Ocean's Breath Plateau Alay Alay

She watched Heph carefully for a reaction. Would she be surprised? Towhee doubted she would be opposed, though the woman’s enthusiasm actually took her aback—in a good way! Her orange eyes widened as Heph fired off a bunch of questions. She had to fight a smile again.

-“I set it,”- she answered the first, -“and we’ll do it without his knowledge.”-

Towhee let that hang for a moment. It might be fun to make Heph prove how serious she was about her brother. Phox definitely deserved someone dedicated. But inwardly, she kind of scoffed at the whole institution. It was really up to Phox, though Towhee thought Heph was already worthy.

-“Okay, are you ready? Here’s my price: I want you to promise me you’ll only pursue Phox if you plan to commit to him for life; give him children to love and raise; and wake up every morning with the intent to make him happy until the end of his days. Why would I send you away on some scavenger hunt? All I want is for you to stay beside my brother, give him the happy ending he deserves.”-