Mount Apikuni roots

Acheron liked the freedom of wandering on his own. He had no one to answer to or consider when making decisions. He did miss his family, of course, and having them to care for. But for now, he was mostly content.

He explored the base of the mountain for something to eat or plants to carry to the small, hollowed out log he was pulling around. He kept important medicines in there just in case he hurt himself or came upon someone that was injured. 

A familiar scent made him freeze. Mom? It smelled so much like her, but with closer inspection, he could pick out the subtle differences. He knew immediately it belonged to a sibling. 

Acheron tracked it to the source and was frozen in place for a few moments. He hadn't seen her since she was tiny, but he still knew her. His baby sister. Malila? he finally said. And then he could say nothing else.