Ouroboros Spine I know you do your wash on Sundays and you separate your whites

Taking the advice of Solharr, she comes to the closest of the moon villages first.

They are a mystery to her, one she does not care to explore if Hakumele is not present.

Lingering outside the border her nose twitches as it searches for the scent of her father.

There are many wolves here, but none of their scents stick out to her. Lifting her head, she releases a howl to call for the help of the inhabitants.

She will not risk him slipping by.

After reciting her haiku to Haku, Treepie found herself speaking in them again for the first time in many moons. When she wasn’t talking to anyone—such as now, while she wrapped up a patrol—she forced her thoughts into the 5-7-5 pattern. It was delightfully challenging.

With her duty done, she embarked on an impromptu visit to her grandmother’s house. The lithe young she-wolf approached the other Moon village at a rapid clip, eager to catch up with Kukutux and perhaps learn more about the upcoming wedding plans.

Her yellow eyes caught on a figure near the border of the spine. Pie’s head canted curiously as she slowed her gait. She issued a single bark to announce her presence to the stranger as she approached from behind, then spoke in a slightly breathless cadence.

Hello there, new friend!
What brings you here to Moonglow?
My name is Treepie.

A stranger comes to her, a single bark meeting Hokulani's ears before they began to speak.

She turns her head, neutral expression dragging over the girl as she greeted Noe i ka Lani in a fashion that she thought to be rather odd. She considered dismissing the young wolf, but a scent carried on her fur caught Hoku's intention.

She wonders if this girl knows her father. If she does, surely she may see the resemblance.

Often she would focus on her games; poke and prod at the stranger looking for a way to infect their mind like a deadly parasite, but today she comes with serious matters.

I come in search of my father, from Forneskja. She offers a smile, allowing herself a friendly demeanor. Hakumele Halu. Niho o ka Mano nanahu. She offers both name's, unsure of which the shark may have used.

She expected the woman to say she was here to see Kukutux or some other member of Moonglow. Instead, she surprised Treepie by mentioning Haku’s name. As soon as she did, Pie gave her elevator eyes. She certainly looked the part. Her lips parted as the implications hit her.

I know Haku! she exclaimed. He isn’t here, he’s staying with Moonspear. That’s where I’ve just come from, Pie reported. I would be happy to take you to him. He’s been looking for you. Hokulani, right?

Oh, he would be so glad to reunite with his daughter. And did this mean he might stay? Her heart leaped. There was an expression of naked hope on her face as she looked to Hokulani in anticipation.

Her feelings are mixed. Pride swells at her correct assumption, but she has to resist scrunching her nose at the nickname. Her father had never liked to be called Haku; he said it was too informal.

He was a firm man in nature, but softened solely for his children. The idea that he could have done the same for this young girl bothered her; she was not his daughter. Was he treating this girl as though she was family? Was he trying to replace his Noe i ka Lani?

Her troubles remained under wraps, Hokulani offering a wide smile instead. Oh I'm so glad to have bumped into you then! I am Hokulani, yes. She responds. Is he in good health? I know that his joints bother him this time of year, but the stubborn old man is too stubborn to rest. She giggles, tail waving at her hocks - though likely not for the reasons the other would assume.

She hoped it hurt.

Yeah, I think he’s doing much better now, Pie said, swiveling on a heel and motioning toward the nearby mountain. When he first came to Moonspear, he was in rough shape but we—namely anaang, my mother, Sialuk—has taken wonderful care of him.

Fortunately for the two of them, the healing ulaq was situated very close to the borders. Tiuttuk walked as quickly as she deemed polite, making a beeline for the moldering log. It was currently blanketed in a layer of snow and looked all the more cozy for it as they made their approach.

Haku, are you in there? she shouted as they neared. You won’t believe who I found!