Sun Mote Copse Along the skyline

Towhee expected the mention of Alyx to evoke empathy, not a glare. Her own eyes narrowed slightly in automatic response, the fur along her neck bristling almost uncertainly. The Sovereign's ears twitched backward, wondering what it was about this boy that made Niamh so defensive toward Eljay, Fennec and now herself. She didn't hold it against Rasalas, though the effect he was having on her Regent concerned her.

Niamh suddenly changed the subject, speaking of news from Moonspear. Towhee listened, her mouth a thin line. She wondered if their alliance would be called upon formally and what the Firebirds would do. That made her think of Meerkat, of course, and she felt the breath catch in her throat. Surely Hydra would keep the youths in her care safe and far removed from any war efforts. All the same, Towhee couldn't help but quietly worry.

-"No,"- she replied simply, pausing thoughtfully as if considering asking some further question on the matter but instead blurting, -"Niamh, what's going on with you and this kid?"- Because, after all, the two of them had always been able to discuss anything without sugarcoating it. -"Talk to me."-