Hideaway Strath Galgaldr.

Referencing our hunt roll, which was a failure. :P

Following their failed attempt to fell prey, Towhee slumped down in a shady patch on the outskirts of the rendezvous site, tongue lolling from her open mouth as she panted in the July heat and humidity. As soon as she caught her breath, she began to idly groom herself, beginning with licking the salty sweat from the pads on her paws and then moving to smooth the furs along her flanks. She spent an embarrassingly long time with her snout between her legs, as canines were wont to do, before sitting up straight and peering around as she debated what to do now.

Perhaps some of her pack mates still lingered nearby, despite the lack of a meal. She hadn't spoken to @Ruenna in a while, even though she was secretly one of the Kilonova's favored recruits. She knew she owed @Leen (and also @Jean-Pierre) a lesson in ptero. She'd heard @Pippin was here but hadn't really bothered to visit with him yet. And there was always @Rye. But Towhee wouldn't mind just catching up with and shooting the shit with anybody, including those she didn't know very well at all, like @Keyni and @Nebula.

Before she could call out or go looking for company, Towhee spotted a tawny flash through the trees. "@Dingo?" she shouted, though no one appeared. The mercenary squinted, then heaved onto all fours, now actively seeking one of the stars in their little constellation.

Fennec was more than a little lost with Figment and Phox gone, and even more than a little sullen over being left behind.  She ghosted about the territory in a snit for a while, but being moody wasn't her style long term, and it wasn't bringing her brother home any faster.  

As much as she could, she was learning the place.  She weaved through the trees currently by memory and by feel, the roots around her feet indicating where the paths were safer to tread.  She had to go slow, and constantly as she moved, her ears took in the sounds around her.  Sounds like insects, the wind, the rustle of leaves... and Towhee's call.

Fennec froze, and turned towards the sound, the debate only taking a second before she went back.  She didn't know where Dingo was, but it was obvious from her tone that Towhee was looking for someone, and Fennec was feelin more than a little lonely too.

She knew better than to talk before she had confirmed where Towhee actually was, but she was headed her way, listening intently to know when she was in the right area.

When her daughter emerged from the trees, Towhee felt stupid for a split second before brushing that aside and grinning hugely, even aware that Fen couldn't see. Can she hear the smile in my voice? the Kilonova wondered even as she cleared her throat loudly to give the blind pup some indication of where she stood.

-"Really wish I could say I brought you some fresh meat but we failed epically,"- the mother said in way of greeting, scooting forward to snuffle at a pale cream ear. -"We can go find something else, though, if you're hungry?"- She took a step backward to give herself room to see Fen's lips.

Even though she was upset at her brother's prolonged absence (and her own impaired mobility as a result), Fennec broke out into a smile as well as Towhee spoke and turned slightly to face where she thought the voice was.  More and more often, that direction was correct.

 Not really.  How'd you fail epically? she asked, obvious teasing.  She could indeed hear the smile, and it made her more inclined to poke a little fun at her aunt/mom's words.  Fig wasn't even here! And, yep, a jab at his expense too.  Friendly! But deserved because she definitely didn't deserve to be left here by herself.

I'm gonna pretend @Phox and @Figment were off doing something else together during the hunt so this still makes sense? :)

Towhee could see the moment when Fin pinpointed her location via her voice. It was a strange thing to observe, as someone who couldn't hear. Although she knew her daughter couldn't see it, she returned her smile, then stepped forward and gently touched noses with her.

-"The prey got away,"- she replied, aware too that Fen couldn't see the signs but doing it anyway, to stay in the habit. She clicked her tongue and laughed at Fen's dig. -"I wish he and your dad had been there though,"- Towhee admitted. Fig wouldn't have done anything aside from observe at his age but Phox could've made the difference between success and failure.

-"Anyway, I'm hungry so I'm gonna walk over here and nab a snack, then we can do whatever. Have anything in mind?"- she asked conversationally even as she moved to walk alongside Fen, their shoulders brushing so she could gently guide the girl.