Grouse Thicket i was supposed to be sent away

Meerkat extended another olive branch to them, and Kigipigak quickly turned it down. Asivaq watched as the others talked, un-wrangable emotion creeping up her spine. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she listened to Njord, who practically begged them to stay, and she worried her bottom lip as she waited for her turn to speak.

Although they’d already decided what to do, something he said resonated with her: “Ye needn’t walk this path alone. We’d be stronger ta’gether.” There was truth to this that she couldn’t deny; she was slowly considering that she wasn’t the Issumatar that her family needed.  That, perhaps, they’d do better under the leadership of a capable leader. She did not speak on these thoughts, but let herself stew in them.

Asivaq dropped her head, unable to meet any of their eyes, as shame and embarrassment overcame her.

Your offer is too kind, thank you, she began, her words hollow as she studied her paws. Her vision began to blur. I am so sorry we cannot take you up on it. She took a deep breath and shimmied closer to Kigipigak until she felt his fur mingle with hers. That forest is cursed, and we need to get away from it—it is just a reminder ... of everything ... I've done wrong. She couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence.