Sun Mote Copse thick water

Eljay’s next concern began with Towhee, and Elwood’s brows knit together as he waited patiently for his son to finish his thought. It took some effort for Eljay to get it out, which wasn’t unusual, but Elwood wondered if it was because he was particularly worried about whatever this fear was. When he finally did admit it, Elwood uttered an exhalation similar to Eljay’s.

He knew that Eljay and Towhee had never been close, and that Towhee’s personality was simply a lot stronger than Eljay’s. They just weren’t a pair, and that was fine. The thought of her bad-mouthing her brother to his son made him shake his head. First of all, what does Towhee think of you? he asked gently, since this seemed to be a deep-rooted suspicion.

And second of all, he added before Eljay had answered, I don’t think she would ever do anything to make Elfie lose respect for you. Family was one of Towhee’s top priorities; he couldn’t imagine her turning Elfie against Eljay.