Firefly Glen [BWH] Where that which grows

Ajei had done her best. She had not been as wonderful as her own mother with her children. She had buried herself into her grief when they had come. But she loved them more than the moon. And it was with clear eyes she watched them now. 

Chinook and Ahna breath's of fresh air. Strong, stronger than her. Braver too. They got that from Arrluk. Arrluk, did he not deserve more than she gave. Nonsense he had chosen her. But she could also see those that were better than she. And it bruised the ego she did not often let shine. And as all things. Fishing would serve to quiet the storm of her thoughts. 

The air held a bite to it and the edges were frozen in the early morning and thawed by day. The sun would warm you at it's highest and cool you as it lay. She had found a small river, not even a river a creek. But where some fish swam lazily closer to the top. And some did not move at all. They got ready for the winter winds. 

She pressed her body into the chill. And she snapped with red paws, Green eyes ablaze with rare joy. As she caught and pulled fish to the shores. She had forgotten how much she loved to fish.

:O

the creek’s song reached her before the sight of the woman did — a soft trickle over stone, the quiet murmur of water curling around a body moving with purpose. ippiksaut paused at the treeline, breath misting, lavender still faint on her coat from the hides she’d left hanging to dry.

she had slipped away while the crimson wanderer tested his teeth with the hunters, her paws carrying her toward this place where the air smelled of fish-oil and clean cold. and here, in the pale morning light, stood ajei.

the alpha’s red paws struck like sunlight against the water, her green eyes alive with a bright joy ippiksaut had only glimpsed from afar. she watched for a moment, letting the scene settle into her bones— the strength, the grace, the quiet victory of a woman remembering something she loved.

then she stepped forward.

sǫ’agnak, she murmured, voice low as tide beneath ice. forgive me. i did not wish to disturb your fishing.

her mismatched eyes, one ocean, one honey-gold, softened as she drew closer to the bank.

i am ippiksaut, she said gently, dipping her head in greeting. of the sea-ice moonpeople. i have wanted to meet you properly.

she glanced to the shoreline, where the fresh-caught fish glistened. may i join you?

Hello Thanks for joining

Was it always like this, for women? Did they all lose pieces of themselves when their children were born? Pieces they missed but would not take back. No, Ajei would not take it back. She would give and give all the pieces of herself, just so that those she loved could shine bright, brighter than she ever had. 

Ajei had always found solace in the sound of water. It had been where she had gone when she lost her mother. Where she had followed on the days that Arrluk was on his man's journey and she had missed him with a depth that she could not fathom. It was what she had followed to find the heart that beat in her orca man. And it was the past she followed now to ease the troubles of a mind filled with anxieties. That she had always had. Loud. 

Each paw stab and when the claws slid through the scales. It burned the happiness that curled close to her chest. Each small catch, a victory for the little fox girl. The orphan child. 

Green eyes still alight with the brightness of her joy fell upon the two mismatched eyes of the she wolf that had come to them. The she wolf, who was bold in her quiet. And brazen in her peace. Ajei had watched her. Had listened. Had learned. And it was this woman she met. Her face forming into the silent smile of someone caught in something they weren't sure was allowed. A shy sweet smile that she always wore. Delicate as she always was. But the heart that beat was far from delicate. 

Jade eyes softened at the edges. It is good to see your face Ippiksaut. You know my name, but I always love to give it.

 A gentle shift, a lifting of her body. Pulling her soft edges tighter to herself. Afraid as always of the unknown. 

I am Ajei Shikobasdaughter and I greet you.

A soft laugh, trilling, quiet like a birdsong. Of course you may. Forgive me I do love to fish. I had forgotten. The last part said as if an afterthought. An explanation that she did not need to s hare, but did anyway. Pulling her tightly with it's truth.

ippiksaut lowered herself beside the creek, keeping respectful distance but close enough to share warmth. ajei’s shy, bright smile drew one of her own— small, but genuine.

it is good to see you as well, she said, dipping her head. ajei shikobasdaughter. your name suits you.

her eyes moved to the fish lined neatly on the bank, admiration plain. you haven’t lost your skill. the water answers you easily.

she folded her tail around her paws, posture open and steady.

i’m glad you welcome me here she added simply. i wanted to know you beyond passing words.

a brief, warm glance.

and there is nothing to forgive. fish as long as you like. i enjoy the company.

This was a woman that Ajei could be jealous of. Most women would be, but the little fox girl could not fathom feeling discomfort for another woman. Because it was not fair.

A soft happy sigh slipped from her maw. I wish I could wear more of my  mother's grace, but just being her daughter is enough. She was amazing. And I could not have asked for a better one, despite that her stay with me was brief.

A gentle shift and the water lapped at her paws. She stared at the few fish she had managed to gather. A small shake of her head. I believe I can take a small break and eat some of this fish I have caught. Would you share a meal with me?

ippiksaut’s smile came easily this time, softening the lines of her face as she settled a little closer to the creek’s edge.

i would be honored to share a meal with you, she said simply. your catch is good, ajei. you deserve a moment to rest.

she glanced at the fish, then back to the gentle fox-woman, her mismatched eyes warm.

and you wear your mother’s grace more than you think. anyone can see it.

Ajei did not want to press her luck with this one's boundaries. It seemed she liked to hold everyone at paws reach. So she moved to the bank and nearby the she wolf. But not as near as she would have one of the other wolves she knew. 

Ajei chuckled. I wasn't thinking of good or bad at the moment. The sheer joy of it. Fishing is both a joy and also very dear to my heart. It has brought me all those I love or I shared it with all those I loved or love. Except for the girls, but soon.

She pressed a decent size fish towards Ippiksaut. A small smile. Guest always gets first bite.

Ajei made a soft little oh noise, her muzzle wrinkling with delight. Thank you.

joy is reason enough, she said, voice low but warm. work that brings the heart alive is worth keeping.

when the fish was nudged toward her, she blinked in brief surprise, then a small smile softened her features. she leaned in and took a careful bite, the fresh flesh crisp and cool on her tongue.

thank you, she murmured, licking a trace of water from her whiskers. you honor me with the first taste.

her eyes lifted to meet ajei’s, steady and sincere.

and you’re right. your daughters will learn this joy from you soon. i could help, too. the fish tasted of home. i learned to fish the moment i could stand.