Heron Lake Plateau Sooner rather than later

Phox didn't think he had insulted Quixote's work ethic (at least not out loud), but that was how Raven had taken it. Quite frankly, it was just a personal vendetta that had no merit (not that Phox would ever admit or see it that way). I guess I could have worded it better, Phox said sheepishly, feeling whatever anger he'd drummed up melt away. He had never claimed to be the smarted Redhawk (far from it), but he had always been blunt and honest to a fault. And quite honestly, of all the ways he'd seen this going, this was the last way he had seen it unfolding. But what can ya do? That's the fun of collaborative writing! ;)

He was about to ask if this meant they could stay when Towhee came crashing in, completely changing the mood for the third time in about ten seconds. Phox was getting some serious emotional whiplash. He glanced at Raven, wondering if he should wait for her to explain, but then thought better of it. -I told Raven about our plans, and about how Quixote is milk toast.- That last bit was a sign he'd used only with Towhee, so it was likely that Raven wouldn't catch on to what it was. -She wanted to kick us out, but... I don't think she's going to do that now?- he half-asked, letting Raven decide if that