Moonspear ^____________________^

@Pala? Treepie said sotto voce as she approached the entrance to the healing ulaq.

She didn’t want to disturb @Ignace and @Ludovicus—or their mother, for that matter—if they were napping. Should they be awake, Tiuttuk had rummaged up a gift for them, though there was no sign of it just now. She would have to take them to it.

Rather than peek inside the log, she backtracked a few steps and took a seat. She raised a hind leg to an itch behind her right ear, yellow eyes still trained on the den’s mouth, dim in the mellow April sunlight that poured down from a nearly cloudless sky.

Moonspear had brought her an easy peace that she was learning to appreciate. Laid within the ulaq, she watched her children as they ran about until the voice of Treepie hit her ears. Rising to her paws, she exited the log to greet her - Ludovicus and Ignace close behind, nipping playfully at her legs.

Good morning. She offered up the greeting, happy to see her friend. But she did not speak too much, waiting to see why Treepie had come. Though her children on the other hand were quick to bound over to the Moonspear girl in search of treats, a bit more polite this time, waiting with wagging tails rather than leaping to search fur as they had with Alaric. Pala had been sure to give them a good talking to after that instance.

All three newcomers were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Glad that she hadn’t incidentally interrupted anyone’s sleep schedule, Treepie moved forward again to nuzzle each of the boys’ heads. She then raised her own to nip at Pala’s nose in greeting.

I think you should choose your own ulaq, if you want, Tiuttuk said, but in the meantime, I set up some furs in the one nearest my own. It used to belong to the Sveijarn-Cortens, I’m told. I never knew them, but they chose a nice spot. I’d like to show you, if you and the boys are up for it?

If they needed more time, the Regent wouldn’t argue. But as she glanced at the moldering log, she couldn’t help but feel the need to offer Pala, Ignace and Ludovicus somewhere more comfortable, not to mention safer. The healing ulaq was near the borders by design, though it wasn’t the securest location for younglings.

With a swish of her tail, Pie made sure to offer, I’ll carry anyone whose legs get tired. Even you, if it comes down to it, she said to Pala directly, yellow eyes glimmering.

The labels on our map are out of date, which actually serves us well here. She’s taking them to the one marked “Njord and Meerkat.” :)

Treepie spoke her offer, and for a brief moment Pala felt her heart swell with joy. The Moonspear wolves were truly beginning to accept her. Smiling, she looked down at her pups. Alright, let's go take a look then. She said, tail swaying behind her.

With a step forward to follow Treepie, both boys bounded forward rearing and ready to go. They had become far more mobile since their initial arrival, and had far more energy as well. Looks like they might try and beat us.. She held back a snicker. So long as both stayed in their sights, it was probably fine - not that either one knew where they were going anyways.

Both little ones bounded out of the den, as if to prove their legs were wide awake. Treepie laughed along with their mother, eyes bright as she trotted after them. The climb would be a little demanding, though she reminded herself that they came from mountain stock. In any case, it would help condition them to life on these slopes.

With this in mind, Treepie caught up to the pups, nipping at their tails as she strode past them. She glanced over her shoulder and flicked her own ink-dipped tail in invitation, then picked up the pace a bit in the hopes Ignace and Ludovicus might give chase.

Pups chased after Pie with a clear determination to catch her. The inked tipped tail was a very convincing target. Pala was happy to fall behind and keep watch, far more comfortable to watch the fun rather than participating herself.

Are you sure it's alright for us to take someone else's den? She asked. Even if they were gone now, they could return one day. But then again, Pala didn't want to complain about a pre-dug home, or a gift given to her by Treepie.

They took the bait. Treepie grinned and loped up the incline, the boys following her lead by design. She made sure to check her pace, allowing them to nearly catch up to her every so often before darting ahead again. She enjoyed the game and hopefully they did too.

As they neared her own ulaq, Tiuttuk finally slowed down enough to let them capture her. She even sat, making herself an easier target if they wanted to pounce. She welcomed it, as it gave her an excuse to touch them with her muzzle or paws, strengthening their bonds.

She looked up at Pala’s question to say, Oh, they left long ago—before I was born—to make their own pack. You can stay there as long as you like, or you can eventually make one of your own. It’s up to you.

She wasn’t actually sure if that timeline was accurate, though it didn’t matter much. The Sveijarn-Cortens had no claim over the homestead which Tiuttuk had carefully tidied the other day. She had even dragged some of her own skins there to make it more cozy.

It’s just over here, she said, bouncing back onto her feet and striding along the path that led to the ulaq. Surprise! she called out when she reached it, sweeping a foreleg toward the entry to welcome the family to investigate their new home.

Once Treepie stopped, both boys ran and pounced - one at her flank and the other a leg. They mouthed and grabbed with paws, but were generally gentle. Both were learning the difference between a harsh bite and a love bite quite swiftly from the cries each let out if the other was too aggressive.

It was confirmed that the den was long empty, and Pala was able to relax with that reassurance. As they reached the log her tail waved lightly, it was perfect. She spoke, a clear smile crossing her face. Thank you Treepie, really. This is all very generous.

Upon arrival both boys quickly lost interest in the older pair, more interested in investigating the unfamiliar ulaq.

I’m glad you like it, Treepie said, backing up a few steps to give the trio room. You can stay here as long as you want, she repeated her earlier words, her voice trailing off into a happy hum.

She retreated several more steps, giving them the chance to look inside and find the skins she’d left. That reminded her: she needed to fetch the fox pelt they’d left behind. Pie wondered if it was in the healing ulaq or if Pala may have stashed it elsewhere for safekeeping.

Is the fox pelt I gave you back in the log? she queried. I’ll go get it for you while you three get settled in.

The fox pelt! It was good that one of them remembered, Ludo had gotten pretty attached to the thing. Right! It should just be in my nest, as long as Ignace didn't hide it again. The charcoal boy had played the mean trick a couple times now.

Thank you.. again. She searched the eyes of the other, as though to prove her sincerity. She wanted her to know that she meant it.

You’re welcome, Treepie said with a wave of her tail. We’re pretty much neighbors now, which means you’ll have a willing babysitter just steps away. Her lips curved into a grin. You’re welcome to stop by my place anytime, on that note.

For now, though, she wanted to give the family some time to check out their new place without her hovering. She tipped her head at Pala, motioning for her to rejoin her boys, and then swiveled on a lithe paw to head back down the mountain. She planned to grab the skin, drop it off, then retire to her own ulaq.

As she loped downhill, her face glowed. It would be so lovely, having them nearby, and they would probably visit each other most days. It would be nice to have a friend so close, not to mention babies to fawn over. It made her heart smile.