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"I just don't think its a good idea."

Shaking his head fervently, Frozenheart refused to admit to himself that his daughter was growing up. To him, all of his pups were still just that, innocent little pups, a danger to themselves and a constant target for everyone else. In fact if it weren't for their size and constant rejection, he would still coddle them like they were pups. Sighing he caught a glimpse of his daughter in the corner of his eye. She was a strong individual, certain of what she wanted to do with her life. She wanted to experience freedom, in all shaped and forms, was he really right to stop her? Naturally he knew Lightfoot would disapprove immediately, he knew that's why she had come to him first. Shuffling his feet, he waded through his own mind trying to find some reason to get her to stay, but there was just nothing there.

"Do you know what you're going to do to your Mother?! His words were accusatory and he immediately regretted them. "I'm sorry, sorry my dear, its just ... she won't be very happy about this. Its going to break her little heart..."

----

Her glance was stern as she stood her ground against her Father. She should have known he wouldn't have taken this any better than her Mother. But in her heart, she still felt like slipping away in the middle of the night was just a terrible idea. She needed the acceptance of her family, need to know they wouldn't abandon her. That they wouldn't forget about her.

"Dad i'm just going away for a little while! To see the sights, if you will. Its not that big of a deal, I promise." She placed empahsis on her promise, by stamping her paw into the ground forcefully. Besides, he needed this as much as she did. He needed to know that his world wouldn't fall apart without his children around to hold him up. "I didn't want to say this Dad, but its not really something you have a choice in."

----

Ouch.

The words hit him in the chest and nearly knocked him backwards. This was actually going to happen one way or the other wasn't it? His heart beat rapidly in his chest, and he tried to regulate his breathing by counting between each one. He couldn't show her his worry, it would only make her doubt herself. If she was really going out there, that was the last thing she needed on her plate.

"I know I don't. I'm just worried for you. Your Mother and I are travellers now, we have no home to return to. It just worries us that we may never see you again."

Digging his paws into the dirt he took a whiff of the evening air, crisp and refreshing. "What if you want to return to us one day? How will you find us?" His voice broke halfway through the sentence but he tried to play it off. " You WILL return won't you?" Quickly he placed a paw to his forehead and began to pace. He hadn't meant for that to slip! But now that it had, he couldn't hide it anymore.

----

Her Father's worried words caught her off guard, and her once alert ears drooped at his words. She hadn't realized just how hard this news had hit him, despite her best efforts to understand it. For a moment she stood lost, almost confused, unsure of what she could do to calm her Father's worry. But then her instincts kicked in, and she slowly approached him, her tail between her legs, and her posture beaten. As she stood by his side she allowed a paw to gently pat her Father's. "Of course i'll be back Dad. What kind of a question is that? Its like asking the sun if its going to rise in the morning! I'm offended you would think I wouldn't come back." She frowned at his words, but knew this was no time for an argument. This was a time for understanding. "Look Dad, i'm not leaving because I hate you and mom, or anyone else. I just want to see the world before I settle down like you and Mom. There's nothing wrong with that right?'

----

Crud, she had him there. What was he supposed to tell her? That her entire way of thinking was flawed? How could he lie to her like that? She had a perfectly prepared argument, and all he had were his stubborn feelings. He hated to admit it, but she was right. If she wanted to experience the world, he'd rather he do it now. Otherwise, when she did settle down, he would never see his Gradnchildren. He shuddered at the thought, but tried to keep himself happy at the idea that she was thinking of settling down in the future. Lightfoot would be excited to know that little tidbit. She'd always loved pups ... and grandpups? Well that was icing on her cake.

"No its not. But that doesn't make it any easier for your Mother and I to handle." He was obviously upset, having long ago given up on hiding it. Instead he now stood a defeated wild dog. He wasn't going to win this argument, yet foolishly he had allowed himself to think he could. Now he was learning how hard being wrong could truly be.

"When I was young ... before I asked your Mother to be my mate ... I did my share of traveling ... " Frozenheart's words got lost in his throat as he tried to complete his sentence.

----

"I KNEW IT! HOW CAN YOU TRY TO HOLD ME BACK WHEN YOU WERE THE SAME WAY?" Coldfeet jumped back abruptly her tone raised, and her stance defensive. "That's pretty hypocritical of you, you know that right? I can't believe you would tell me not to go out there!" She was in a full blown fit by the time her Father stopped, her.

A loud bark, followed by the slow rumble of a growl broke Coldfeet's concentration, and she stood dumbfounded, having never seen her Father do such a thing in her life.

---

"I never said you couldn't go. Only that I do not like the idea. I know what its like out there Coldfeet. The dangers, the excitement, the sadness? I know it all. The rogue lands do hold a certain allure to those who have a calling for it. But it doesn't make it any less dangerous." He knew he had to let her go, especially after his confession. But was it something he could really do?

"I just don't want you to bump into some of the things I did. Just promise me, that you'll be as careful as you can. I understand your need to go alone, but I know myself and your Mother would be much more comfortable if you took a companion...."

He knew it was a long shot, but the look of shock of her face, told him there was no chance.

"Fine, just take care fo yourself."

-----

As if she was actually going to take someone with her! She could feel her face fall is disappointment at her Father's words. Did he really think she couldn't take care of herself?! What was wrong with him? But as his words went on, her anger disappated, replacing itself with something much more calming. He cared. That was all this was. Inhaling a deep breath, she held it for a moment before exhaling.

"I will Dad. Don't worry, I will."

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