"I've been occupied." The crone somehow managed to keep from spitting that sentence out. She was tempted to flay the happy little creature before her; she thought of threatening the girl's life, using her as a leverage piece against the City - give mine back and one of your special ones would live.
"Who is this new friend?" Her head tilted slightly, curious. Lashing out wasn't the 'right' thing to do, but it would make her feel good, damn good. Perhaps.