Sun Mote Copse secret crowds

Keshi? Nasamiituuq mumbled around the bundle of herbs she carried for @Waawaashkeshi. She placed the bundle down in front of the gilded woman, eyes seeking hers. There is something I wish to talk about.

She had been thinking about it for some time, ever since they'd finally made up. Keshi had said they would raise these children together. Yet there were things Nasamiituuq felt did not quite reflect that desire.

Having learned her lesson after yesterday's trip to the borders, Waawaashkeshi had made the choice to retire to her whelping den today.

Smiling as Nasamiituuq approached, her tail thumped upon the ground. Anything. She spoke in response. Today she was happy to listen so long as she could remain laying down

Nasamiituuq took in a quick breath. I have been thinking. If the - the children are mine as much as yours, they should be raised with some of the sunshine ways, too. The ways of my people, she was pleased to find that her voice did not waver at all. It was not an easy request. It will be their heritage, too.

Long ago she had resigned herself to the reality that she would not have children, would never pass on the traditions of the sunshine people. A midwife, but never a mother. This was all foreign to her — but she intended to commit to it fully, now that it had been chosen.

And they had already ignored so many of her own traditions in the process.

She nodded, though it made her a bit disappointed that Nasamiituuq seemed so tense in asking this of her. I understand that. If we were in your Moonglow, I would want the same for my traditions.

Leaning back, she gestured for Nasamiituuq to join her. They will be raised in a Summerwalker pack, that is my only wish. Simple roles, trading, and stories. She spoke with a slow nod, Tell me of the traditions you wish to preserve.

She had come to the Teekons to learn of such traditions in the first place, and now she would.

Nasamiituuq frowned at that: a Summerwalker pack. It was a clear line drawn in the sand, that in the end they would follow the ways of Keshi's people. She had been content with it before, when there had been no talk of children, but now —

Sunshine ways are more than a flavor to be added to Summerwalker life, she said quietly. Our traditions are intertwined with our hierarchy. If the children live only as Summerwalkers, they will not truly be sunshine. I wish for them to know a Moonwoman, and the secret things shared in women's circles, and the tradition of paying a bride price. I wish for them to aspire to become First Hunter, or to inherit the title of Moonwoman. But these things do not exist in a Summerwalker pack.

And they never will. Her words came blunt, but she soon offered clarification. Our cultures will always be different, exposing them to both is what will make them well-rounded. She said, tail curling around herself. When I say a Summerwalker pack, I do not mean I will prevent them from following Sunshine ways. They will be brought to Moonglow, and we will have them visit often to be immersed in that side of their heritage by blood or not.

Children will do what they want. If they want to follow certain traditions of yours I will not discourage them, just as I hope you would not discourage them from following mine. She could not know if Nasamiituuq would be comforted by her words in the least, but it was the truth of the sunflower woman. Releasing a sigh her tone then took a soft dip. This pack is all I have left of my culture, Nasamiituuq. I cannot make a day's trip and return to my family. My children will never know the Summerwalkers who came before me.

Have you thought of visiting your family? Maybe they would like to know about the litter.

Ironic that it should come down to this, Nasamiituuq thought, her mouth tightening. Keshi seemed to think Moonglow far closer than it was — but it was a small point, not one that she would argue. Then they cannot be my children, she said softly, her voice pained. No, she would not argue. Any children of hers would be sunshine as much as anything else; she would not fight for that right.

She would simply find it elsewhere, even if it broke her heart.

Perhaps you are right. I should go to my family. I will begin making preparations.

Nasamiituuq rose, unwilling to entertain the conversation any longer. Keshi had made her opinion quite clear. Whether it was ignorance or cruelty which made the gilded woman insist that sunshine culture would still be valued the same, Nasamiituuq did not want to find out. Either would sting — and she was done listening to hurtful words from the woman she'd followed halfway across the world.