Heron Lake Plateau The Indie Queens are Waiting

Especially after her conversation with her godparents, Towhee felt like maybe she should behave more assertively in the classic ways: by pulling rank, mostly. But when Niamh submitted, it simply didn't trigger any particular instinctual reaction. She expected—no, demanded—outsiders to acknowledge their place. But she'd never been one for pecking order within the ranks, unless overtly challenged in some way. Her ears and tail stiffened, though only for a moment. She sighed so lightly it surely went unheard.

"Yes, Screech—formerly known as Titmouse—is one of my many siblings," she affirmed. It was tempting to explain why they weren't close, though Towhee's teeth clicked shut against the words. She wasn't here to swing Niamh to her side. There weren't supposed to be sides anymore. They were all under the same roof now, so to speak. "I'm Towhee," she said, probably unnecessarily, then added, "So how'd you two meet?"