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+--- Thread: Firestone Hot Springs with a pocket full of gold (/showthread.php?tid=66312)
with a pocket full of gold - Katmai - September 15, 2025
Katmai caught up with Kinusi again, having roved and wandered in the general area for most of the day and night. He'd met with his cousin, finally, and had spoken with a few others as well. A meandering but productive time, and now they were together again where they'd agreed to meet when he was done with his check-in with Valiant.
He was panting, exhausted, but terribly pleased to see her. Perhaps this divide and conquer business was not for him after all.
"Taken care of," he said, still breathless. His tail wagged all the same.
"I have several items of business to report," he told her, importantly, "But the first is that your father has left the coast and is back at Moonspear. And so is Treepie, who would like to see you sometime."
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Kinusi - September 15, 2025
Katmai had been gone. And Kinusi had filled her day with browsing the local herb selection and small game hunting. She needed a new fur. Her everyday one was wearing thin. They never lasted long unfortunately, but she had to have something for herbs.
Kini blinked surprised.
Dad never really was a settler until moonspear. Tree pie. Huh. How's she doing? She was always good to me.
She didnt add how pretty the girl and her sister were with all their colors
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Katmai - September 15, 2025
That was a good question. Katmai's hesitation probably wasn't very encouraging, but he wanted to choose his words carefully. He couldn't misrepresent the situation, but neither did he want Kinusi to go home now and stay there forever.
He supposed, in the end, that what would be would just have to be.
"She has migraines," he said to Kinusi, his tone very neutral. He was worried about them, personally, but he was not sure how inherently worrying they truly were. "And... I think she is sad. About the way that all the packs have gone. I think it would do her well to see you again."
He was a bit anxious still that Kinusi would be lured back to Moonspear instead of staying to found Morningside with him — but a new scent soon drew his attention. Something like rotted eggs. And up ahead there was steam. These must be the hot springs he'd heard about.
Which meant that another relic of Morningside's past lay up ahead.
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Kinusi - September 22, 2025
Kinusi studied him sharply when he hesitated. Her intelligence winking out at him from blue eyes. She was not up front about her intelligence, but frankly she was a smart cookie.
Dad will know what to do if she tells him about them. Sometimes they don't get better though.
She tilted her head thinking. Wonder what had happened to her.
We can visit her while we're looking for a place to settle. Woof.
She covered her nose.
That smells worse than my brothers did.
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Katmai - September 23, 2025
This troubled Katmai further, though the information was not new. Alaric had done as much as he knew how to, and yet the migraines still came. More worrying to him, however, was Treepie's isolation and sadness. He nodded at this plan to go and see the other girl, and then a smell brought them both up short.
"Ha!" he laughed, about to say that his own brother had never smelled too bad — but maybe they both had, and he'd just never noticed? He sniffed surreptitiously and instead asked, "How many brothers do you have?"
And — "Is Treepie related to you?" he wondered next.
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Kinusi - October 04, 2025
Kinusi didn't know what ailed Treepie, but now she was super curious. She wanted to help somehow.
Well technically only 1, but I was raised around Tikaani's siblings and Treepies too. We were all born near about the same time give or take.
Kini frowned in thought.
Not really, but sorta. So my mom was Treepie's moms lover. But not my dad. But my mom really liked my dad and Sialuk and my mom had this arrangement that they could take multiple lovers. So she asked my dad who is a true trader. He trades all things including his body for goods and stuff. Within reason and with respectable parameters.
She sniffed on the last part. Didn't want him thinkin her dad was like a hooker or something, even if well he kind of was. He just was respectable about it. And everyone had agreements and rules.
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Katmai - October 04, 2025
This explanation of siblings made sense to Katmai as well — he had once considered the seal hunter children and Raindrop and Sumac's children as well to be more like siblings than cousins — but he was distant from all his siblings, now. Either way, he supposed, they were still family.
Other marital arrangements were stranger to him, but he knew that other wolves did things differently. He was confused, but open to this idea of trading bodies as well as goods and other services. More confusing still was the notion of two women being lovers — but the more he thought about it, the more that concept answered some questions he'd always had about his own father.
"I grew up closely with other litters as well," he said instead of commenting on her parents' various arrangements. And thinking about them, he felt a pang of guilt for holding back on the suggestion that Treepie had made.
"Treepie suggested that we settle Moonspear," he told her, biting the bullet and forcing the words out. He felt better as soon as they were no longer trapped inside him. "What do you think?"
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Kinusi - October 04, 2025
Kinusi had grown up this way. So it had not seemed foreign to her. But she also knew that she didn't think she wanted tolive that way. She saw how despite her father's hidden heart. That her mother's leaving had hurt him. The children that were displaced because this parent left this mother. Well it was heart wrenching and she did not want it for herself or her future family. Period.
Kinusi blinked surprised.
Hmm well that is surprising.She settled to her haunches. Unsure. She liked moonspear. Wouldn't mind. But she also knew Treepie had always felt it was her birthright. Her home to protect and she did not wish to step on toes.
I have no problem with Moonspear. But it isn't always easy to make a living out of those stones and mountains. Just so you know.
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Katmai - October 04, 2025
Katmai settled when she did, sitting nearby to give Kinusi a moment to process. Somewhere in the silence, he realized he did not know what sort of reaction he hoped for. No other place had stood out to him thus far, and here was one with undeniably significance. Clearly it could support a village, but...
Kinusi answered, though her concerns were from a different angle than he'd been expecting. He found himself relieved, somehow, that she didn't mind the idea. That it was still an option. He wasn't sure what to think about that.
"We can evaluate when we visit," he agreed, his brow furrowing as he took this concern into account. That was another point off for Moonspear, though there was plenty of hunting, he thought, threading through the foothills... Well. He shook the thoughts away and said instead: "I asked Treepie to think about coming with us, if we settle elsewhere," he told Kinusi. "I don't think she liked the idea. She doesn't want to leave Moonspear, but I do not think she wants to be alone, either."
He pushed back to his paws, his nose twitching.
"These must be the hot springs," he said. Some of the fog had cleared, and he could see a jewel-blue pool of water lying up ahead.
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Kinusi - October 04, 2025
Kinusi wasn't sure. Not that she minded Moonspear. But could they survive there? It was also so closed off from a lot of the world. They would need traders and scouts. Most definitely. But they could do it, she hoped.
That we can do. And I know a lot of it. I was raised there. My dad has a garden. He'd probably let me take it over and if my dad stays with us. He's a pretty good wolf to talk to about all things. And can guide.
She nodded her head.
Treepie always loved the spear. Sometimes I worried about her. She probably won't leave.
She sniffed the air again. Wrinkling her maw.
Whew they really stink. I hope they feel better than they smell. I'm gonna need a bath for a week after this.
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Katmai - October 04, 2025
A garden! Katmai was pleased by the idea, even though he didn't know much about herbs. It was lucky, then, that they had a healer (possibly two!) who knew so much among them. His tail whisked in happy distraction as he imagined Kinusi tending the garden while pups (not necessarily their own!) played tag in the background.
He inserted Treepie into the vision as well, when Kinusi mentioned her. It would be good for her to have lots of family around. It would be good for them all, he though.
"Only some are good for swimming," he cautioned, though he wasn't sure whether or not he believed it. He offered her his source: "My cousin told me that some of them will boil you alive."
He'd also said that this was where he and his first wife had fallen in love. Katmai approached with caution, reaching out to dip just his toes into the steaming water. He found it quite warm, but not uncomfortably so. The scent, however, was rather offputting.
"This one feels safe," he said, looking back at Kinusi a little uncertainly. She always seemed to know what to do.
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Kinusi - October 04, 2025
Kini loved herbs the older she got. Singing would always be her first love. But she was finding a deeper respect for her father's craft as she aged.
Kini stared at the holes in the ground. Why were only some good to swim in. But her question was answered. well that's gross. Wolf soup. was her only thought.
Kini saw his hesitancy and with the pure chaos that was she moved boldly forward. One foot in front of the other. Dipped in then jumped. And made a soft little sigh if delight
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Katmai - October 04, 2025
He'd expected her to say something wise or practical: an arguement for or against trying to swim in the small, strange bodies of... water? Instead, Kinusi flowed past him, ignoring his choked, quiet sound of wordless protest to drop both paws into the water — only to spring fully into the hotspring a heartbeat later.
The splash wasn't a large one. Katmai still yanked his paw back and flinched away on instinct. He felt silly for it a moment later.
"You don't look like you're boiling," he told her, following her into the water. Just his paws, at first. All four, up past his ankles. He peered into the dark depths after the drop-off, surreptitiously checking for monsters. None materialized. "Is it nice?" he asked, lowering himself to his belly to acclimate himself to the water. His question then answered itself, and his tail began to whip happily through the water.
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Kinusi - October 04, 2025
KKinusi laughed at his movement. Making sure to send a small paw dull towards his chest. Not his face. Because she didnt know if it could hurt eyes.
She wagged her tail and closed her eyes nodding.
It is lovely. I bet amazing for an injury or in the winter.
She opened her eyes to see he had joined her.
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Katmai - October 04, 2025
Katmai made a scolding sound at her for the second splash, but it was clear he was having fun. Her mischief delighted him, and did succeed in drawing him the rest of the way into the water. Now he was only a floating head, though the rest of his body felt strangely buoyant in the warm water.
"You are the doctor," he agreed, thinking that a soak like this would have been lovely while starvation and then regaining that weight had made his body so sore. But... "You would have to dry off again, in the winter," he thought, briefly saddened by the reminder that they would need to dry from this as well. And from the baths they would need to take to get rid of the smell.
"We would just have to spend the whole winter in one of these," he decided, speaking in a sage tone of voice, now. "Perhaps our toes will turn into fins to help us hunt." He peered down into the darkness below once more. "Do you think there are fish in any of these?"
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Kinusi - October 04, 2025
some hot springs can have fish in googled it. Color me surprised.
Kinusi made a chiropractor back at scolded. Twinkling blue eyes. Laughter in the wrinkles of her maw. How dare he scold her.
She nodded.
Which could cause sickness if not careful. Probably not the best idea then.
Kinusi laughed loudly.
I don't know if I want fins.
A soft hmm noise.
You know I'm not sure. Maybe somw that are used to it? Things adapt, but i mean.She wiggled her toes.
I don't feel any.
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Katmai - October 04, 2025
I also had to google it and was shocked. You wouldn't catch me eating those fish!
The water was relaxing, but Katmai was still a young man full of energy. He peered through the water and saw Kinusi's toes wiggling, and a wild hair suddenly led him by the nose."Are you sure?" he asked her, slyly. Then he dove under the water, clumsily from being out of practice, and made a few blind nips for said toes.
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Kinusi - October 04, 2025
me either
Kini was surprised when he dove. Wondering what on earth. Had he seen a fish. Then however her laughter danced.
Kini shifted and swam around. Paws tangling in fur. Her laughter loud ans boisterous as she to gave chase. Though not underwater.
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Katmai - October 04, 2025
He could not stay underwater for very long. After making a few snaps for her toes and getting nothing more than her claws in his face, he burst back the surface and snorted warm water from his nose. A good thing, too — laughter quickly took over his body, making it weak as they took turns chasing one another.
"I yield!" he wheezed, dragging his sodden body back up onto the shallower shelf. He could lie down here and still be mostly submerged. His spine was cold, sticking out of the water like a dark, furry hillock, but he needed the rest. "We shall have to spread the word," he told her, quite seriously. "There are large, toe-biting fish down there. I felt them. Didn't you?"
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Kinusi - October 17, 2025
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Kinusi was not made for underwater life either. She barely knew much about rivers and oceans and lakes. She could swim enough to save her life. But that was about it. She was not a she wolf built for the sea.
She snapped playfully eyes dancing and tossed her head.
Of course you do. I am ultimate.
Kinusi snorted.
Yep sure are. They are furry and large and nip at pretty girls toes. Though, someone may want to see them and then well we'd have to deal with interlopers. And Who wants to share such discoveries.She stated dead pan. But laughter soon overtook her.
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Katmai - October 20, 2025
Katmai laughed as well.
"Clearly, there are many drawbacks to this place," he replied, wrinkling his nose in mild disgust. The smell really was quite pungent, and he didn't think he'd ever be able to move past that, long-term.
He rose from the water and shook it away from his fur. Immediately, the cold crept in, but Katmai was sure he would dry soon enough. Or, perhaps, he would find another less smelly place to bathe before drying.
"There are other stories of this place," he told her, stretching out at the ledge of the spring to enjoy the steam. "They say that if you come to this place with an open heart, you may leave with a beautiful woman."
He tried to look guileless, but his grin gave away the game.
"It has happened to two men in my family already," he told her, and he was being truthful! "I wonder if it is cheating if I leave with the same beauty that I came with."
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Kinusi - October 23, 2025
Kini nodded gravely, fake somberness on her face. She took a small breath, pushed it out through her nose.
Let's go find some flowers. It might help with this smell.She chuckled.
Kinusi laughed.
We'll give you a pass since you haven't said it much. Free pasS!She waved a paw around laughter in her gaze.
She settled nearby, thought about licking some of the drops from her fur, changed her mind.
I vote quick nap and then flowers. Lots and lots of flowers.
She sniffed at her paw and wrinkled a nose.
I smell like i rolled in a stink weed patch.
FIgured we can fade here soon with this one :)
RE: with a pocket full of gold - Katmai - October 23, 2025
It was thrilling in a way that was not entirely comfortable when his unsubtle flirtation was not outright rebuffed. He felt as though he might crawl out of his skin with excitement, and with the force and restraint it took to appear only mildly affected.
No matter how sincere the effort, of course, he could not hide the wide, pleased smile the interaction put on his face. Nor how enchanted he was (as ever!) by her laughter.
She laughed, he thought, just exactly like she sang.
"Whatever the lady wishes," he replied, playing at pompousness, but with an underlying promise in his voice. He would do anything it might take to make Kinusi happy.
Thank you for the thread!!! <3