Lmk if the Maia powerplay is objectionable, I thought it'd be more interesting than aimless wandering!
Have you seen @Jay, miss Maia?
asked Sorana when she stumbled across the Auspex out on a walk in the snowy woods. Her friend was fast moving, so even his most recent scent trails seemed to double back on themselves and went in tangling circles. Maia could only give some vague directions; it was impossible at any given time to pin down where he might be.
Thank you!
she called over a shoulder before trotting off along a less packed snow trail. It gathered heavily under the trees so that sometimes she had to wade, but Sorana enjoyed the challenge of it. It made her feel strong, like a great big moose, stronger than the scared little girl she was on the inside!
When she reached a clearing, she managed to catch his scent again and went tracking it through the snow, every now and again pausing to call out his name.
Where the heck are you!
HERE!!!
He'd been digging a hole beneath an old tree not too far from where his mother last saw him, but at Sorana's summons he immediately abandoned that. Secret tunnels could wait!! He was building a fort, one that would be invite-only, except for... pretty much everyone who could fit, since no way was it as much fun to hang in something like that solo.
What's up?!
His entire forelegs (and chest) were covered in dirt, and his tongue lolled with happy breathlessness as he bounced towards her. Bluejay rarely walked. He moved through life with all of the grace and enthusiasm of a half-grown colt.
Actually, can you keep a secret?! It's totally cool, promise!
His tail waved as he leaned down on his elbows excitedly, waiting for her answer. It wasn't even close to being done but he was stoked to show it off anyway.
She picked up ears and paws alike when Jay called back, so by the time she found him, and he her, she was also bouncing along like a newborn fawn. It was easy to forget her worries and pretend nothing was wrong in the company of her friends. They didn't treat her different because her dad was gone, and unlike Teya, Sorana wasn't dependent on them for stability, so that left only support and good vibes.
Well,
she said, prepared to pitch her idea to him and ask why he was so damn dirty all in one breath, but then he asked her to keep a secret and the whole thing flew right out of her brain. You know I can! What is it?!
Duh! But if you promise it means I got insurance.
He didn’t know what insurance was, exactly, but he knew it was important to have when dealing in secrets.
I’m building a secret tunnel, and it’s gonna lead to the coolest fort ever. But only you and me are gonna know it’s there, so Chickadee and Aiden and Ani are all gonna be totally jealous.
He sat up proud, his tail sweeping the snow behind him broadly. Sure, he only had part of the tunnel done now, but that was fine!! It wouldn’t take that long to do the rest, right?