Ayani and Tali led the way, their soft brown bunny ears twitching at every rustle of the undergrowth.
They had been walking for nearly twenty minutes when Aiden's voice broke the quiet from behind them.
"So… why were two of you outside your village? And you, Useless bunny—" Aiden asked, as looked toward Ayani. "—why did you take Tali here?"
The word 'useless' hit Ayani like a physical blow. Her ears flattened instantly. Her shoulders curled inward, and she stumbled over a root, catching herself with a shaky breath. The tribal markings on her cheeks seemed to darken, as if the white paint itself recoiled from the shame.
Tali, however, was not having it.
She spun around on her tiny feet, long fluffy ears perking straight up, and pointed an accusing finger at Aiden. "Daddy! Don't scold Aunty! I was the one who insisted to come with her! I'm good with finding medicinal plants! I know exactly which ones will help Nani!"
