Sun Mote Copse and, as in uffish thought he stood

The darker stripe of fur along Sugar's back remained prickled even after Fen's reassurance. She wished her brothers weren't so difficult sometimes. "You should meet my sister, Ave," she said quietly, "she's a lot nicer than the boys."

"I'm helping to look after her," Sugar replied to the pale girl's next inquiry. "I'm an apprentice caregiver, learning how to be a medic. Between Eljay and me, your mom's in good hands."

Another soft hoot floated through the dark October night and Sugar held her breath. The noise was beautiful yet eerie. She felt a shiver up her spine, where the fur lay flat again. She smiled to herself, wondering what her companion made of the noise.

"What're you doing here?" Sugar belatedly rejoined. "Besides lurking about and spooking people, I mean," she added with a breathy chuckle.