Sun Mote Copse dead as dead can be

Fennec smiled when he thanked her, but took care not to get distracted.  We can talk about what you'll owe me later, she replied, though she knew it was mostly a lie.  All she really saw in him was an opportunity to experience, on her own, what she hoped to learn from Eljay.  She didn't stop to think that he might benefit from more practiced care.  He needed help and she needed to learn.

They were nearly there when Phox interrupted them.  Fennec opened her mouth to tell him hello, then dismiss them, but her ears tipped back with annoyance at his curt question.

I was taking him to clean himself up first. she said, taking a tone that normally she didn't with either parent.  She was leaning into the witch she'd pretended to be, and witches didn't bend to anyone when it came to their customers.  Right?

Besides, she had as much right to help as anyone did.  He didn't seem able to manage much harm even if he wanted to.