Moonspear ^___________________^

When she found him, Treepie immediately noticed the harried look on Alaric’s face. She frowned, making a small noise in her throat to announce her presence. Without a word, she then stepped closer to him and gently butted her head into his shoulder. She pressed the rest of her lissome body against him like a cat, touching his chin in affectionate deference.

I’ve been meaning to talk to you, Pie said after a moment, still leaning against him gently. When I came back, I was convinced I wasn’t cut out to be a leader, once and for all. But in keeping my promise to anaa, I’ve realized that I do have many things to offer this village. She paused for a beat, then cut straight to the point, I want to step up and help. I’m not ready to be a ruler in my own right but I was hoping I could be your second. I’ll support you and you can teach me.

She would never be the ambassador and socialite Sialuk had been. But there was merit to being a loyal homebody, Tiuttuk told herself for the nth time. She just hoped Alaric agreed. Her heart thunked against her ribs as she angled her face to look up into his.