Ocean's Breath Plateau Go, baby, go! Win, place, show!

I updated the timestamp to May 14, though I can move this back- or forward as needed! :)

She was far too old—she was a proud crone, for crying out loud—to have a crush and yet… here she was, standing at the plateau’s borders in the hope of seeing @Rodyn. Towhee was also long overdue for a visit with @Panuk and @Rolayne—would they even really remember her? Oof!—not to mention @Phox and @Heph.

It was pretty late in the day for a visit, though she didn’t think anyone would mind. She stared at the sky for a moment, marveling at its bright shade of orange, then loosed a brief call. Towhee then settled in to wait, her mind wandering to the wife beater. Had Rodyn et al taken care of him yet?

Rodyn head the call at the borders and blinked in surprise. Though a warm smile lit up his features. He enjoyed Towhee's company and she always had good advice. Plus his boys seemed to like her.

The sun was setting and the world was going to sleep. But he made it in time to greet her with a genuine smile.

Heya Towhee. both signed and spoken.

Vague at first cause thread still ongoing. But wanted to get in my threadlog.

Just as soon as she saw his face, Towhee’s heart skipped a beat in a way she hadn’t experienced in a long while. She felt incredibly silly, though she couldn’t really help it, could she? Besides, it was just a little crush. She didn’t need to tell anyone, much less act on it…

Hey, Rodyn. Want to hear something totally stupid?

Rodyn wasn't privy to the way Towhee thought. Nor was he necessarily bothered to think hard about it. Being with Towhee was easy. She was much like him as simple things made her happy. Or so it seemed anyway. He couldn't boast a huge knowledge of the woman in front of him.

Rodyn chuckled. Towhee. I doubt whatever it is is stupid. But sure.

I totally have a little crush on you, she told him candidly.

This statement was followed by an airy bray of laughter. How absurd! Surely he would feel the same. That it was ridiculous, of course. She absolutely did not anticipate reciprocation of any kind. Actually, Towhee just hoped he felt flattered, though she knew she ought to follow up this declaration with a disclaimer.

Don’t worry, I don’t plan to do anything about it. And maybe it’s weird to tell you like this. But I have no expectations. I guess it’s just refreshing, how every time I convince myself I’m some dried-up old biddy, life reminds me that I’m still capable of…

She twirled a paw in the air, not sure of the right word term. Childish joy? Girlish glee? Joie de vivre, perhaps?

What he was expecting and what he received. Two very different things. And he felt as if he'd been bowled over by an elephant. What do you even say? What could he say? Did he like her that way? Did he like anyone that way? It felt so soon still since Samani had passed and yet it was almost a year.

He blinked and then smiled softly at her words.

I am indeed flattered Towhee. But and its nothing against you. You are beautiful and kind. But I haven't actually thought of anyone in that way since Samani.

He took a shuddering breath at being able to say her name. Kukutux took the taboo off of names. I can say it.

He tilted an ear. I.

How did he word this. He wasn't against her liking him. She could even be girlish and pursue if she so wished. He doubted anything would come of it, but he didn't want to tell her no. And yet he prided himself on honesty.

I am not ready for anything yet I don't think. But I hope you continue to spend time with me. And who knows maybe when I am ready again. It might be you.

She laughed a little when Rodyn called her beautiful and kind, though Towhee didn’t interrupt him. She was neither surprised nor offended when he said he hadn’t felt that way about anybody since Samani. Towhee could certainly empathize. She’d never thought she’d feel romantically inclined after Maxim’s long-dreaded departure from her life more than a year ago.

Really, Rodyn, there’s zero expectations. I’m not really sure I want anything to come of it, Towhee said with her own gentle smile. I gotta admit, though, it’s kinda fun? Having these silly little feelings.

She didn’t know if that made sense. Towhee also worried that she’d just put her foot in her mouth by implying she had no desire to pursue things further. At this point, she couldn’t even say whether she was open to the possibility of something more. They’d talked about this at length, though, so she felt it in her bones that Rodyn understood.

I’m glad you’re flattered, she said, eyes glittering. Samani was the love of your life, Towhee continued, glad she could speak the name without qualms, and whether or not you ever feel that way about somebody else, who can say? But you’re a total catch. Any woman would be lucky to land your favor.

Rodyn didn't know if he would fond love again. Or if Kukutux would have him marry someone to help the pack which he would. But that was neother here nor there.

He chuckled and nodded his head. I can attest to that.

It was nice to feel the butterflies and the joy.


Rodyn felt hinself warm under her praise. And titled helis ears. Rubbing a paw along his nose. Thanks Towhee.

You’re welcome, Towhee replied cheerfully, laughing a little at this very candid conversation. Now that I’ve gone and made things all awkward, I was hoping you could catch me up on some Moontide things. I know you were dealing with that guy but let’s focus on some lighter stuff first. How are Pan and Roly? Are my brother and Heph married yet?

The latter question was, of course, tongue-in-cheek. Those two seemed to be moving like glaciers. Towhee understood her brother’s pacing, though she was beginning to wonder if it was going to happen, at least this year. Maybe it was best if it didn’t, seeing as the word on the street was that Moontide was too big for its britches lately.

not sure how it went still going :)

Rodyn shrigged a shoulder. I don't feel awkward. I am pleased that you trusted me enough to share such things with me.

He chuckled. Roly is finally more keen to spend time here. He and I started hunting. Panuk has done a little traveling but he should be returning.

He let out a breath of impatience. Not yet. Clearly they like each other, but they're both slow at deciding. But I suppose I can understand and appreciate their willingness to know each other first.

Rodyn stretched. We have more young than adults right now. The caches sre beginning to grow less. I need to organize some group hunts. Send messages to a few packs. See if I can interest anyone if hunting parties.

He was slow (as usual) to answer Towhee's call. It didn't help that he was loathe to leave @Heph's side. Still, he knew that a healthy relationship meant giving each other space from time-to-time, so he gave her a peck on the cheek and began his three-legged jaunt toward the caterwaul that was his sister's voice.

Phox found Rodyn there as well, and offered him a friendly wave of his tail before bumping shoulders with Towhee. Finally found the time to come visit me, eh? he teased.

She listened (with her eyes, of course) to every word of news Rodyn shared with her. Towhee was glad to hear everybody was pretty much the same ole, doing their own things. Her mouth did twitch into something of a frown at the report about the pack’s numbers. Being outnumbered by their young certainly wasn’t ideal…

Maybe you could ship one of those families to the copse, she mused aloud. Meerkat and Njord have been hoping for another pair to join them since they set up house there. She frowned deeper at the thought of their friends’ recent snub. They have plenty of room—in heart and hearth—to take in a young family. Just saying.

Phox was a welcome sight. He had good timing too: he’d waited until she’d gotten past her silly confessions. Towhee grinned and waved her brother closer, grabbing him into a shameless bear hug when he was within reach.

It’s really good to see you. We were just talking shit about you and Heph, Towhee bantered in response, winking at Rodyn. How are the two of you faring among all these yout’s?

A kind smile to Phox a greeting woth mouth and paw both.

Rodyn wasn't feeling particularly lucky at thr moment. There were so many young. They needed more hunters more food. He was desparate to start smtrading and hunting with larger numbers again.

For the briefest of momwnts a part of him longed to go to Njord and Meerkat. Leave his responsibilities to the pack to someone else. But he quickly vetoed his own thoughts. He did well or he thought so anyway.

A soft chuckle at Towhee and he settled to let the siblings catch up. Should he head out?

Surprisingly glad I don't have my own gaggle of them to take care of, he replied with a grin. Phox had always loved his own kids (and that included all of his adopted kids via Towhee), but beyond family, had he ever really cared for any of them? He couldn't recall, and it didn't sound particularly appealing. He figured the only reason he enjoyed the related children was because they were just that: related.

Speaking of Heph, though... he said, casting Rodyn a knowing glance and assuming Heph had passed on the news to him sometime earlier. We did finally decide to officialize things. She wanted to do the bride price thing, so I guess I'm working on that now.

His offhanded comment earned a long look from Towhee before she decided he seemed to be telling the truth. Had he given up on his dream of having more children then? Her orange eyes were gentle as they continued eating into his face, though Phox didn’t leave her hanging long. The update about Heph was certainly a welcome one.

You were supposed, Towhee said, curling a fist and gently pressing the knuckles of her toes into his shoulder, to find me and tell me first, you shitpickle! Her eyes danced as she laughed, her paw scooting upward to wrap around his shoulder in a loose, sideways embrace. Congrats! Although…

His mention of a bride price surprised her a little. She grinned as she thought about a long-ago conversation about a groom price. Heph had paid up, Towhee knew that much. She’d stayed beside Phox, after all. She wondered if Heph wanted kids. Did she want them this year? If she did, then she had the patience of a saint. Maybe they both did. Towhee mentally allotted them both the appropriate amount of kudos for that.

What all do you have to do? And who assigned it? Towhee wondered, raising her eyebrows and looking at Rodyn with an expression that clearly asked, You? Maybe I can help, although I guess that kind of defeats the purpose. But she’s going to be my sister now, she argued with herself, then busted up into a laugh and squeezed her brother closer.

A bright smile lit up the plains of his face. So Heph and Phox were official were they. He brushed a paw along his muzzle and listened closely. Ears forward, eyes on Phox. So she wanted a bride price. She hadn't come to him, but he had promised he would.

I will give you one if she hasn't. I promised her I would.

Rodyn still wasn't 100% certain what he would ask of Phox. But he could think of something. Heph was not a wolf that liked many riches, but she was a wolf that liked beautiful sights. So he wondered what could this man bring to Heph to tickle her beauty bone.

There were many pretty birds, he could ask for three different colors of feathers, maybe the speckled pelt of a beast? Seashells? Or river rocks.

He grinned, knowing Towhee would just have to deal with finding out when she did. It wasn't as though he ever really knew where his sister was these days, but he was glad she was here now to celebrate the news with him. Rodyn, yeah, he replied, wondering if the Alpha had anything in particular up his sleeve. Phox had already expressed concern to Heph over anything that kept him away from Moontide for too terribly long, but he would give her the moon if that's what it took. (Okay, probably not, but you get the idea.)

Whatcha thinkin'? he asked Rodyn, his head tilting slightly to one side.

It hadn’t been set yet. Evidently it was up to Rodyn to come up with an itinerary for Phox. Towhee wondered if he would produce one on the spot or if it would take him some time to think it through. Her orange eyes flicked curiously between the two men’s faces. Every time her eyes met her brother’s, she waggled her eyebrows.

Rodyn thought about it. It was harder than he cared to admit, but slowly he had something. he smiled softly and kindly.

Heph is not a wolf that likes grand gestures. She likes to travel and have fun and hunt. So.

Rodyn moved his feet to what he was saying for Towhee's benefit. And he tried to speak and sign slow so he didn't hurt her eyes.

I want you to pick three places, beautiful places that you think Heph would love. Bring something from each place and a promise to take her there someday. That is all I ask and then take her there.

Rodyn proposed that, instead of gifting her a lavish set of furs or food, he should find places she would enjoy. Phox decided that was a rather ideal situation, since it wouldn't require speed or agility. He could use his vast knowledge of the wilds, gathered over his many, many years, to show his appreciation for his bride-to-be. The Redhawk smiled and nodded, pleased as punch with the little assignment.

Am I allowed to ask for help? he asked, glancing pointedly at Towhee. She had certainly seen a lot, and it wouldn't bother him to get some pointers from her on what she thought was best to show off. She was, after all, a ~lady.~

Rodyn spoke of Heph’s pragmatism. She was definitely one of the most down-to-earth wolves Towhee had ever met. She reminded her a little of Rue, particularly with the limp not so long ago. Towhee smiled ruefully (pun intended), glad Heph had long since mended, particularly in consideration of Rodyn’s assignment.

Her mouth opened when Phox asked a question meant for Rodyn. She shut it again, looking to him for a proper blessing. Towhee would be a fantastic resource, if their friend thought it appropriate. But even if he preferred Phox take it upon himself fully, Towhee knew her brother would do a fine job by his future wife.

Rodyn chuckled. Of course you can. It is infact how I met Heph. She helped me with my bride price journey.

He thought of that how long ago now. He had been hunting. The first thing she had hunted with him had been otters and then deer. And now look, she was one of his dearest friends. And she had helped to forge such bonds. He was so pleased that she now had Phox.

I wish you the best of luck Phox. I am pleased you and Heph have found each other.