[Zhaneel might have any number of issues, but amongst them is not the inability to acknowledge social cues. She sees his ears pin and a tightening around his eyes and neck and she sucks her head, nares flushing in response. She had not meant to upset him and her wings flutter as her own tiny ear tufts flick back.]

I am ssssorrrrry... [Her words are breathy beneath the apologetic hiss. All of the Wings knew what happened to the gryphons caught by Ma'ar's armies and it seemed it was no better here. She lifts her gaze to meet his once more, her next words intense.]

But you rrreturned alive and for that I am grateful... [She lifts her beak and nibbles under his chin, a bold move, but one she thinks is needed. Perhaps, she wasn't the only one in need of familiar comforts.]