Moonspear know that the shine inside will always keep you strong

His sneezed startled her, wet eyes flying wide, only for Tiuttuk to quickly realize there was no danger. Pie bit her lip, wondering if it was possible to feel any more sheepish than she already did. What must Katmai think of her?

Whatever it was, he indulged her request to change subjects. Her eyes softened a little at the obviously heartfelt endeavor he was undertaking. Although some of his words made the tears slip a little faster—she didn’t even bother wiping at them now—they stemmed from a profound sense of understanding. And deep, deep longing.

His earlier words repeated in her head: “I think villages must be like flowers—they bloom, and they also fade. But the root of it is still there, and they bloom again a slightly different shade, or with their petals just so, or a few feet to the left—” Some might call it cheesy, but that sentiment embedded itself deep into her heart.

That sounds wonderful, she said on a sigh, well aware that the words were about as bland as they came. I really mean it. Make it happen, Katmai.

She paused to weigh his mention of Kinusi, wondering if Alaric’s daughter would want to settle down and lead. Did Katmai have romantic designs upon her? Treepie was so curious, though she held back from questioning him about that particular detail just now.

Instead, she wondered, What territories are under consideration, if any? as her eyes idly swept over the mountainside for the nth time.