Redhawk Caldera Light the fire, stir the cauldron.

Embarassed from his fall, Lyric kept quiet for some time - the need for an after breakfast nap was settling in too, which didn't help.

I wouldn't want to go where someone had peed either. He responded to Towhee's explanation, raising a brow. That must make it a pretty good strategy. However, he hadn't exactly mastered the art of the leg lift - that made peeing on something pretty hard for him. He had tried and failed once before. He would have to settle for scratching.

Watching his great grandmother's example, he copied her actions in a spot not too far off. Sorry I called you mean. You're not.

Good thing about kids, they rarely stay angry for long.

She didn’t catch his remark about pee, her eyes momentarily sweeping the horizon to make sure nobody was encroaching. Towhee then pivoted and began retracing her steps back toward Lyric, sidling alongside him and noting a smudge of dirt on his muzzle.

You got a little something, she indicated with a paw, wondering how he’d managed that.

But the kid’s apology sidetracked her thoughts. She huffed a little laugh and reached out that same paw to rest it on his shoulder. How many times had she used this same move on his father? Towhee felt warm and fuzzy even as her toes squeezed, then released.

Thanks for saying that, kiddo. You ready to head back to headquarters and get some snacks? ‘Cause I am.

She surged forward, her nose skimming over the child’s forehead before she brushed past him. Deciding they could burn off one last burst of energy before she took him home to his parents, Towhee accelerated to a full gallop. Her tail flung up, waving in invitation for her great grandson to give chase.

He squinted his eyes as Towhee brushed away the dirt, and had he not just apologised for being a little shitrat he probably would have called her mean again. However, he lightened up quite a bit when she accepted his apology. Leaning into her paw, he couldn't help smiling.

Yes please! He agreed, though Towhee took off before she could likely see his full response. Lyric froze for a full five seconds before sprinting after her the best he could.

Should we fade out here? Thanks for the thread!