Moonspear ^_______________________^

Treepie refused to pay a visit to the caldera, though not out of spite. No, she missed her taataa and wished to see his face. She simply couldn’t leave Moonspear right now. They were still few, with young ones to tend, and it was possible Chaudry might return despite Alaric’s warning. She would not go on any forays and leave the village and its inhabitants vulnerable.

Presently, she shuffled along the base of the mountain, reinforcing the borders. Every so often, she paused to enjoy the splendors of spring. It was the season of blooming and new life. They didn’t anticipate any more puppies born here, though Tiuttuk wondered if she might become an anaa this time next year.

She supposed that would require a suitable male, assuming she was physically capable of bearing offspring. There was only Glaukos, though hopefully that might change in the intervening year. His strength impressed her, though she would not soon forget that he had once pursued—and quite possibly laid with—her own mother.

Her nose wrinkled and Treepie let out a light laugh as she slowed to a stop. She watched honeybees bumble and drift around a nearby patch of clovers. Her head tilted when two of them bumped into one another and proceeded to fight, their angry buzzing making her ears twitch.

Tiki knew Treepie should visit their father. But she wasn't sure how to approach such a thing without upsetting her. She could stay behind and go visit another time and vice versa. Though admittedly she was not as close to him. Her own fault of course. Tiki was a wanderer and forgot sometimes to check in with wolves who loved her.

Otherwise the Spear was quiet and lazy. Not many came here. It was actually a little frightening if wolves came here. They did not have large numbers. Oh they would do what they could, but well.

Tiki unlike Pie had not thought of her pups, but she was one who tended to live in the moment. Again she'd blame that wandering spirit.

Tiki heard the laughter and headed towards it. Heya Pie

Not long after it began, the fight ended with the bees tumbling apart and drifting off to other blossoms. Treepie’s attention slowly turned back to the borderline. She took a few steps past the clover patch, then dipped her hips to sprinkle a few drops of urine on the earth. She reinforced the marking by swiping her paw pads through the grass and soil underneath.

Just as she unbowed her back, Tikaani sidled into view. Although she felt a flicker of warmth in her cheeks at being spotted—Pie never liked being perceived whilst relieving herself, as it called attention to her pudendum—she flashed her sister an easy smile. It only took her a beat longer than normal to meet Tiki’s eyes.

Heya, she replied. What’re you up to? I was just working the borders… and daydreaming, Pie admitted with another light laugh.

The bees were out in full force today. Tiki liked it. It meant further that the beginning of spring was upon them. And she longed for it. Winter had been long and cold and lonely. Even though she had her sister. It had been hard. 

Tiki returned the smile. She hadn't thought she had come into view at an improper time. She felt a little bad when she realized. Her own cheeks warming at her sister's. But she tilted her head and shifted closer. Listening. 

Just heading for the borders. I was debating whether or not to go exploring today.

Where would you head? Pie wondered conversationally. Then a thought struck her, her lips curling as she added, Want to do me a favor and keep an eye out for eligible bachelors while you’re out there? She snickered, head ducking a little, before elaborating, I was just thinking about how I’d love to become an anaa next year… which means I’ll need to find a man. And I don’t know about you, but I think I’d like to commit to a single partner and raise my kids with him.

She hummed under her breath, eyes twinkling as she shared these musings with her half-sister. Pie wondered how Tiki felt about all of it. She hoped she might divulge her own hopes and dreams on matters of the heart before she flounced away on her field trip.

Tiki shook her head. I have no idea. Just roam around probably. Stay nesr thr mountains. I haven't gone down into the valley yet. Little worried about going that far.

She blinked surprised. Uh sure I can do that. What kinda fella do ya want?

She thought about it. She didn't know anyone she could think of, of the male persuasion other than brothers and dad . She wrinkled her nose.

Tiki frowned in thought. I haven't thought much about it. But yea I'd probably want someone juat for me. Someone who stays.

Her request appeared to throw Tiki. Treepie suppressed a laugh at her companion’s surprised expression. Her eyes went soft when Tiki said, “Someone who stays.”

That sounds like good criteria, she quipped. Put that on my list too. Ummm, as for what else… She gazed out toward the glen, yellow eyes glazing a little as she pondered the prompt. He needs to be handsome, of course. I know that’s probably shallow, but… it’s important. Right?

She tittered a little, trying to catch Tiki’s eye. Maybe it was vapid, yet it was about romantic attraction, wasn’t it? She wanted to look upon her potential partner and feel drawn to him. She wanted to fall in love, whatever that looked and felt like. She wanted an ugi.

Besides loyalty, what else would you want in a man? Or, Pie added, head tilting and eyes brightening, a woman? I don’t know if you have a preference. Do you?

Tiki didn't know what to say. She hadn't thought on it. So as she digested her sister's words. She also thought of her own answers. Her own preferences and she came up short. Because she didn't know 

Tiki laughed. I suppose so. We're pretty so they should be handsome. 

And they were the two sister's. Their pelts most unusual and possibly sought after.

Tiki shifted. I don't know if I like one or the other yet. But regardless of that. I want someone loyal, and kind. But not too kind. Someone skilled in something. Passionate about something whether it be a skill or something else.

Tiuttuk grinned at her sister’s comment, suddenly puffing up a little. She was right, they were both rather fetching. She preened for a moment, though her friend’s words soon recaptured the entirety of her attention. Tikaani seemed less concerned with genders than with other characteristics, her brief checklist intriguing.

Those are all important traits, Pie concurred, particularly loyalty. Her lips pursed on a thoughtful hum. I want to find a man, an ugi, because I definitely want to be a mother, although whether nature might permit this remained to be seen. What about you? Do you think you’ll want kids someday, Tiki?

Tikaani knew they were pretty. And anyone who thought otherwise. Was well a bit of a fool. But she also wasn't fully sure if it mattered in the scheme of all things.

Tiki thought about it. The brief moments she met the children of Pala. They were adorable and ahe had enjoyed spending time. But did she want her own. Again she wasn't sure. She knew what her sister wanted her to say. But how could she tell a lie?

I'm actually not sure. I like kids. Think they're super cute and I love playing with them, but I also like to give them back.

Tiuttuk chortled at Tikaani’s response and quipped, You can always give them to me, and bumped her muzzle against her sister’s. More seriously, she added, If nothing else, you’ll make a fantastic auntie, Tiki.

It went without saying that Pie would love for Tiki to be involved with her kids, in whatever capacity she wished. Even if she did end up with children of her own, that wouldn’t change, though that train of thought suddenly swerved around a corner and jumped the tracks.

What if it turned out Pie couldn’t bear young? And what if Tiki could? The thought made something unpleasant squirm in the pit of her belly. She pushed it down, as she did all negative thoughts about her anatomical situation. Pie just had to hope things would work out for her, particularly as she deserved as much after everything life had put her through.

Anyway, don’t let me keep you, she said after clearing her throat. But bring me back a souvenir from wherever you go, okay? Doesn’t have to be a guy, she remembered to say on another light laugh.

A small smile and she chuckled. If she had to ever give any children up. Pie would be her first choice 

I hope so.

Tiki didn't even think about Pie being unable. She could never fathom pie not getting what she wanted or deserved.

A small smile. Okay I will. And I'll be back before nightfall.

I’ll wait up, Treepie promised with a swish of her tail. Have fun out there.

She gave her sister’s rump a playful nip, yellow eyes tracking Tiki’s movements for a moment as she headed out into the world. Pie then let out a breath and returned her attention to her immediate surroundings. There was still a good stretch of border to mark. She made herself focus, resisting the allures of spring all around her as she paced around the foot of the mountain.