Bearclaw Valley rites of passage

there is obvious surprise in rala's expression towhee sees as realization dawns. her inability to hear and speak would make itself known easily enough to newcomers ... or they might think she was just rude. it could go either way, towhee considers. she focuses her thoughts upon reading rala's lips, lest she get caught up in her own inner monologue.

she nods. for a moment, she considers gesturing to her notched ear that she couldn't hear either ... but she was well versed in reading lips ( were she close enough to do so ) and didn't think it was super necessary.

another nod follows as the question is poised to her if she communicated in another way. at times, her urge to keep ptero as coveted as she could rears its ugly head ... but it made communicating with her pack mates, clearly used to speaking and hearing, much easier. ameline had the advantage of having been taught it when they were younger. tvar took to it very well, in which towhee was both pleased and proud.

-yes,- she signs slowly with her paws in ptero, nodding her head along with the signing so it's meaning might be clear.