Are we backdating this for the festival so she can join in? and do you want Ragnar too?

Thistle was on the borders looking out over, a habit she was falling into lately, simply for something to do. She tilted her head to the side as she saw a small speck coming nearer. She watched as it got closer and her heart jumped a little in her throat. As she saw that it was Junior. She howled out a welcome to her foster daughter and strode purposely across the beach to get to her.

Upon meeting her she spoke softly Junior what on earth? I am so happy to see you! Did you come all by yourself Maer? Without thinking of it the norse word for maiden slipped into the foster mother’s words. She reached out her head and ruffled the child’s ears and licked her downy head between the ears, so very happy to see her. She thought about calling out for Ragnar, but was too breathless with excitement.

Thistle chuckled you will make a fine outrider and warrior. Ragnar is an outrider you know. thistle saw the falcon giving chase and she froze forgetting how close they were to the keep.

Thistle saw her crouch and then run and she cried out No come this way Junior they’ll get worse. Not thinking about anything other than the pup that she loved as her own she raced after her, though she was small she was still a bit bigger so she was able to reach the youth before she could get too far away from her. Thistle growled and jumped at the falcon sharp teeth reaching up to tear it as it attacked Junior she got around front of her if she could and told her quickly Back towards the bay Junior, they probably have nests. Thistle was trying to fight with the falcon while simultanenously herding her foster daughter back towards the bay and away from the pecks that were now peppering her own shoulders and head, but she didn’t care she was more worried about the little girl, the black shield maiden who was far too brave for her age.

Thistle got into a patter snap jump snap jump and she slowly worked her way towards the bay, hoping that Junior was further ahead. The gyrfalcon was to it’s family she could hear them answering it and she got desperate in her attempt to maim or injury them. She wanted her foster daughter away far far away from them.

Thistle turned her head when Junior called for her and her heart stuttered in her chest and she growled deeper than she ever had before. With a leap she snapped at the one that had left the mark snarling My daughter mine! And she snapped harder, junior was not really her daughter, but my foster daughter was too much of a mouthful at the moment and she fought harder.

Though Thistle was fighting she couldn’t help the choked laugh that escaped her at Junior’s words as she slowly pushed the girl to keep moving, her own head red and sticky with blood and her shoulder blades drip drip dripping in scarlet. Run Junior as fast as you can just go I’ll be right behind. Go Now. And then she shoved at her foster daughter begging her to move, she was indeed right behind her.

Thistle slid beside Junior and sighed softly, bending she began to lick the red, sticky fluid that fell from the girl like rain. Oh Junior you’re just a mess hold on, let me get you fixed up. She cleared the blood away from the girls face and eyes, the nicks from the beaks and claws were not too deep, just on the head, a place that bled a lot. She looked around for anything to use to hold it from bleeding more.

Thistle continued to clear out the blood, whining softly as she did so, feeling like a failure as a foster mother, but she got it clean at least. She caught sight of some cobwebs at the back of the den and with a hurried apology for taking the spiders home she placed them on Juniors head and sighed in relief as the blood seemed to slow or she hoped so anyway.

She licked the small muzzle of the pup in front of her , No need to be sorry Junior I am happy to see you. They have nests babies they are protecting them, when you’re a mother or father you protect your children against everything. It’s okay you missed the festival, there should be some leftover fawn if your hungry. And Ragnar and Tveir and Ein and Gyda will be happy to see you.

Thistle sat still while the child did her best, and surprisingly for a youth she did very well. you would make a good healer Junior too. I know the web probably itches, you can take it off in a little while, but for now it has to stay to keep from bleeding everywhere. She would let her take the webbing off eventually.

Thistle shook her head Probably not long, they may already be gone, the immediate threat is not for them to see anymore. She smiled then and leaned her head out the overhang. No birds came tumbling down to attack her, but they were still circling a few more minutes maybe then they could make a dash for it. Thistle chuckled and nodded It’s okay I’m alright it’s just a few scratches and you are safe, that is all that matters to me. My wounds will heal, but if my heart was broken cause you got hurt badly well that wouldn’t heal so well and it’s not your fault no sulky suzy. She teased gently pressing her nose to the side of the child’s neck tickling and teasing while they waited for the danger to pass.

Thistle chuckled Spoken like a true shield maiden little one. Thistle herself could be called a shield maiden, and she could fight with the best of them, especially lately as she worked at it, but she was not the best nor the greatest at it. She strongly suspected that Junior would surpass her in that and size, as would all her children probably.

Thistle laughed as small teeth met her nose and she blew gently across the girls face tickling her nose and making her close her eyes. Thistle smiled and nodded her head Yes I am okay, I am well. How about you Junior? Are you okay? Are you enjoying being home with your mother and father again?

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Thistle prided her self on being smart, but the child’s words took her a moment to process. She realized swiftly though that Ragnar was not the only one who dabbled in affairs of the heart, and she wondered if Junior’s father had broken anyone’s heart, as hers had been partially broken, but she refused to comment on that aspect of it and instead smiled softly That is good, it’s nice to have special friends. And I am glad they are okay. In Thistle’s mind the youth affirmed her thoughts of broken hearts, when she said her own mother traveled a lot, she herself had moved restlessly around after the initial cut, had often wanted to continue on but ties and love kept her home bound.

Thistle focused back on the small femme Ragnar is an outrider, little one. Oh did you find out where the tunnel goes? You and Saena. she tested the girls exotic name on her tongue, wondering if she was the white femme that had tried to save them all, even though she was a puppy.

Thistle drew her muzzle across the smaller child’s own, No Ragnar and Tveir are not mad at you, they miss you too, as do I and Ein and Gyda. I would like that too, but I can handle seeing you ever so often if you can and you are always welcome to stay here as long as you like. Hmm I do not know let me check. Thistle looked out the overhang, there were no shrill cries no diving birds. She brought her head back in and looked down They are gone, let’s go we have to run though before they see us are you ready? You count to three and I’ll follow okay Junior . Thistle then waited silently to make sure that Junior understood.

Okay <3.

Thistle chuckled at Junior’s obvious excitement at the titles Ragnar wore. Thistle chuckled again it sounds like a grand adventure. I wish I would have been there. and she found she did. She wa finding it harder and harder to stay in the bay, she wanted to move around, look into things. But she could not live her family were far too important ot her to be away from them for more than she needed to. She would have to get her sense of adventure and wander lust from the brief interludes she got when hunting for herbs.

Thistle followed behind Junior, though she could probably surpass the child she didn’t. Staying behind to one let the girl win and two to keep a weather eye on the falcons and their sharp claws and beaks. The blood ran again like rivulets from her shoulders as she ran, but she paid it no mind. Glad that she had been able to care for junior’s nicks and cuts.

Thistle turned her muzzle into the girls head and licked it, as the child showed her affection with her own press against her neck. Thistle thought about it and then spoke actually yes. Would you like to ask your father if you can come spend some extra time with Gyda, she is the only girl in her litter and I think it would do her good to be around her big foster sister. She smiled then as she traveled into the borders, the two of them soon to go separate ways. As Junior hunted down ragnar and then Tveir.