Hideaway Strath lacrima

Valiria followed her father dutifully to answer the call. Her eyes landed on the stranger the moment she came into view. They did not stray as her father addressed the woman—wariness and curiosity holding her steady.

Meerkat introduced herself, naming herself daughter of Towhee and a neighbor. She seemed kind, and her gesture reinforced that notion. Still, Liri wondered then if she might get a glimpse of what it was in her father's way that made him so many enemies these days.