Duck Lake the grass is growing on top of my feet

faced with the question of identity.

she felt that petal was the name of a dainty child. one who still hid behind sisters and mother's golden limbs. one who had not seen the cutting world.

so it was forsythia who emerged now. a name that still carried brightness by its nature alone but was not just one simple part of something.

forsythia, she decided to tell him now. a soft, tentative wave to her tail. would mother be proud? to know that a daughter took the first part of her name in claim now.

she realized though that some of bearclaw might still know her by a different name.

let them, she decided. then they will see me new when we meet again. no longer the scared child, cowering and fleeing tensions. one who decided to grasp whatever she could for survival.

it will be good to see you again. her chin lifted if only to look a bit more into his face.