Northstar Vale My rusty wings are weak and tired, oh.

Maybe he was used to others leaving. Sometimes, it was Phox who was the one who left. Not always on purpose, and not always of his own will, but it did happen. He couldn't fathom what had happened to Maxim, but he did hope the guy was safe and sound... or at least getting whatever care he needed if he was hurt in some way.

So when Towhee flopped on the ground and gave him the news, all he could do was offer a shrug. -I'm still here,- he said. Any thoughts of toddling off with Fennec and Killdeer had been put to rest when Maxim had gone missing. He couldn't do that to Towhee, no matter how much some selfish part of him wanted to keep looking around for a partner of his own.

-There's nothing tying me here except for you and the kids,- Phox added, wanting Towhee to know that she, Sable, and her mini-me were the only things that kept him from following right after Fenn and Killer.