Duck Lake Shadow of the day

Perhaps it was natural to feel a special closeness with the women in a tribe, united by both the woes and advantages of the female gender. She shared the same relationship with Fox, who had become a fast friend and trusted leader as the spearhead in Swiftcurrent. Even young Bones had a certain draw that was both fascinating and compelling. Maybe it was Tuwawi's status as eldest woman (dare she say matriarch?) that made her feel this way, driven by instincts to establish solid connections. On the other hand, Ferdie and Jace were good men, but her opinion of them was not the same... not like her sisters. It was not an especially pragmatic trope, but one that was distinct.

Every touch reinvigorated their relationship and welded the unlikely sisters of the creek closer together. These bonds were important to Tuwawi who yearned for strong familial links within the pack despite her gruff, wildling nature. Almost a year of ceaseless travel had exhausted her physically and mentally, and the many crumbling packs left a great void of draining disappointment. Yet the past two months had been a blessing of stability and Tuwawi would be damned to see it shaken. Her undying propensity to protect Swiftcurrent was righteous, however selfish. And now, as a woman with child, her tolerance for any hazard or menace was nonexistent.

Eight? Tuwawi pondered as she rooted around in Bazi's fur, not knowing what she counted for, though it became clear as it was explained. The Sveijarn listened how the Outrider had hoped to obtain some nugget of information from the dusky Silvertip female. "That one is a fool. Jinx will ruin her," Tuwawi snarked, unimpressed by the sheer lack of emotional restraint and territory know-how. At the very least, she had left without too much of a fuss. "I doubt what she said about Jinx is true. Swiftcurrent has done nothing to warrant it," the ember said with a huff, "Kesuks are different... not so.... shallow.... But we should tell Fox all the same."

The Sveijarn lifted her weight off Bazi and eeked away, though the gap between them remained small. At the mention of Xi'Nuata, her red hair spiked and dotted brows narrowed pensively in a clear a look of begrudged agreement. What Bazi said was true. The creek was just a patch of land smack dab in the middle of rising sun valley. It was not the Vale. Nor the Plateau. Nor the Ridge. Nor the Mountain... any could easily cross a scent mark if they chose, unhindered by the Earth's flat shape. The water drew visitors, too... both the good and the unsavory.

"So am I," she concurred, though nothing else was added. How could they better secure their claim? "We must be firm," was the only suggestion. The pack could be aloof at times, and if they truly wanted to keep intruders at bay then it was necessary to make it clear no wolf could come near their borders without consequence. Tuwawi sighed, a bit frustrated by the trivial thoughts. "Come... let us find Fox," she suggested as she turned to look back in the direction of the creek, eager to leave the lakefront in favor of their comfortable home.