a few moments later when she spotted Osiris in the distance. He seemed to notice them at the same time, pushing upright from a prone position. A broad smile blossomed on Meerkat's face, exchanging a look with Fig before gesturing excitedly and bounding toward her leader.

Hearing Osiris assign her an honorary title made her smile grow impossibly larger. Tail wagging so hard it thunked audibly against Figment's hip, Meerkat brightly replied, "Sure! Osiris, this is my older brother, Figment. Mostly everyone calls him Fig though. He's the son of Phox and Towhee of Firebirds, just like me." She paused, sucked in a breath, then continued, "Fig, this is Osiris, Osiris for short"—insert a cheeky lil' grin—"Alpha of Firefly Glen and son of Dirge and Hydra of Moonspear."

Meerkat assumed her role, and Osiris smiled brightly as she introduced them. "Fig—" he greeted, "—do you mind if I call you that?" Although she had said it was what most everybody called him, Osiris wanted to verify Figment's preference. 

"It's nice to meet you," he added. "What brings you to the glen today?"

Fig listened as Meerkat introduced him, amused and slightly awed once again at how she had grown. She still had the bubbly, sweet humor of a child, which he appreciated. He wondered if that was something that would fade with time or if it was her gift to keep. He hoped it was the latter.

Fig shook his head to answer the alpha's initial question, but parted his lips to answer the rest. "I came to visit my sisters," he answered, "I appreciate you allowing me within your borders. It's very gracious of you. It gave me the opportunity to experience a one-of-a-kind tour from your resident tour guide. I'm sure I'll be the envy of the Firebirds once they hear." He shot Meerkat a grin.

Soon, the two older males were engaged in a friendly conversation. Meerkat did not interrupt, taking a figurative step back and rubbing at her jaw again, glad for a brief break. Her throat felt a little sore too. She idly wondered if Fennec might know of a remedy for such minor maladies. Maybe they could hunt for her after Fig and Osiris had had their chance to chat. In any case, her mouth wasn't hurting too much to return her older brother's grin.

"Of course," Osiris answered quickly, dipping his head. "You're always welcome in the glen," he would never deny family—especially when they were as polite as friendly as Figment. When Meerkat was mentioned, Osiris flashed his packmate a grin. 

"I'm sure, and we're super lucky to have an ambassador like her," he acknowledged. "She's been a big help in recruiting some members and our settlement overall—please let Towhee know how thankful we are to have her here," he said.

Fig liked this fellow. He was polite, confident and friendly. It was odd to think that he was the same age as this young alpha when their accomplishments seemed so vastly different. He began to wonder about his own worth then, but only for a moment. He could sense that was a path that would consume his thoughts far too much when he wanted to remain present in this conversation. 

"This pup here? We should be thanking you for taking her off our paws," Fig teased, giving Meerkat a playfully skeptical look, "I still have a couple of other little sisters at the Copse you can have too. Though I'd probably ask you to trade Bronco for them." He was kidding, of course. He couldn't imagine losing more of his family to this pack then he already had, even though it wasn't really like losing them. He would know where they were and that they were safe, which is what was important. Fig simply preferred to see them every day rather than every few weeks.

Her Alpha's praise meant a lot to her, especially when he made a point to ask Fig to pass word onto their mother. Of course, her older brother couldn't resist a clear opportunity to tease her. Meerkat still said nothing, though she playfully raised a fist and shook it at him. She raised a second when he threatened to take Bronco from her, eyes narrowing playfully.

Sorry for the wait!

Figment's teasing caused Osiris to smirk; he'd take in any Redhawk child—especially if they were as driven as Meerkat. "Well, wait a minute there," Osiris said with a laugh as Bronco was mentioned, "I can't afford to have Bronco go anywhere—he's been as helpful as Meerkat has." Winter was coming; Bronco's hunting expertise was worth its weight in gold. 

"I'll have to reject your offer, for now," he said, his eyes shining with mirth.

no worries! you guys wanna wrap this round?

Fig laughed at Osiris's immediate rejection of the proposition. To be fair, it wasn't a very fair bargain. The Firebirds would definitely be getting the better end of the deal. Not that Figment didn't adore Quetzal and Alyx, but he knew them to be troublesome little devils. Whereas Bronco was smart, strong, capable, but most of all, obedient. "Fair enough, friend," Fig answered, still smiling, "I'll try to contemplate a way to sweeten the deal."

He turned his gaze skyward then, marking the sun's location and considering. "Well, I won't take up much more of your time," Fig said, turning back to Osiris, "Thank you again for your hospitality, and for looking after my brother and sisters. I hope the girls don't cause you too much trouble." He considered bringing up Fenn's confession, about how she'd teased Osiris about being a witch. He thought better of mentioning it directly, looking instead at Meerkat.

Sounds good to me, here's my last. :)

The two grown men continued bantering and bartering for a few more minutes before Fig made one of those comments clearly intended to close out the conversation. Meerkat prepared to accompany her brother, whether they continued touring the glen or headed back toward the borders. Wherever they were headed next, they were going there together.

"Thanks for playing!" Meerkat said to Osiris, giving him a good-natured smirl and a bow of her head before shuffling closer to her brother and poking him into motion.

It'd all been harmless banter; Osiris didn't expect Figment to come up with a counter-bid. Regardless, he replied, "I look forward to it." It was another conversation for another time, and Osiris looked forward to it. He was already fond of Figment, and he looked forward to spending more time with him if they were able. 

When the pair made their move to depart, Osiris nodded in understanding. "They don't," he assured him, "But if they start causing trouble, I now know who to come to," his words were spoken in jest. 

"It was nice meeting you too, Figment. Please don't be a stranger." 

Osiris watched as Meerkat and Figment left, offering a smile to the former as she thanked him. Once their forms had faded into the foreground, Osiris assumed his patrol.