Redhawk Caldera Reliquia.

-I usually am too,- Towhee admitted, -but injurying myself really forced my hand. Literally.- She snorted. -And for me, right?- she tacked onto his otherwise lovely sentiment, shooting him a teasing leer.

Things settled into a companionable silence then, not that Towhee noticed any difference in the sound level. She gazed down at the pups a moment, wondering if these three were particularly well-behaved or if she was just well-seasoned at this point. Probably a bit of both, she thought with immense gratitude.

Her eyes drifted to the Hobbit Hole’s ceiling, her expression tight, but the moment passed and they found their way back to Hotah’s face. All her earlier annoyance had dissipated entirely, now that she intended to foist him onto her daughter. She had to stifle a laugh at that thought. But it really did make her glad that she might be able to point his beautiful energy where it was more needed and maybe even wanted.

-I won’t meddle,- she decided “aloud,” breaking the stillness. -Beyond this conversation, it’s really none of my business, after all. I’ll be here to support you both, of course, but I’ll stay in my lane.-

Peregrine began fussing. Towhee might not be able to hear the cries that echoed around the earthen lair, though she could sense his discomfiture even before she saw him twitching. She bent to soothe him with a few licks, then gently scoot him toward a teat. It took him a moment to align his wobbly head, though he eventually latched and began to feed with relish.

-Speaking of eating…- she commented, a coy light entering her eyes they flicked up to Hotah again. -Mind fetching me that snack now? I’m not feeling picky today. I’m good with whatever you can find.-