Moonspear ^___________^

An unfamiliar face appeared in the mouth of the ulaq, dripping with rainwater. Treepie blinked in surprise, though quickly recovered and smiled. She didn’t know this woman, though her scent—amplified by the damp—was slightly familiar.

Hello, the youngster chirped, shuffling to the side to make room for Bridget. Yes, I’m okay. I had a stomachache but it’s going away now, Pie added, blowing out a breath.

Her own words made her think. Why had she felt ill, and so suddenly? Sialuk had explained what might’ve prompted her nausea the other day, though Treepie had eaten a balanced breakfast this morning. And she hadn’t really traveled anywhere, not really. Pie hadn’t even really made it to the glen.

Just as abruptly as before, her mouth filled with saliva and her stomach rolled. It wasn’t quite as severe as earlier, though her breath grew ragged and shallow as she fought this second onslaught of nausea.