Ouroboros Spine BWP: TSS There be treasure here

Smemesh’s jaws parted in a relaxed smile, happy to watch Ajei push the geode pieces back and forth to see all the ways they reflected the light. She’d never been given a crystal to play with — her master’s collection was too important to him — but she’d loved resting her head on his leg as he worked.

When Ajei offered Shemesh a part of her treasure, too many emotions swelled in her chest. She whined happily and turned the geode over so it would glint in the sun. ”Oh Ajei, pitzsele… You’re very, very welcome,” she said, tail wagging in appreciation. Then, after a few seconds of quiet: ”You’ve got shmutz on your face.” Shemesh leaned down to lick a smudge off the dirt-covered girl’s cheek; she’d probably need a bath whenever she got home to her family.

Speaking of getting home… Shemesh plucked the geode piece from its place in the earth and held it between her teeth. ”I have to go, Ajei,” she said, a sadness to her voice. ”My… Someone I love a lot is waiting for me, the one who taught me about geodes. Will you be safe getting home on your own?” Shemesh would wait with her if she had to, even though her paws itched to keep moving.

She’d only just met Ajei, but the red-furred girl would always be worth helping.