Shadewood integrity, faith and crocodile tears

Phex’s eyes hovered on Cry’s, hoping he’d know she was not one for lying. Only when it mattered. She chose to look to Tula and, again, started inspecting the ways her colours shimmered in the filtered, dim lighting.

Indeed, the bird had a grand crown but that didn’t seem right. Not when a bear lived in their midst. But what she noticed now was far more interesting, for now the youth had noticed a belt of brown crossing the midsection of the bird, reaching to her wings. 

Then, Cry moved, signaling to Phex to follow; she’d only heard the words spoken between them and wondered why he’d invited that the big-eared girl to join them. From what Phex understood, it was a private matter.