Moonspear You got words to say, Sister.

Tiki left the little pup Ludo behind and then she went in search of her sister. Each paw step making her angrier and angrier and also sad. She didn't understand what @Treepie's problem was, but she was tired of it. It was time that Tiuttuk learned that her little hissy fit affected everyone not just herself.

Tiki knew they had a lot going on all of them. And there had been many deaths and such turmoil. But you couldn't give up and you couldn't act like an idiot who didn't care about anyone. It wasn't fair to those that loved you!

Multicolored paws tore up the ground as she looked in all Tiuttuk's hiding places. Noting that her sister had buried her den. What was that about!!! Tiki snorted hard and continued. Eyes narrowed into slits. Finally she stopped moving an dlifted her nose to howl. 

TIUTTUK!!!

The howl jarred her out of a crouch, the hare she’d been stalking bolting into a nearby burrow. Treepie barely noticed, as she was already swiveling. Moving as swiftly as the wild rabbit, she rushed down the mountainside to heed Tiki’s urgent call.

Tiki! she exclaimed as soon as she laid eyes on her sister. What is it? she asked breathlessly as she closed the distance and began nosing at the other she-wolf.

She didn’t smell blood or otherwise detect any sign of an injury. Tiuttuk stepped back to take in the look on Tikaani’s face and wondered if she had just learned about the deaths in Moonglow.

Tiki tightened her jaw so much it creaked. And her throat felt like fire. She wanted to cry. She didn't want to deal with this, but she must. It wasn't healthy.

Yhe tears made worse as Treepie looked her all over sharing her concerns.

I'm fine, Tiuttuk.

She titled her head and took a breath. She tilted her head. 

I want to know why you're avoiding everyone? And why you buried your den? And the pups want to know where you are?

The tears alarmed her, especially as they contradicted her sister’s words. Clearly she wasn’t fine. Pie had never seen Tikaani like this. Her heart sank and her stomach knotted.

I’m not? she refuted hastily, bewilderment coloring every word. But the mention of the pups specifically earned an amendment. I mean, I’ve been keeping to myself while I process everything. Treepie paused, eyes searching Tiki’s. Do you know… about our—

She suddenly remembered something. They shared a father, so Aiolos and Kukutux hadn’t been Tiki’s grandparents. Pie knew they had been important figures in both their lives, nonetheless.

…about Moonwoman and her Sunman?

The question about her ulaq could wait for now.

Tiki nodded. Yes i know. and you hid away. You just just left us alone to process.

Tiki found herself truly at the meat of the problem. Treepie had been absent. Almost gone. And she had felt abandoned. Had she known Kukutux and Aiolos not that well. They were Treepie's grandparents not hers. But she had liked them, respected them .

Tiki sniffed. I didn't like the silence.

Her first instinct was to apologize profusely for hurting Tikaani. She was sorry for upsetting her sister; she certainly hadn’t intended to do it. But the accusation stung. Pie hesitated, choosing her words carefully.

I’m sorry, she offered sincerely, wanting to grasp Tiki in a hug. Would she allow it? She seemd really upset. I needed some time by myself to process. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad, Tiki. You know I would never deliberately hurt you. Or anyone else, for that matter.

She could see the Artisan’s side, though, and acknowledge that the little boys had been collateral damage too. Tiuttuk frowned, biting at her lip. She still wasn’t in the best place, though she could make some changes if it meant making her dearest friend feel better.

I was actually wondering if you’d want to share an ulaq with me. Maybe one we make ourselves. I filled in aana’s because I’m trying to move on from those who are gone.

That sounded a little callous coming out of her mouth. She hoped Tiki knew the sentiment she was trying to express, though Treepie suddenly wondered. Her sister had summoned her here out of anger, she now realized, and it made the Regent feel strange and wrong-footed.

Tiki realized that in some small way, her reaction was indeed an overreaction. But she was in it now and frankly she had been hurt and angry and sad. She had thought her sister was going to leave them, like her mother, like Pie's mother. Like all the siblings. And it had been  a painful thought. 

Tiki took a deep breath. It's okay. My reaction was a little over the top. But. Tik wasn't sure how to explain. She had thought that Tiuttuk would understand why she had reacted the way she had, but perhaps she didn't. This growing up man, it was for the birds. 

Tik would have taken a hug.

Tikaani took a minute to process her sister's words to take them in and think. She froze for a moment and then nodded. I yes we can do that. But you have to promise to talk to me before you go away when you're upset.

I know it’s because you care about me so much, Pie said with a touch of cheekiness, though it was mostly genuine. Just like I love you so much, Tiki. You’re one of, like, two wolves I trust. I would never, she said, bending her head to catch her sister’s eye, ever do anything to hurt you. But if I do it by accident, I want you to do exactly what you did: tell me, so I can make it better.

She sat up straight, then gently tossed herself at Tikaani, grabbing her into an embrace. Treepie smoothed things over with a sweet kiss to the other woman’s cheek before withdrawing. She smiled, though it flickered ever so slightly at her friend’s words.

I didn’t go anywhere, she reminded gently, and I never will. But I think I know what you’re saying. I’ll try not to be so distant the next time something upsets me. You have my word, Tiki.

Tki smiled. She did care. She cared a lot. Truthfully her sister was probably the only true relationship she had. She did not leave the mountain. She did not talk to other wolves. She merely existed in a place where she had grown up.  Tiki nodded. 

Okay I can tell you when you hurt me if you do the same?

Tiki caught her and squeezed tight. A small little huff at the kiss. But she didn't argue it. It was nice to have her sister. 

A nod Okay.

She curled her tongue around a tooth and then spoke softly. Did it help you feel better? Are you okay?

Sure, Pie replied. She didn’t even have to think about it. I’ll always be candid with you, Tiki, and I want you to do the same. I can’t say it’s fun, knowing I’ve upset you, but I’m glad you came to me and told me. I’m glad I know, so now I can make it right, she repeated the sentiment.

Tikaani wanted to know how she felt about everything. Tiuttuk hesitated, though only for a beat. She gently pressed her shoulder against her sister’s.

I’ll be okay, eventually. But I’d be lying if I told you I was okay right now. I’ve been through so much lately. It’s a lot to process and obviously I’m not handling it all perfectly. But I’m glad we talked today. It helped in its way.

The Regent blew out a breath. Part of her wanted to seek space in the aftermath, though she quelled it. She wouldn’t push Tiki away. Besides, there was something they could do together right now that might go a long way in reinforcing their bond.

Want to scout out places for a new ulaq?

Tiki nodded. Perhaps she had overreacted. And yet part of her felt valid in her discomfort and worry. So she was torn. She would always endeavor to be candid herself.

Tiki nodded. I understand. Life is hard sometimes. And it hurts.

A wag of her tail a small smile. You betcha.

Life was hard a lot of the time, Tiuttuk had found, though she saw no reason to correct Tiki. Whatever else it saw fit to throw at the pair of sisters, they would always have each other. Of course, it was possible Pie would lose Tiki somewhere along the way, but the thought was so unbearable she refused to entertain it.

I know of just the place to begin our search, she murmured, pressing her nose to Tikaani’s cheek before gliding past her, leading the way.

Figured I’d wrap here.