Firefly Glen (M) No room for a saint.

She didn’t quite know how to feel when Hotah materialized from the shadows of the glen, a marmot in tow. Towhee supposed she was flattered by his commitment to the bit. She knew that he meant well, though as seconds ticked past, her primary emotion turned to annoyance. She didn’t belong to him and his presence here, she decided, wasn’t welcome.

Didn’t you? she challenged right at the same time Rodyn spoke. Towhee complemented their combative words with a pointed look, then mustered a scrap of patience to add, Hotah, go home. I’ll come find you when I get back myself.

Her orange eyes slid sideways toward Rodyn for a moment, though Towhee didn’t turn her head. Only now did the sentiment behind his words really land. Had she ever heard him be testy before? He was such an easygoing diplomat and a seasoned trader, so she could only assume it was her scent that had brought forth this… beef.

Suddenly, she wondered if Hotah would attempt to fight for her. The thought irked and titillated her in equal measure. Towhee once more couldn’t decide how to feel as she waited to see whether her subordinate would heed her command.