Nova Peak When you skip steps on the way up

By the time Yami had recognized her season was upon her, it had nearly passed. She had been fortunate to not have come across the paths of any males that would've tried to take advantage of her, and she'd had enough self control to not go seeking any either. She'd never really considered the possibility of becoming a parent one day, but it didn't take her more than three seconds to decide there was no chance in hell that she wanted that for herself. She was determined now that she'd recognize the signs next year for what they were and would do everything in her power to avoid the risks. No tiny leeches for her, thank you.

With that behind her, it gave her the clarity to reflect on other things about her situation. She hadn't lost the notion that this semi-solitary life on the mountain was waning in its charm, but she still hadn't determined how to broach the subject with Kiwi, or if she should at all. Her friend was headstrong and determined. Yami could be the same, but she simply didn't feel that passionately about anything, so it was easy for her to defer to Kiwi's wishes on what the road ahead for them looked like.

Speaking of Kiwi.

Yami's ears twitched as she heard movement nearby. She opened her eyes slowly and gave a few bleary-eyed blinks out at the mountainside that stretched out before her, focusing hazily on a red blur that she was pretty sure was Kiwi. She'd been sunning herself and enjoying the day's warmth and had gone ahead and dozed off. Her muzzle split into a wide yawn as she lifted her head from the ground and rolled from her side onto her stomach, figuring the red blur would be coming nearer and want to chat.