Hushed Willows As the smile fell from your face, I fell with it

Her quick movement and loud cry startled him somewhat, though Tambourine recovered quickly and grinned at her, silver tail sweeping the ground at his rear. "Hi!" he chirped back, pleased that she knew at least one real word. "I'm Tambourine but you can call me Tambo or Tam. What's your name?"

Suddenly remembering the flower that was now behind him, the lanky young wolf twisted to grasp it with his teeth, then face forward again, effectively presenting the slightly wilted bloom to the little girl. "Would you like a flower?" he asked around the stem clenched in his teeth. It had been intended for Kavos, alias Chalky, but he could always pick another.