Bramblepoint young, wild american lookin' to be somethin'

She had been so preoccupied with her new—pet? familiar? accomplice?—lately that she'd lost track of time. When @Phox pointed out tonight's moon phase, Towhee rather loudly muttered, "Shit!" and quickly collected her winged companion as she headed toward the borders. She didn't care that it was past dark and freezing cold. If they were going to war soon—and it seemed likelier with each passing day—then Towhee needed to prepare.

When she arrived in the woods next door, she cast her orange eyes around for any sign of @Hydra. Instead of a lithe black shadow, she spotted a silvery specter between the trees. Tossing the hawk a look over her shoulder, one that was meant to say, Be quiet, she stepped behind the nearest trunk. Little did she know her feet were crunching loudly on the frozen leaf litter on the forest floor, quite clearly announcing her presence.

She peeked out from her hiding spot, intending to spy on the gray stranger, when Towhee abruptly realized it was no stranger at all. A low growl bubbled in her throat when she recognized her fellow yearling and could only think, That bitch...