Moonspear her beautiful chaos

Meerkat led the small family hurriedly across the ridge, down through Ravensblood, and across the hot springs as they followed Whitefish River South. The great mountain, named Moonspear, watched them the whole way. Its massive snowcapped peak was like a church’s white steeple… the promise of the sanctuary at the end of their pilgrimage.

Njord was a stranger to these lands and relied on his wife’s deep wisdom to ferry them safely through the different territories. As loners, they were vulnerable to attack. It meant many sleepless nights, on top of their already strained hearts. Each step away from the ravine, and the last trace of Swordfish, added a stone to their burdens until they bore unimaginable weight. Unlike Meerkat, Njord also thought of Sapphique. They had meant to leave… but not like this. Not on these terms. He never wanted anyone to die.

The trio arrived at Moonspear’s borders in a state. Meerkat howled for Sialuk and immediately crumpled as if it was all finally too much to carry. Njord found it within himself to act strong. He put one leg across Meerkat and stood over her protectively. Njord looked to Stringray to huddle in close. He kissed Meerkat’s cheeks. Tasted their salt.

Sialuk did not leave them waiting long. She was here, just as his wife knew she would be. Swiftly, the healer came to Meerkat’s side. Njord moved to make room. What was there to say? Where to even begin? The man did not know if he could recount their harrowing tale and keep his composure.

“A bear attacked Sapphique,” Njord began. If Meerkat was as close to Sialuk as she said, then the pale traveler would understand the deadly implications of that event. She would know the destruction. The death.

“Our son, Swordfish, ran but we couldnae find 'im.” The words almost didn’t come out. Saying it made it feel so real. So final.

His blue eyes cascaded down to his pregnant wife. Over to his son, Stingray. Then, to Sialuk. “Please…” help.