Blackwater Islands schism

the wispmother continued to serve dutifully despite the slow erosion of her mind. every day she seemed to fall further into insanity, forgetting where she was, her position, even herself. the children, she hardly seemed to see at all; when she looked on them, her eyes were blank as if merely observing a piece of scenery. she knew only her name, her duty, and her melena. rarely did she address the listener by her rank, but this was forgiven, as all things. she had fulfilled the task given to her, though it had taken much from her, and naught but the listener's presence brought her peace now.

this in mind, the listener had sequestered her away for the final time. she was hidden among the myriad channels strewn underneath the spiritglade, never to be found by any save the listener herself. the children no longer had need of her; their teeth had come in, and now they could live as any other wolf.

the listener, for all her wisdom beyond her years, had no experience in raising children; her own vessel had scarcely left adolescence behind when she became a mother. even now she was only a pseudo-adult, not yet worthy even of the title of yearling. she thought to chew the meat before presenting it to @Morgra, @Isangrim, and @Ptolemy, but did not think to anticipate a gradual introduction. the shift would be immediate, she was certain.

she watched the children carefully after bringing them to her offering, encouraging each with a gentle nudge to move forward and eat.