Heron Lake Plateau (futuristic space music)

Was it wrong for him to hope that neither of the women would end up with pups?  Maybe?  Honestly he didn't know so he was gonna keep that thought to himself.  At least he didn't think Rye was gonna run off into the sunset, because the only thing he could think of that would be worse than a couple of litters of unexpected pups when Raven still hadn't had her heat yet was the possibility that one or more might be a single mother relying on everyone else to help care for them.  Could they bear those resources?

As Qui and Owen headed to the garden, he gathered his thoughts.  It was only when they arrived that he finally spoke up with the summary he'd concocted, The reason you really want to go find Poe and Towhee right now is because they're in heat.  It's their bodies telling everyone, whether they like it or not, that they're ready to have puppies.  And it tells every guy in the area they should totally help with that.  It can make people do stupid things, like get in fights they might not otherwise.  Right now it isn't as big of a deal for you, but it will probably be a lot more distracting when you're older -- but if you know what it is, that can help you from doing something you otherwise wouldn't.  Especially since getting in fights isn't ever great, and having kids is a big deal that you don't want to jump in unless you and the pack are ready.  Ugh. Was he explaining this at all well?  Obviously he was avoiding the gory details at the moment -- that wasn't part of the question that had technically been asked, after all.  Any questions? 

And if Owen had any questions, that'll get answered at the beginning of the next post but would actually go here time-wise.

And yeah, pretty sure it's these ones.  Forget what they're called, but they should help with his wounds.  Other than that, after collecting some of the herbs (just be thankful he was like 95% sure it was the right ones), I've got some that can be used now, you've got some we can give him to use later.  So let's head on back.  And so they did, exciting stuff.  Qui wasn't paying too much attention to the walk because he was pretty sure that he'd somehow mentally scarred Owen or something.

Anyhoo, eventually they made it back to Rye, who was hopefully all cleaned up by then.  Qui came forward and set down the plants he carried.  These are supposed to get chewed up and put on the wound to prevent infection.  Do you want to do it or should I?  Owen's got another pile of 'em that you can use later.  I think they should be good for a couple days.  Quixote gave him a choice partially because well, he definitely was not a healer, so he might not be comfortable with it or something.  Who knows. Just seemed appropriate to him.  It was just fortunate that he'd picked up a few things from being Raven's mate.  Gee.