Moonspear almost heaven

He was worried about @Treepie. Once a gregarious child, she had significantly withdrawn, sticking to the rendezvous and conversing only with those closest to her. She had stayed behind when others had gone to the pack hunt, which had both surprised and disturbed him.

Killdeer spent as much time with her as possible upon his return, and today, he left her sleeping place knowing that he'd put a smile on her face, at least.

Sighing, he paced through the many forest trails around Moonspear, too restless to sit still. Amalia was on his mind—those vivid green eyes, that infectious smile. He wondered if he'd made a mistake—

Fuck, he said aloud, shaking his head. His children, of course, were not and would never be mistakes. They brought him more joy than anything. But had he stayed away from women in heat, dedicated himself to Brecheliant, grown closer to his dark-furred friend. . .

Things might be different. Better? Maybe, maybe not. But they'd be different.

tags for ref

Sialuk had not exactly been avoiding Killdeer, but she also hadn't really sought him out in these past couple of months. What with his questionable inquiry into who she allowed to warm her bed and when, she had been less enthusiastic about the idea of pursuing him, so she had not. Still, he was the father to her children more than any of the others had been, and so she remained pleasant when he was around. There was no need to make the small world of the village a hostile one.

It was his voice that bounced off the tree trunks as she sought healing herbs for the medical ulaq today, and she changed her course to veer in his direction. She could not bring herself to pretend any longer that his comment had not weaseled its way into her very being. Perhaps telling him upfront was a better way to deal with things, even if it was not a particularly pleasant thing to do. Sialuk sucked in a breath and tried to catch his eye as she drew closer.

She caught his eye, indeed. It wasn't the friendly gaze she would be used to; rather, his stare was abstracted as he gave her a nod, inviting her along for his patrol before focusing on the path ahead.

Sialuk, he greeted, with the faintest smile. How are you? The hunt went well.

Killdeer was sure she'd received briefings on it already, given her place as Kukutux's daughter. He was happy to provide whatever information she needed or wanted.

But he longed for connection—longed for Amalia, it seemed—and he had begun to feel a bit sour toward his pack's leader, which he knew was not sustainable. Maybe his temper would cool eventually.

For now, he'd fake it until he felt it.

Sialuk's stomach tightened at the sight of Killdeer, knowing that she had to speak up. It was just so... difficult to think about even doing it. But if she intended to turn over a new leaf, to leave things said instead of hiding in silence, she had to say them now. If she backed out in this moment, she knew she would never muster up the courage again. The sage swallowed hard, then took a deep breath.

The other day, when you said something about not being with other men, it upset me, Sialuk said. You said it as though it would have been bad for me to give my body to another man, but it is might right to do so. I do not wish to fall into the same trap I did with another man I once loved. He became unsatisfied with sharing me with anybody else, and he left. I cannot do that again. And she meant it. If Killdeer wanted to pursue a trajectory together, Sialuk knew they would need to come to an understanding before she let her heart go in his direction. If he could not agree to give her the freedom she deserved, he did not deserve her.

He appreciated her forthright nature; getting this all out in the open had been a long time coming. Once, he might have been devastated; now, in the wake of his realized feelings for Amalia, it was merely a relief. He took each word in stride and nodded, understanding.

Thank you, Killdeer said, for telling me that. I think we want different things, and that's okay.

He met her eyes, though his posture was still deferent to her position as queen of the mountain. My parents were not fit for each other, he went on. I wanted so badly for them to be together, but it didn't happen. It sucked. And it set the tone for what I wanted in love.

Green eyes, set in a kind dark face. Companionship. . .loyalty.

I can't share you, Sialuk, he murmured, shaking his head gently. I respect your choices, and I'll always be loyal to you and this pack. And I'll always be father to your children this spring. But going forward. . .I think it's best that we remain just friends.