Sun Mote Copse A dream drawn from the sheath.

Towhee sensed it was a little early to relocate Meerkat to the rendezvous site, yet the two of them had outgrown the little log den and she still didn't think moving in with @Niamh and her trio was a very good idea. She pondered the move for several days before waking up to her child's butt wedged on top of her head and that was it. Keeping an eye on a single pup shouldn't prove too difficult and, anyway, they would only be moving a few dozen yards. The fresh air and open space would be good for Meerkat.

She told herself all these things as she led the pup there late this morning. It was honestly quite anticlimactic, the trip much shorter than their usual day trips. Towhee had brought Meerkat here many times before so it wasn't even particularly exciting or new for the pup. She didn't seem to notice this, however. The Regent's orange eyes followed Meerkat as the pup romped happily, unaware that they wouldn't just be visiting this time but staying here from now on.

Happy to watch her kid play in the April sunshine, Towhee reclined nearby. Occasionally, the pup raced up to her to ask a question or show her something and it left her marveling. Where had this little ball of sunshine come from? It was not the first nor the last time she would wonder about her child's cheery disposition. She certainly hadn't gotten it from Towhee, so it must've come from her biological father. She snorted at that thought, pushing it out of her mind as she felt a tickle in her nose and made sure to sneeze directly in her daughter's face just for the reaction.

Penn's invitation rolled through Fennec's thoughts as she approached her mom and baby sister that morning.  She wasn't a wolf who often dreaded things... she rather enjoyed bringing that emotion to others, actually.  But today, she was definitely dreading this conversation.  Towhee was her first hurdle.  After she saw how that went, she'd try dad and Fig.  Fig last... for sure.

She heard Meerkat first, playing, then as she approached caught Towhee's sneeze.  It was the perfect beacon to draw her over, where she stopped a little ways away.  Hey, mom.  Can... you got a minute?  She wanted to make sure Towhee was watching and caught her words, so the question was as much a practiced ritual as it was a delay tactic.

HIJACKING

Not that she would hear it, but Towhee expected the child's mouth to open in a scream. Instead, Meerkat simply stared up at her, flecks of her mother's drool clinging to her eyelashes, before breaking into a wide grin. She whooped, batted at the Regent's nearest leg, then spun and began to gambol around the open space again. Towhee snorted affectionately when Fennec appeared, drawing Meerkat like a moth to flame, before the puppy suddenly began to chase her own tail.

When the yearling came over and asked a question, Towhee's attention shifted to Fen's face. "Of course," she replied simply, noticing that Meerkat had caught her tail in the background and was now trying to devour herself like an adorable ouroboros. "What's up?" she added, keeping her focus on her elder daughter.

Fennec smiled as she heard her baby sister, but she was tense.  Another reason to be conflicted on the question she was about to ask.

Penn is leaving, and he wants me to go with.  She said, after taking a breath.  I said yeah.  

She didn't argue for it yet... she wanted to see what Towhee made of it.

Towhee met Fen's straightforward announcement with a slow blink, then another. Penn was leaving? How did she feel about that? More importantly, Fen wanted to go with him? As soon as that knowledge landed, her first instinct was to protest, vehemently, for a thousand different reasons, many of them selfish. Her lips parted as she almost forbade it, before Towhee remembered that she wasn't speaking to a child. They pressed together and she just stared at Fen for several more beats, expression twisted into one of deepest consternation.

At length, she said, "Okay," and then, after a breath, "You're decided? You've thought it through? You..." Towhee paused as a sudden though sidelined the rest of them. "Hang on, are you...? And Penn...?"

Fennec couldn't see Towhee's reaction, so as the silence stretched for a while, she shifted a little uncomfortably.  She didn't break it, though.  She knew her mom would have something to say to this.

She was expecting anger, honestly.  Maybe indignation, and outright refusal.  In fact, she thought she heard wrong at first.  Did Towhee actually just say 'okay'?

Ew, no!  She replied with a knee jerk alacrity was she continued on to insinuate, though it wasn't... well.  It isn't like that.  Not yet.  But there was that niggling thought that said 'if you were going to travel with anyone, you'd want it to be him', and that meant something.  I've definitely thought about it.  I want to try it, and if Penn is too stupid about it, I'll make him bring me home.  She promised with a little smile.  That actually did make her feel a little better because she could totally make him and it was likely he would be.

Despite the vehement "no," Towhee took that as confirmation that something was going on between those two. She didn't say anything about it, just sucked in a deep breath and held it in her chest as Fennec explained. Her heart hurt at the idea of Fennec going away and, of course, she worried about her safety. But Towhee didn't want her blindness to hold her back in life and she knew there was nothing unusual about a yearling dispersing. It would be hard on both sides, yet it wasn't an inherently bad thing, she tried to remind herself.

"Where will you go? Will you—is this permanent? Or do you intend to come back?" She swallowed thickly at that word. Fen had just called the copse home, so maybe it would remain that way while she went out and saw (well...) more of the world. "Have you talked to your dad? And Fig? Go play," Towhee added as Meerkat slithered up to her, putting a paw in the child's face and playfully shoving her aside, causing her to tumble with a bout of giggles.

I'm definitely coming back, she said, without a trace of doubt or hesitation.  While the move might be permenant (she hadn't asked Penn where they were going.  Did he even know?) she was definitely down to force him to escort for visits.  He might be ok cutting ties with his family for good, but no way was Fennec giving that luxury.  She'd come herself if she had to.

I haven't talked to dad or Fig.  I was kinda... I wanted to see what you said first.  She trusted her mom to be less emotional about it, or at least less emotional in the ways that would be awful to handle.  Anger and denial she could argue against.  Worry, sadness, those she was less prepped for.  Dad might not cry on her or anything, but previous conversations had shown that Towhee was more confident in her capabilities than he was.  Now maybe she even had an ally, which would be cool.

Here, let me...  and, without finishing, she lifted her muzzle to call for @Phox.  Better to get that out of the way now, actually.

Those four words went a long way to soothe the anxious ache already building in her chest. Ignoring Meerkat now rolling around in the grass beside her, the Regent opened her mouth to say something else when she saw Fen throw her head back and howl. She blinked, wondering if she'd called for Phox, Fig or perhaps both.

She really hadn't seen this coming and it was all happening so fast, it was giving Towhee a little bit of whiplash. She moved toward the yearling, telegraphing her intent by pushing her nose against the girl's muzzle before moving in closer. It wasn't quite a hug, though she pressed her chest close to Fennec, then pivoted, throwing a casual elbow toward her pale ribs before taking a seat beside her.

"I'd be lying if I said this doesn't—" Towhee stopped, trying to come up with the right word. "Concern" and "worry" didn't feel right in her mouth. They were patronizing and oversimplified. "I'll miss you." That was too basic too. She suddenly wished Fennec could see her face, read the breadth and depth of her emotions in her eyes. "And I'll worry about you," she added, unable to come up with a better term for it, "'cause I'm your mom and that's my job. And because you decided to go with Penn, of all people..."

Meerkat bounded up to the two of them then and Towhee widened her eyes at the silly cherub. -"Hey you,"- she said, reaching to tousle the furs on top of the child's head, -"I'm talking to your sister. Go on."- She flapped her swarthy paw at the pup, who giggled and nipped at it before zooming away even as Towhee added, -"Fuck off,"- with all the affection in the world.

She felt Towhee pull her in close and snuggled in comfortably, letting herself lean against her mom's comfortable warmth.  She was going to miss her too, more than she wanted to or could really say.  We'll be fine, she re-iterated, both as a defense for Penn and to ease the moment.  But I'm going to miss you too.  She let her cheek press against her, then heard the chirrup.  She opened her mouth to argue as Towhee sent Meerkat running, but the girl was off before she could nab her into a hug too.  Well... she could nab her baby sister in a bit for a forced snug too.  Because that goodbye, like every goodbye here, was going to be rough. And it probably wouldn't sink in how rough until she was already on her way out and the distance between them was real.

Life was, as it had been for the past few months, very busy. Phox did his best to split his time between his six children, although he was probably doing a poor job of it and giving nobody the attention they deserved. He felt like little Primrose wasn't getting any attention at all, and he hadn't spent as much quality time with the other two, either. But he also felt like Figment and Fennec were missing out, and so was Meerkat! It was likely he was just failing them all equally. Great job, Dad!

He had just dropped off the latest meal for the three youngest children when he heard Fennec's call, and he took a deep breath, kissed Niamh on the nose, and headed out to find his eldest daughter. Meerkat slammed right into his foreleg, tumbling over, blinking, and then running off again, and Phox could only laugh and roll his eyes. He felt that familiar "you're growing too fast" sentiment bubble up, and it was only emphasized seeing Towhee and Fennec talking up ahead.

-If it isn't my two favorite adult relatives,- he commented, both in sign and in speech. They looked... solemn. -What's got y'all so serious?- he asked, already bracing himself for whatever terrible news they might have to give him. Having just seen Meerkat, Niamh, and the trio, the only family member who was missing was Figment... but he could handle himself, right?

Towhee didn't actually mind Penn, any more than she did any of the pack's other yearlings. She probably would've said the same thing if Fennec had announced she was traipsing off with Bronco. Actually, Towhee might've been slightly less surprised by that, since she'd been under some loose impression that her daughter preferred Bronco. What did she know about any of it, though?

It wasn't long before Phox arrived, commenting on their serious expressions. Towhee drew in a breath and pointed her muzzle at Fen, waiting for her to speak. This wasn't her news to deliver. As soon as she saw the girl's lips move, her orange eyes roved back to her brother's face to see how he took it.

Somewhere in the distance, Meerkat squatted to potty and let out an enormous toot, followed by a lot of tittering.

Fennec heard Phox arrive and ask, and she waited a beat to see if Towhee would reply.  When nothing happened, she realized it was being left to her to explain.  Round two, hopefully it would go as well as round one had.

Hey, dad.  I was telling mom.. Penn is leaving for a while, and I'm going with him.  I don't know how long I'll be gone.  She paused, listening for any trace of a response. Intake of breath, a shift... sometimes she could read a mood before they spoke.

Phox had, in many regards, been lenient with Fennec. He had always tried to see (haha) things from her perspective. However, when she dropped the bomb on him that she was leaving with Penn of all people wolves, he felt something in him snap. He had always tried so hard to be the lax, cool dad, but his brow furrowed and he couldn't do that this time around. He shot Towhee a discerning look, wondering how she had taken this news. Or was this the first she was hearing of it, too?

-I see,- Phox said curtly. -And when did you make this decision?- Weren't they supposed to talk these things over? Decide as a family, or at least pretend they were deciding as a family? How would Fennec feel if he'd told her he was leaving, no ifs ands or buts about it? He was angry, but he felt entitled to be angry. He was her father, after all, and she was blind for god's sake. Phox barely knew Penn, and he certainly didn't trust him.

All that said, he was glad that she had come to at least tell them before she ran off (as she'd done in the past).

Towhee returned Phox's look with a sympathetic frown. She didn't like it, though she understood it. Did he feel the same way? She saw him stiffen seconds before he signed a response. She couldn't hear his words, though there was a jerky terseness to his ptero that spoke volumes to Towhee. The Regent sucked in a breath, then let it out in an audible whoosh, staying silent to give them a chance to hash it out.

Meanwhile, Meerkat ran up to her to announce, -"HEY! GUESS WHAT, MAMA! I SHITTED!"-

Towhee didn't even have to force the smile as she patted the goober's head and informed her, -"The past tense of 'shit' is 'shat,' Meerkat. You shat. Or you can say, 'I took a shit,' that would be correct too."- Probably Meerkat wouldn't quite get that, so she added, -"Good job. I'm very proud of you,"- and offered the kid a fist bump even as her attention drifted to Phox and Fen.

Phox was not happy.  She heard the disapproving edge and it made her immediately defensive.  She was just about to cut in when Towhee began to talk, and she had to tune out her mom's lesson on shitting to respond.  Not exactly the backup she needed, but she knew better than to start a fight with both of them.  Not when Towhee at least seemed mostly in her corner.

Today, actually.  But I've been thinking about it longer.  I just didn't want to bother anyone to go with.  She responded, keeping her voice steady and trying not to let her posture drop.  She was right in this and she wasn't about to let him convince her otherwise, no matter how much he might think she couldn't do this.

He tried to keep his cool, he really did. Whatever Towhee and Meerkat were saying was more or less static to his ears, which were burning hotter than usual. Phox could feel his throat tighten and he could hear how angry he sounded when the words came out. -Today?! And when are you planning on leaving?- Phox asked. -And why have you never mentioned this before?- It all felt way, way too sudden for his liking. Phox was clearly not pleased. But she could hear that. And Towhee would be able to see it. Rarely did the Redhawk get angry, but this felt like the appropriate time to do so.

Meerkat recaptured her attention by abruptly making a beeline for Phox. Towhee swept onto all fours to go after her and pull her back before she disrupted their important conversation. But the puppy was swifter and more agile these days, so she managed to reach Phox before Towhee could thwart her. Instead of ramming his leg this time, Meerkat reared onto her hind legs and wrapped her forelegs around him, hugging against him. She didn't even say anything, just clutching at her dad and rubbing her sandy cheeks against his fur.

Towhee slowed to a stop a foot or so away, blinking. She waited to see whether Phox would tolerate the child clinging to him or if he would prefer she take Meerkat and shuffle her elsewhere. She suddenly remembered she should probably tell him she'd relocated the pup to the rendezvous site permanently, though now was not the time.

Because I figured it wouldn't happen, okay?  What, am I supposed to tell you every thought I have now? It isn't even that big of a deal, dad.  Penn is coming with me and it isn't like I'm leaving forever.  I don't get why you're so mad about it.  She replied, exasperated and annoyed as his tone continued.  She'd never heard him like this and she wasn't sure what to make of it.  

And I'm leaving today.  I just have to find Fig.  She added, unable to stop the little bit of challenge that snuck into that final statement.  What was he going to do... stop her?  He could try.

Meerkat clung to his leg, and Phox allowed her to do so. As angry as he was, he wasn't the type to get physically violent, and he didn't worry about her. She was young, much younger than Fennec who was being way more annoying at this point.

-Fenton Redhawk, you're smarter than this. It is a big deal,- he said, correcting her. -Can you imagine if I decided to leave today and didn't consult you at all before telling you? I know you can, because last time, it wasn't my choice. And I seem to recall that you were angry with me.- He couldn't believe she was trying to play it off like it wasn't a big deal. It felt like a stab in the back for all the freedoms he had worked so hard to give her. "Give 'em an inch, they'll take a mile." That phrase was hitting way too close to home.

Figment wasn't going to take this well, either. Phox was certain of that. Phox took a deep breath, shaking his head. -I know I won't change your mind, but I hope you realize the hurt you're leaving behind by doing this to me... to us. You won't even get to watch your baby brother and sisters grow up.- He had thought having her around for that would be magical, but... well, she'd gone and ruined any hope of that.

Phox made no move to shake off the little girl, so Towhee left her alone. Her attention now bounced between her brother and their elder daughter as their exchange grew heated. She honestly hadn't expected this, any of it. In other circumstances, the Regent might have made an effort to mediate, though it certainly wasn't her favorite, nor her specialty. In any case, she was too thrown by this whole arc, she just stood there with her mouth partially open and her eyeballs starting to ache.

She caught the mention of "today" and Towhee balked. "Today?" she echoed even as Meerkat pried herself off Phox's rib cage and slithered back over to her, suddenly yawning and flopping to the grassy ground. Her paw reflexively went to smooth down the child's back, soothing herself as much as Meerkat, even as the Regent's orange eyes stayed fixed on Fennec. She was once again struck dumb by how fast this was happening.

She'd brought Meerkat here to the rendezvous site today to join the rest of the family. Now she was losing her older daughter in one fell swoop. Her eyes tracked over to Phox for a moment to exchange a quick, pained glance, but then Towhee looked to Fennec again. If she was actually leaving so soon, there were things Towhee wanted to say, if she could only find her words.

That's different, dad, and you know it is! She exclaimed as he tried to turn that on her.  It wasn't going to work.  You and Fig just disappeared.  I'm telling you that I'm leaving and that I'm fine, it isn't nearly the same thing.  The fur along her spine was lifted at the comparison, and for the first time in this conversation, Fennec was angry too.

I could stay here forever but that isn't fair.  I've left once, and it was horrible.  I deserve to have another go at it, and whether you like it or not, this is happening.  Sorry to disappoint you.  The last comment was what did it.  She could handle a lot, but guilt tripping was too much.  She couldn't see Towhee's reactions, but she knew her mom was still there.  Was she paying attention, and was she quiet because she agreed?

Just like with Bronco, she whirled and left, only this time she half-ran as she did so.  This wasn't how she wanted to leave, but if it was how it had to go, then fine.  She'd be back and then things would be fine, but now seemed the perfect time to give her family some space.

His voice lowered again, a hint of a growl at the back of his throat. -You know why I couldn't say I was leaving,- he reminded her. He'd had a head injury. There wasn't anything he could do or change about that. She stormed off then, but Phox wasn't about to let her leave in a huff, even if they were still angry. Gently, he moved Meerkat over to Towhee, then chased after Fennec, blocking her path.

Listen, I want you to go out and tackle the world on your own. I know you need it, I'm just upset that you decided this so suddenly and with no input from me or your mother. The last part was inferred, from what he could put together based on Towhee's reaction. I've spent so much time trying to make sure you're prepared to be on your own, and I'm sure you'll do fine, but can you see this from my perspective even just a little? Phox asked. It was the "how" of the thing, not the "what." I could have helped you better prepare. You could have... I don't know, Fennec.

When Fennec suddenly fled, Towhee made an abortive move to run after her. But Phox beat her to the punch and she was left standing over a drowsy baby who she refused to leave all alone here. The Regent frowned, her heart feeling torn, though she knew those two needed a chance to clear the air. She just hoped she could catch up with the yearling before she really took off into the wilds, for one last hug, at least.

Sighing, Towhee dropped down beside the softly snoring Meerkat. "Welcome home," she mumbled quietly, eyes still fixed on the spot where her brother and older daughter had disappeared out of both eyesight and earshot (not that such a thing existed for her). She sighed again as she slithered her forelegs around the pup and let her chin drop to rest gently on her softly rising and falling flank.

She just wanted to leave, but before she could go, her dad was on her again and blocking her path.  She nearly collided with him... only a quick turn had her avoid it.  She couldn't see where he was and had been moving more quickly than usual.

Dad, shit, I know why.  I never fucking said I didn't know why.  Fennec didn't generally filter around her parents, and when she was upset, it became more apparent.  I'm saying this isn't the same and don't pretend it is. I'm telling you I'm leaving.  I didn't ask because it's my choice, and Penn is going now, and I'm not going to make him wait while we have a talk.  There's nothing to talk about.  She put her head up, resolutely.

If there was a chance she'd have wanted to stay home, maybe she'd have asked permission.  But in her mind, the decision was made. She didn't need their permission.  And if he was just going to keep going on about how much she was hurting them by doing this, then she wasn't sticking around to put up with it.