Moonspear Djupt du dreg anden inn, let tankar svinna.

Asking Towhee about Ptero was a quick way to earn her favor. She smiled to herself when Sialuk posed some more questions about the peculiar language. She drew in a breath, thinking back many years now to her childhood. She wondered how Raven was doing these days and whether she should arrange another trip to Frosthawks sometime.

My older sister, Raven, came up with the basics. Then she and I developed it into a proper language over time. Nobody knew I was deaf at first, though the moment she realized, she wanted to make sure she—and everyone else in our family—could communicate with me, and Towhee would never, ever take that gift for granted.

And, of course, I mastered lipreading over time, she continued after a brief pause. It can be challenging in some situations or with certain wolves. As you might imagine, I struggle with accents, speech impediments or those who don’t speak the common tongue very well… like very young pups, for instance. That’s why I always teach mine Ptero right off the bat, even if they can hear.

But enough about herself. Towhee was grateful for Sialuk’s interest but she wanted to better acquaint with the head and find out what she and Moonspear needed from the elder Redhawk.

Aside from teaching everyone Ptero, what else can I do to make myself useful around here? she asked again.