Firefly Glen [PHE]So many sights

Alaric had agreed to bring both Tikaani and Kinusi down from the mountain. Pie was offered a chance at coming down, but she had declined. Tiki felt a little guilty leaving her friend behind, but she was going to make sure she heard and saw everything so she could describe it so beautifully to Pie that she thought she was there.

There were so many faces, and smells. Food in nearby spots where wolves worked on carving off pieces to take back to packs. Songs and healers and so much more.

She stared helplessly unsure at the world around her.

The slightly overwhelmed face of his daughter came into view as he turned a corner, and he made a bee-line for Tikaani, a broad smile on his own countenance in greeting.

Hey, Tiki, Killdeer said warmly, giving her a lick across the soft crown of her head and pulling her into an embrace, if she'd allow. Whatcha doin'?

It was strange to see the girl without her mirror in Treepie. The two had been pretty much inseparable since he'd known them; it just have taken a lot for her to come without Pie. 

Thus, he was happy to fill the void in at least some measure.

steals all your threads

Pushes them into your arms take em all <3

She looked up at him. Hey daddy'o. Then she made a face and shook her head. I definitely been spending too much time with Kinusi.

A small smile. But anyway. Hiya dad. SHe buried herself into his side, their colors matching. As she looked around. 

I wanted to see it all and then tell Pie all about it! But there's so much to see. I don't know where to start. I have to study it. Cause I gotta tell her so she doesn't miss anything. She has to feel it, breathe it even smell it!

Then she looked up at him. Can you describe stuff like that actually? So well that it seems real?

<333

The two of them melted into each other, piebald pelts as one. He nodded along with her sentiments, but wasn't exactly sure how to answer her question. He'd never been the greatest storyteller, after all.

Well, Killdeer began, choosing his words carefully, I think you said it best. Remember all the sights and sounds and smells and repeat them back in detail.

He stepped back and sat down on his haunches, looking studious. Okay. Pretend I'm Pie. Think about it for a moment, then tell me about everything you're experiencing right now, as if I wasn't sitting here.

He gave her an encouraging grin, waiting for her to start.

It was nice to have her dad here. It had been a bit of a shock finding out she had a dad and she was actually related to more than she knew she was. But it was also incredibly awesome.

He put her on the spot and she stared at him like a deer in the headlights unsure exactly what to do. But she would do her best. Pie deserved it. If she couldn't be here. Tiki would make sure she knew everything so she didn't feel left out. 

There are so many bodies that at first it's hard to pick out wolves you recognize. And the scents are overwhelming, but not in abad way. Just so many and you want to follow all of them. There is a gentle roar to the clearing. A small space with lots of bodies and greetings being hollered.

Tiki took a deep breath. There's so many pretty things. Seashells from teh sea, and furs from all sorts of animals. Some that I don't even know about. I'll have to ask dad.

She took a breath and then looked to Killdeer, was seh doing okay?

Sights, check. Sounds, check. Smells, check.

If Tikaani was nervous, she had no reason to be.

Nice job! Killdeer told her, rising to all fours again. His eyes shone, and his tail wagged with joy. I think that's perfect, Tiki. You definitely conjured up everything around us right now.

Treepie would be pleased, he thought. But the thought of his daughter, missing from action, brought his happiness down a bit, and he turned a solemn gaze on her.

Tiki, what's up with Pie? he asked gently. I've noticed she's withdrawn a lot. It doesn't seem like her. You don't have to tell me if it's a secret, or if you don't know. . .but she's okay, right?

The girls were preternaturally close, so he figured Tikaani might have the 411 on her sister.

Tiki had done her best. And she would add mroe as the time went through. As she saw everything. She was certain she coudl tell Pie everything, so well. That pie would actually live it. She wondered if Killdeer would help her trade things to take back?

She was just about to ask him. When he asked her a question she was entirely unprepared to answer. And it felt like a betrayal if she did. But he was an adult and their dad. Shouldn't he know? Right? Would Pie hate her/

She trembled a little, her lip needled between her fangs. She is okay, but.

Tiki looked up at him, unsure. Ever since her brother disappeared Pie can't leave the spear. Oh she tries. But she gets so nervous and sick. It's really hard for her. Alaric and a wolf named Bridget are trying to help her. But so far.

Tikin shrugged sad little shoulders and pouted. I try too, but it doesn't seem to help.

Oh, the expression on her face!

Killdeer immediately rose and curled 'round his daughter, nuzzling her cheek, if she would allow. It's okay, Tiki, he murmured. I'm sorry. I didn't think—

The two of them would stay there, locked in some sort of embrace, until he drew back and sighed, shaking his head.

I wish I could help, Killdeer said fervently, shaking his head. He felt the weight of it on his shoulders, and knew it would not go away soon. I wish she was here.

All they could do was storytell—and even with diligent teaching, it wasn't enough.

Tiki didn't know what to do or how to help. Except by doing this. By always doing this. By learning everything so deeply that when she told Pie of it. It was as if she were there, until Pie was able to go herself and Tiki was certain someday she would. Because Pie was strong and brave.

No need to worry. It's rough, but I believe that Pie will be able to walk out of the pack lands someday. Because Pie is strong and brave and good. She nodded firmly. 

Well you can do what i'm doing? I don't mind sharing storytelling duties.

She said exactly what he was thinking, and he smiled at their shared brain—evidently the similarities went beyond pelt and blood. He nodded, happy to take up that duty.

And how are you, Tiki? Killdeer asked. Are you having a good time? Meet any interesting folks?

He might have to live vicariously through the girl, too. He hadn't many spare moments for anything beyond hunting and diplomacy. He envied the youths a bit for their freedom, although he was sure this large gathering was quite overwhelming at their age.

Tiki was happy to learn and listen and watch. She didn't even know if she wanted to introduce herself to others. There were a lot of wolves out and about. But none she saw that were interesting yet. But maybe. She had just gotten here after all. 

Oh me? I'm good. I just recently spent a few nights way up in the spear. It gets a little cold. I was exploring, wasn't paying attention. But I found a spot to hunker down. Pie was pretty mad at me for it.

She shook her head. I don't know yet. I just got here and the sights were like whoa! and the scents too.

His smile drew into a worried expression as she explained her stay in the heights of the Spear. She had survived it, sure, but that didn't mean he was pleased about hearing of it afterward. Pie had been right to be concerned, he thought.

Just be careful, Tiki, he told her gravely. It's gonna get even colder in a few moons, and you definitely don't want to be alone up there then.

He let himself relax a bit, then. It's a lot, I know. Stick by me if you feel awkward. I'm happy to be your buddy here if you need me.

It was tough. He didn't want to be one of those parents that coddled the hell out of their kids—but at the same time, he worried over his children. Naturally, he thought. But he knew he needed to give Tikaani and her siblings independence.

The same independence as he'd been given.

Tiki watched as her father's face transformed in front of her. He was expressive, but so was she and Pie. So it only made sense after all. And she knew that he had a right to be scared. And truth be told it had been a little scary in the moment. But thinking back now. She could sort o fhandle it. And it had been fun and relaxing.

Oh i know. I won't be going back up there righ tnow. If ever. Really i was just following a goat and then some other things and before i knew it I was too far to come back down before dark.

Alright I will. Let's go meet some of the other packs?