Redsand Canyon Blood orange sunrise.

Towhee missed Ruenna’s clever quip as she appeared in the den’s doorway, though her orange eyes brightened at the sight of her dear friend. When the Matrona signed at her, she arched an eyebrow and then huffed a laugh that came up from the deeps of her belly.

-Sure are,- she signed back with a wink, leaning into it when Rue came closer and touched her cheek. Hi, you, Towhee said out loud, adding sotto voce, Thanks for the distraction, while peeking over at Aquene, catching some of her stern speech.

She let out a breath, seeing no point in refuting the medicus or defending herself further. Aquene was very passionate about her duty and Towhee couldn’t fault her, so she just needed to let the woman vent. She really was glad Rue was here to divide the woman’s attention a little, though. And she was just as curious about the answer to Aquene’s question.