Sun Mote Copse Refuge in breathing.

By the time Quetzal doubled back and gave her ribs a smooch, Towhee could breathe again. She huffed a laugh at the action as well as the sensation, pushing herself up into a sphinx-like position even as the child took off again. This time, she hauled herself onto all fours and loped after the fleeing youngster, who clearly wanted to be chased.

"Thanks for resurrecting me!" she drawled as she casually trotted after the kid. "But I still have to—ope—kill you back," Towhee said, nearly tripping over a stick lying on the ground. "It's only fair," she continued, picking up the pace again and closing the gap. "I have to do it but I'll let you choose the method. Maybe I'll..." She caught up to the tot. "Tickle you to death?"