Good to be Home

He picked up and wrapped a leg around Sparrow, pulling his daughter close to his chest. As he did so, he realized that her pack scent was pretty much gone, the smell of strange wolves clinging to her fur. His brows knitted together somewhat, but his face was hidden from her view. She had been gone for quite some time, it was to be expected. He was still surprised how much it stung though, and how hard it was going to be to let Abaven go. His chocolate and cream daughter said that she missed him, and he let out a loud sigh in return. "I missed you too, it's so good to have you home now," he said into her fur, finally giving up his hold on her so that they could sit face to face. He lowered his rump to the earth, listening to her speak of her adventures. Apparently she hadn't gone too far, instead just hanging out in thr south. He frowned slightly, but made no comment. Just like his questions, her explanations came out in rapid fire succession, and he would let her finish before he replied. He nodded sadly when she commented on Imperium being gone, it was a strange thing indeed. Apparently the friend she met would have been more geared towards Valentine's pack, and he tried not to be offended. Maybe he was just getting more sensitive as he aged. But the more Sparrow spoke, the more he grew concerned. It was like she knew what he was going to say, commenting on the exact opposite of his plans. Bass swallowed hard, he knew that this was going to be a lot harder now that those words had left her mouth. His brows creased, but when he noticed her sad smile, he focused more clearly on her. What was that for? He blinked a few times, but again held his tongue. As the questions came in return, he knew that he might as well just get this over with.

Bass let out a big sigh, closing his eyes for several heart beats before focusing on his daughter. "To be honest Sparrow, I am tired. I had a meeting with Abaven while you were away, but not everyone showed up. I fear that both the pack and my own interests are slipping. We have fallen many times and picked right back up, but this time there is a lot more resistance," Bass searched her face, his golden eyes sad as he went on. "Karabela spoke to me afterwards and we had a good chat. She made me realize that the harder I cling to Abaven, the more my own health and family relationships are going to suffer. I... I offered her Abaven, when she spoke of wishing to make a pack of her own. It's about time I retire, but I don't think Lark, or any of you kids, have a desire to lead. I was planning on speaking to you all before I made the final decision," His voice grew softer, his head hanging. "I don't want to live out the rest of my life splitting my attention between you kids and a pack. Now that your mother has made her choice, and your aunts and uncles are pretty much all gone, Harmony and I are all you guys have. I want to be a grandfather, I want to be able to relax with all of you and spend some good quality time without having leadership on the back of my mind. While I lead a pack, I can never put you kids first. I have failed so far in being the father you all deserve, and I can't do that anymore. I want this weight gone off of all our shoulders, and to live out the rest of my life in peace," he paused again, looking up from where he had been staring at the ground. He searched Sparrows face for any signs of her anger or disgust, worry clouding his vision. "Karabela said that she would move the pack, and we could go with her if we please. But the Plains have always been our home, and we can continue to live here. I don't... I don't want to be a failure as a father for the rest of my life. I want to be able to actually be there for you..." Bass swallowed against the emotion was welled in his throat, letting out another heavy sigh. "I'm so sorry, Sparrow. I really am. For everything. For making you feel like you weren't good enough, or that you needed to be more than yourself. With that pressure gone, I really do hope that you know I love you, and that I am so proud of you. You have all grown up before my eyes, so fast too. I need my family to be my main focus now, and no longer have double vision."

"Speech"