Moonspear ^___________________________^

Treepie realized she had assumed something along the same lines. What else would send a mother and her young pups seeking refuge in an unknown village? She thought back to Pala’s arrival, though she couldn’t recall many details about their exchange at the time. All she remembered was mention of a fight, though no details about whether it had been physical or verbal.

Her own words from moments ago replayed in her head. Part of the reason she’d sought out Pala was to nurture her relationship with an older female. But she had given the real reason at the time: “I want to get to know you better. Especially after what happened at the borders the other day, I realize I don’t really know you or your story in any depth.”

Maybe if Pala hadn’t been so cagey about everything, she and Alaric wouldn’t have made assumptions that proved incorrect. Tiuttuk felt frustration wash through her, especially when the woman doubled down on her intent to depart. She preemptively dismissed any notion of reconciliation and it reminded Pie of how she’d been stonewalled the last time.

You know what, Pala, I think that’s for the best, Pie said, careful to keep her face and tone neutral.

Those who lived in Moonspear should want to be here. They should feel at home, feel safe. If Pala didn’t, Tiuttuk didn’t think arguing with her would do any good. And if she wasn’t open to talking it through with Alaric, then there was no hope at all. It felt like an awful way to repay them for taking her in during her time of need, though was Tiuttuk really surprised?

Everyone bailed in the end.