Hushed Willows The keeper of this host

The story would have to wait, because the rambunctious little guy was bolting for the door. Tavi had not been expecting it, so she was a bit stunned at his speed, then got to her feet and lurched after him. Hold on there -- she murmured above him; but then once she caught up to him, he was in the middle of the crook, and it didn't seem entirely bad to let him wander a little. She was right here, ready to protect him from anything and anyone that came too close. A smile played across her face as she watched him trundle along, babbling endlessly. Alright, I guess we're going for an adventure.

Before she knew it, they were passing out from the crook's entryway and the sunlight winked down at them. She squinted at first, probably just as blind and blurry-eyed as Tambourine. The first thing she noticed as her eyes began to adjust was a dark figure loitering nearby, and instantly Tavi thought of Reek — of the messengers, of the chance that they were followed back (or maybe Nova had led him back on purpose just to cause a stir). The mother bristled and stepped up behind Tambourine, rigid and defensive.

But then Grace spoke, the light cleared from her eyes, and Tavi realized it wasn't someone to be wary of. She relaxed then, sighing softly and withdrawing herself from shadowing Tambourine.