Big Salmon Lake Why are you hanging on so tight

Periane embraced the lead. She looked to the same mountains as Pie prepared to issue more detailed directions. She would tell the gift-bearer exactly where to find the entrance to the vale.

The question caught her by surprise, her open mouth clapping shut and then reopening on silent air. Yes, she supposed she could take it back to Moonspear and keep it safe until she had an opportunity to deliver it to Pala.

I’ll be sure to give you credit when I give it to her, Treepie assured, dipping her head in thanks. She and I spoke of an alliance. This pelt could very well seal it.

Her yellow gaze drifted to the drying fur, gleaming and fragrant. She imagined Pala’s face when she presented such a gift to the new mother. Already, she felt excitement and even a little impatience stirring deep in her gut as she pondered the timing and other logistics of such a trip.

But she must mull over these things later, she reminded herself with a blink. Treepie gazed at Periane, admiring the woman who would give away so much time and effort to an unseen, unknown stranger. It was unbelievably generous.

Thank you, didn’t seem like enough.