Moonspear ^_____________________________^

Tikaani arrived, though she said nothing. Perhaps she sensed they were in the middle of an important conversation. Tiuttuk padded over to nuzzle her sister, then stepped back to where she had been standing previously to hear Alaric’s answer.

She was grateful when he didn’t deflect, nor try to sugarcoat his response. Pie sensed his honesty and noticed the subtle lack of weight on his broad shoulders. Perhaps this disband was a relief after the pack had been limping along for such a long time. That thought made her stomach clench.

And you would be thriving this way, not just surviving? she pressed gently, eyes flicking to Tiki as she wondered whether her best friend might enjoy a similar path. Because if that’s what would make you happiest, then you should do it, Alaric.

She wanted to insist he should visit her when he could, though Treepie didn’t know where she would be at this point. The part of her that wanted to stay on Moonspear, even all by herself, was shrinking as she faced the reality of the situation. Staying with the Redhawks made sense, though the mere thought made her paw pads sweaty.

Let’s go visit our taataa, she repeated, eyes catching Tiki’s before moving back to Alaric’s face, and your sistraa. Meet their children. And then each of us can decide what to do from there. If that sounds like a plan.

While she gave them a moment to think on that, Treepie gazed up the mountain looming over their heads. She felt tears prick her eyes and made no attempt to stop them as they gathered in the corners and began to slip down her cheeks. She had done everything she could to stop this day from coming and honor Sialuk’s legacy. So many feelings welled up in her chest, they were too confusing to name.

Sorry, she said—perhaps to the mountain, or the two wolves standing there with her, or her anaa, or maybe even herself, and thank you for everything.