Firefly Glen (PHE) Chicken charmers.

She approved, not that anybody needed her approval. The way Chakliux spoke about it resonated with Towhee’s more primal side. Romance was nice and all, though choosing a mate should also be about personal prowess. After all, one wanted to pass along only superior genes as much as possible. Perhaps that was why she liked watching men fight over her, on the rare occasion it happened. It reassured her that he had proven his merit as a sire.

It sounded a bit like the women could revoke paternity rights. Towhee chewed on this for a moment. She didn’t like that for him, though she would be a hypocrite if she said she didn’t side with her fellow women on this. How many times had she decided whether or not to include her children’s father in the picture? Most times, she had rejected his involvement entirely. A few had tried to argue with her, though Towhee had always prevailed, in the end.

Her grip about her youngest tightened at the thought. Unfortunately, she knew his father. Well, she didn’t know his name or the first thing about him, aside from his health and strength. She neither needed or wanted him in Bushtit’s life. At least “Casanova” didn’t know about him. If she had her way, he never would. Besides, what were the odds they would ever cross paths again anyway?

Is there a point where the choice shifts from mother to child? Towhee wondered, then had to tuck a yawn against Bushtit’s crown.