Swiftcurrent Creek disappointed people clinging onto bottles

"I like to think Akavir and I are pretty close these days." Wren said, standing tall as she spoke.

"That's good that things are alright," which was the opposite of how she felt. Things were not alright—especially things including Akavir. Hearing that they were "pretty close" was something she hadn't expected, adding more confusion to the subject. Was Wren the reason Akavir hadn't slept with her? Her stomach twisted at the thought.

What made things worse was that Wren was better than her in every way—she was a pretty, young thing that could give him children for years to come. She was in her prime, and Eshe was over the hill. It felt impossible to compete, given the circumstances.

Her upset simmered on the back burner as they discussed what they'd hunt. "No worries if not," she said, waving her tail. "Honestly, I'm fine with anything—I'm not picky!"