Lake Rodney Sugar in the creek

The rigidity returned to her body when he moved, only to dip into a bow. Towhee didn't hear his gasped revelation, nor manage to catch his words, though she could connect the dots. She waited for him to rise from his curtsy, which took several beats longer than she expected. She might've laughed, if she didn't feel so poorly.

Soon enough, he looked up again and she was able to read his lips as he gave his name, as well as that of his companion. If Rue had mentioned their plans, Towhee didn't recollect, so this business with Brecheliant was news to her. She was sort of curious, though not quite enough to ask.

"There's no need for all the bowing and stuff," she let him know, "and you can look at me when you talk. It's actually preferred. I'm deaf, so I read lips."

She gave him a moment to process that, then suddenly wondered why she'd bothered flagging him down and making him walk over this way. Towhee didn't really like mingling with strangers, nor was she one for small talk. She remembered she'd thought of confronting him before being held back by her own fear. She swallowed a sigh, then decided, What the hell? She could go for a distraction.

"So, what's this business with Brecheliant?"