Heron Lake Plateau Sunburns

Whatever the outcome of her conversation with her godparents, Towhee decided the best use of her time right now was marking and patrolling the borders. She was roving along the foot of the plateau, headed toward the thicket to climb up into the territory proper, when she saw a familiar silhouette in the sky ahead, headed toward the treetops.

"X!" she shouted before she could think better of it. But if it was him, he either didn't hear her, or he ignored her. The bird kept moving, skimming away along the canopy and quickly disappearing into the distance.

Not sure what to think—and honestly trying to convince herself it hadn't been X at all—the yearling ascended into the main territory and began heading toward the lake for a drink. En route, she stumbled across Nevouku. He looked a little lost, his hoary features creased with concern. Towhee didn't blame him. The plateau was rather large and it was entirely possibly he'd lost his way.

"Nev," she greeted him, walking closer, "looking for something? Someone?"