Sun Mote Copse blood in the water

It took some time for Towhee to respond. Eljay felt tense as she seemed to think over his words and processed them, as she clenched her jaw and showed little of her opinion in the meantime. He frowned as he waited, and was relieved when she finally spoke. He realised only in that moment that he was a little surprised that she chose his side in this so easily. Some part of him had expected her to take Niamh's side in it all. She was his leader, after all, so even though he had proven himself a medic some might think that gave her the right to question whatever he said on whatever area -- that's surely how it would've been in Drageda if he had said this to the Heda.

But it was another reminder that even though Towhee was stricter than Wildfire'd ever been, she wasn't like the Heda, and he had more freedom here and felt more like he was a part of the pack rather than just an annoying subordinate. It reaffirmed him in his belief that he should tell Niamh not to question his medical authority to hear Towhee actually agree with him.

Kinda, yeah, he admitted a little wryly (he didn't like having to admit that he expected negative words from Towhee, but that's just what their experience together had been like; how different they were had always made them clash) when she said he must've not expected to hear her say it. But she was right, and he couldn't help but smile a little -- pride, maybe? the feeling was strange and new to him -- as she said that he was a master and in his right to question her, even despite her leadership.

Towhee thanked him for telling, and he nodded. Of course he wouldn't just leave her out of this. Honestly, he'd expected Niamh to have shared it, and he couldn't help but wonder if the reason why she hadn't yet was that she was ashamed of how she had behaved somewhat, too? He could not help but hope that was the case. It'd make a confrontation a lot easier. As for her question, Eljay shook his head. No, I can't think of anything else, he said (and only later would he think about Maia and consider if he should have talked to Towhee about it, and then dismiss it because the thought of talking about feelings with Towhee was just so strange). I'll continue my search for Niamh then. Good luck with Fenn. He hoped Fennec would let Towhee in, at least, of all wolves -- but he had good hopes in that area.