Stone Circle In the heart of mothers

Inkeri had slunk around the pack lands for days. Visiting with her daughter as she would allow her. Learning the new scents and it was with these thoughts and a big fat hare that she approached the borders.

She settled it at her paws and she stared at it with tears blurring her vision. Her mind in turmoil. She always hated this part. She felt so inadequate. What could she offer a pack really? She was worthless in many ways that packs needed. Except to hunt, to birth children. But could she claim that right or skill anymore when she had left her daughters. Tears fell to land on the body of the hare. And she sniffled. Finally gaining a semblance of some control.

She lifted up a wavering call to @Skald. @Turmeric she hadn't seen him yet, but she had smelled him. She would simply hold onto the fact that he would return to her and their daughter someday. Though the latter he may have already.

Skáld’s recovery was slow, but with time the virus ran its course, and he slowly began to regain his energy. Heavily upon his mind sat the words spoken at the last pack meeting- and he willingly turned a blind eye to what might come in the future, deciding that it was now out of his hands. 

He would guide and help; and let the children grow and learn through their own experiences. He felt inadequate in the role of a guardian, but he did what he could when he was summoned.

Inkeri’s voice was welcome. His smile was tired, but earnest when he greeted her with a congenial bob of his head and soft murmur of welcome.

It was Skald that arrived. A small smile for him. he had grown up so well. Though he looked thin and careworn about his eyes. A small step forward, but she halted unsure if she could reach out to him. It had been so long and she had left after all. Right after Gunnar had passed even. How cruel of her.

Hello Skald. Skald. She spoke haltingly in Icelandic. SHe didn't know a lot of the words, but she knew enough to piece together what he would say and they had similar tongues.

His hopes rose, brimming at the lip like water in a cup ready to overflow. ”You are coming back to us, yah? To stay?” He piped, something pleading bleeding into his tone. The pack had begun to change, and he had found himself striking one difficulty after another. 

Inkeri, like so many others, was wont to roam- and he could forgive her should she be coming only to visit, but at a time like this, he could certainly use her companionship.

Her heart was filled to the brim at his halting words. He was not upset with her. Even sounded happy and relieved to see her. This made her happy in many ways.

She nodded her head. I will stay.stay. do you need another hunter? Hunter

So happy to offer what she could to one of Gunnars oldest children. To one she had loved as well in her own way. Watched grow.

He smiled, though the emotion struggled to remain in his expression. More often than not, wolves came and then they left, and while he hoped Inkeri might stay with them, he prepared himself to wake up one day and learn that she too had moved on like the others had. 

The hard lesson he had learned, though, was that it was better to lose someone to wanderlust than it was to lose them to death. 

”Of course,” He said with a nod. ”You are welcome. And Kvarsheim will see Spring soon; the green will come back…Is it still your favourite colour?” He asked.

Inkeri knew that she would need to prove herself staying this time. She hadbetrayed their trust in a way. And that was her cross to bear. She would do ehat she could.

She smiled and then laughed quietly. Yes. Yes it is. Is.

is green still yours too? Too?.

Skáld had learned that change was an inevitable part of life. The children grew, and the pack evolved with time. The seasons changed and passed, as did his own body and mind. But some things stayed the same- and it was little things that remained evergreen that he adored. 

”Yes, green it is,”[/i] He said, eyes shimmering. Even as life went on, perhaps it might be something they would always have in common.

He gestured, welcoming her. ”Let’s get you settled in,” He said. Later, he would inform the others of her return, and of her status as a welcome hunter in their midst.