"That will not be necessary. As a tactial strategy the leader and those of highest rank live closest to the outer edge of the nest, and those who would need to be protected would live in the inner circle. Most enemies are unable to fly, so this works very well." Onyx paused before she spoke again, gauging the creature's reaction. 

"Should it come to violence, I will fight to defend you. This is a promise." She held out her hand for the creature to take, and when it did she pulled it closer, wrapping her arms and wings around it in embrace. 

"This is how I show a promise will be kept." She said after she had relased it. "We must go. Now."