The Heartwood Omak

Ah—a long time, indeed. Although Ariadne wasn't exactly sure how old Kannoyak was—she certainly wasn't going to ask!—she figured many moons had passed since he'd started his journey as a pathmaker.

They'd been talking so long that Ariadne had lost track of time, and soon, she realized that she needed to get back to her children. She frowned, not wanting their conversation to end.

I am so sorry to do this, but I need to get back to my children, she said, shifting her weight between her paws. Will you be around here? I'd ... like to see you again.