Redhawk Caldera I hear a joke and I know you would have told it better

Maia had stepped down and stepped back in pack life a while. Everything had been a little overwhelming and, despite knowing Eljay believed in her completely, she could not shake the sense that she wasn’t the best choice to lead them into the future.

Kivaluk did not seem to agree, and Maia wondered if it was genuine or simply a result of being Chickadee’s mother. Then she realized how uncharitable that thought was and kicked herself more for having it. Even after all these years, and motherhood many times over, she still couldn’t shake the sensation that she was flailing in the dark.

Maia smiled briefly, then stretched and moved off towards the lake. Perhaps fishing would take her mind off of things? The pack lands were quiet; her grandchildren thrived, but the pack seemed to grow smaller and smaller. Fishing always made her feel Teya might show up unexpectedly, joining with a smile just the way she used to. She hoped the other woman had found happiness but still couldn’t see how it would be possible in separating herself from the ones that loved her.

Maia slipped into the water, subdued some by those thoughts, and waited. She wasn’t the greatest at fishing but it did take most of her attention when she tried. If she managed to keep still long enough, maybe she could catch lunch for herself and Eljay here.