Redhawk Caldera The Harlequin Lamp

Fennec sure was a tough one. On the inside and out, she managed to defy odds again and again. He had to hand it to her, she had never let her inability to see slow her down, even when it came to getting herself into trouble. It had taken Phox a long time to get to this point. That is, the point where her running off didn't feel like the end of the world. It was kind of sad, in a way, to think that he wasn't even that worried about it anymore compared to how he used to be. Even a year ago, he probably would have wanted to send out a whole search team for her. Now, it felt like just another day in the life of flighty Fennec.

Wanting to turn the conversation to a more positive note, Phox decided talking about his sister was a better plan.

You heard any news about Towhee's plans for the springtime? Specifically regarding whether or not she plans to saddle us with another dozen kids? Phox asked.

Okay, maybe a dozen was overestimating Towhee's ability to reproduce. But if she had made one last year, who was to say she couldn't make a dozen more? Between Towhee and Niamh, Phox had a feeling they were going to have plenty of pitter-pattering feet around. How many, he could only guess.

And did you say you were hoping for all boys or all girls this year? he asked, as if they had a choice in the matter. Phox did feel like he was heavily outnumbered in that department (boys vs. girls), but he didn't mind. All his kids were number one, except for his favorite (an opinion which he would take to his grave).