Redhawk Caldera An only child of the universe

Elwood watched as Towhee gestured to the bird and it moved deftly to sit upon her shoulder. It was odd, but he didn't comment on it, although the tightening of her jaw didn't go unnoticed. Hawk aside, she answered Elwood's question, speaking wholly in ptero -- which wasn't usually her practice in front of strangers. Her response was short and clipped, even in sign language, and lacked the detail that he had anticipated. Before he could ask her anything further, she glared at the other female and then departed.

His ears had tilted towards the unfamiliar girl at the sound of her stunned query while Towhee "spoke," but he didn't turn his attention to her until his niece had taken her leave and Wylla had introduced herself. His brows raised and he found himself feeling a little defensive of Towhee (perhaps the same way she had felt just now about her bird). The outburst certainly wouldn't earn Wylla many points, although Elwood did recognize that she was young; likely not too much older than Towhee.

"Her name is Towhee, and she's deaf. She communicates with sign language," he said, pointing towards Towhee's retreating form with his snout. "The bird isn't your concern. I can see that you're a skilled hunter -- but you've already gotten off on the wrong foot with one of my guardians. Why should I trust you?" he asked.