Moonspear ^___________________^

She dreamed about Sialuk, though it was more like walking through a memory. Her anaa slid her muzzle nearer to her daughter’s ear and whispered something into it. Just as they had in life, her mother then pressed her forehead against Treepie’s and pulled her into a hug. Pie woke then, the spot between her eyes still tingling.

She yawned and stretched in the mouth of Sialuk’s ulaq, then walked outside and immediately sniffed the crisp morning air. Spring would officially arrive soon, though there was no hope of new life blossoming on the mountain slopes… unless, of course, her taataa decided to stay with Amalia. She didn’t want to hope, lest it crush her when they left, but the fact that they remained…

Blinking and shaking her head, Tiuttuk thought of her dream as she went looking for @Alaric. They were long overdue now for a conversation. And despite her firm resolve to temper her expectations about what the future might bring, she felt the shadow slink back from her spirit as sunlight and songbirds stroked her ears while she searched.

He was busy and also not. Trying to keep himself occupied with what little was left. There was a bitter taste in his mouth when he thought of Sialuk and that he now had to care for a pack he had truthfully never wanted, but he had stepped up.

And she left like Elentari. And it hurt a little. Also pie was letting people in amd he knew there was a convo they must have and he didn't want too. Not because she could not lead or that she shouldn't but that she must learn she could not do what she wanted when a title was not held. Alaricdidnt care truthfully, but if she ever went somewhere else. It must be known.

When she found him, Treepie immediately noticed the harried look on Alaric’s face. She frowned, making a small noise in her throat to announce her presence. Without a word, she then stepped closer to him and gently butted her head into his shoulder. She pressed the rest of her lissome body against him like a cat, touching his chin in affectionate deference.

I’ve been meaning to talk to you, Pie said after a moment, still leaning against him gently. When I came back, I was convinced I wasn’t cut out to be a leader, once and for all. But in keeping my promise to anaa, I’ve realized that I do have many things to offer this village. She paused for a beat, then cut straight to the point, I want to step up and help. I’m not ready to be a ruler in my own right but I was hoping I could be your second. I’ll support you and you can teach me.

She would never be the ambassador and socialite Sialuk had been. But there was merit to being a loyal homebody, Tiuttuk told herself for the nth time. She just hoped Alaric agreed. Her heart thunked against her ribs as she angled her face to look up into his.

Alaric had to acknowledge the irony. That the one little wolf that he had been both needing to see and hoping to avoid, showed up. But he could not stay angry, and truth be told he wasn't even angry. Disappointed perhaps? Worried more so. He laid his head atop hers and closed his eyes for a moment. She was perhaps the only child he had left in a way. And she wasn't even  his.

A grave look stole over Alaric's face. I noticed. he said with a slight air of someone about to tell you something you may not want to hear, but tempered with gentleness. 

I have no qualms about moving you to leadership, Tiuttuk, but you must remember also that you cannot do what you did with the wolf Glaukos if you are not a leader. I don't mind, but if someday and I'm not saying you have too or you will. But if someday you find yourself in a different pack with different leaders. You can't do something like that without permission. It could potentially be dangerous for you with certain wolves to accept someone into a pack you don't lead.


Alaric shifted. But this pack is your birthright and you are more than welcome to step up. YOu said you want to be second correct?

There was a rebuttal in his first two words, which made her beating heart sink toward her belly. Alaric probably felt it when Tiuttuk’s entire body tensed, though it slowly began to relax as more words followed. She didn’t quite understand why it should matter, if he was going to appoint her as a leader—he was going to appoint her as a leader!—but she understood the point the High Sage was trying to make.

It was still moot, of course. She would never leave Moonspear. But she saw no reason to refute Alaric right now, about that or her right to accept Glaukos. Treepie didn’t feel the need to apologize about that, though she hadn’t intended to step on any toes. She nuzzled Alaric’s chin to let him know she heard him. Perhaps someday, she might lose her rank and remember this reminder to respect the hierarchy, lest she undermine it.

But for now, her star was rising. Her eyes glimmered as she let the rest of his words wash over her. Alaric had no qualms making her his second. She wondered if anyone else in Moonspear would object, not that there were many left to do so. Treepie repeated the word “birthright” in her head and felt pride rippling through her. She would do her anaa proud.

Yes, was all she said, accepting her new title with a slow wiggle that began at her nose and spread to the tips of her toes and tail.

Alaric did not like giving rebuttal. HE did not want her to think he was cross. Though she really needed to remember these things. Someday he wouldn't be here. Not anytime soon he hoped, but no one was guaranteed life. 

She tensed and he looked her over surprised. But she seemed to calm quickly. That was good. He forgot sometimes that Pie could be anxious at times. 

He dipped his head and pressed into her own with thanks at her nip. But there was grave things coming on the horizon and he wasn't sure what to do. 

WElcome to leadership Tiuttuk.

Although this was far from a power grab, Tiuttuk felt her chest inflate a little at his formal welcome. How long had she dreamed of this moment, when she would step up as a leader? It looked nothing like she’d once imagined and the road here had been full of pitfalls. But she’d arrived, in the end.

And she wanted to celebrate! Shoving aside any uncertainties about how they might feel, Tiuttuk tipped her head skyward and called out to let @Killdeer, Amalia, Tikaani and even @Glaûkos know that she was now their Emprex. And though she was not as strong or social or gifted as her predecessors, no one could argue with her commitment and loyalty to her village.

When her breath ran short and her rallying cry echoed into silence down the mountainside, Treepie smiled and pushed her muzzle beneath Alaric’s. Thank you, the gesture said, her yellow eyes dancing as she folded herself into a seated position beside him and the two of them gazed across their village.