Moonspear You've got all the butterflies tied up inside

Kini moved throughthe pack lands. A small smile on her maw. Music in her hum. She was helping her father clear out weeds. The garden wouldn't be ready until next spring now. But they could at least harvest some of it and get rid of the rest.

A small wiggle while she walked. A gentle huff of laughter. Back to singing again.

Her thoughts strayed today, in a decidedly southeasterly direction. How was her dad doing? Amalia? The kids? She suddenly yearned to see them. She had regained time, in a sense, but lost a lot of it too. A visit was long overdue. Treepie would find Alaric and Tikaani to tell them of her plans. She supposed she ought to let the leaders know too.

She and Kinusi had seen one another in passing, of course, but they hadn’t had a chance to have a proper conversation. Pie could hardly wait to gossip with her about Katmai. Perhaps Kinusi could provide some insights on Kindle, though Tiuttuk told herself not to get ahead of herself. He had a lot of potential as a suitor, though they’d only met once.

She spied her cousin seconds after hearing the pleasant, singsong lilt of her voice. Treepie smiled and hastened toward the other she-wolf, minding her manners as she approached. It was a little bit odd to bow to someone else on this mountain, though wasn’t there some saying about humble pies? The thought made her chuckle under her breath as her yellow eyes danced over her relative’s leggy figure.

Greetings, Kinusi! You’re doing well, I hope?

Kini didn't feel like a leader. The spear still felt like her dad's and Pies. Like she was just sort of holding their place for them. 

Kini didnt know the wolf kindle well yet. To be frank she was still learning about Katmai. But he made her laugh. He made her feel good about herself.

Heya Pie! she called out happily. Ignoring the bow to press a soft nudge to the other young woman. 

Want a snack? I took some from dad?

Kinusi’s offer immediately stirred up fond childhood memories. Her jaws parted on a wolfish grin. She wasn’t particularly hungry, though how could she decline?

Of course. For old times’ sake, she said with a laugh, tail waving. I’m so glad you’re back here, Kin, she added, her grin softening. And you brought friends! I like them all so far. Some more than others, perhaps. I want to hear everything you’ve been up to lately, though I especially want you to tell me all about this Katmai. Is he ugi material, perhaps?

She gave the other woman a mischievous look. They had not been close in a while, though Pie felt comfortable with her, as if no time had passed at all. She only hoped Kinusi felt the same way, and wouldn’t mind dishing.

Kinusi fished up a small treat for Pie and then chopped on her own. She wagged her tail. Listen i wouldn't have to raid if he didnt keep such tasty things for the pickings.

I brought Katmai, he brought friends. she huffed a laugh. But she didnt mind. Not really. 

I went to Neverwinter forest to be with Someone I thought was a friend. He seemed like he needed a pal. But then he went off and left me there. I met Kukutux daughter callyope and Solharr her mate, but then she sort of disappeared. Then him. Then he came back had a new wife. Then they all just went away again.

She sighed. I wouldn't trade it though. I learned a lot about myself. I learned how to heal better and sing better.

The next question caught her off guard. And she choked a little on her snack. She held up a paw and waved it around. Finally swallowing. 

I think so. I'm still getting to know him. But he makes me laugh. And he just gets me. We all know I'm a whole lot of something. But it doesn't bother him. And he makes me feel like it's okay to exist loudly.

Kinusi was so upbeat for someone who had been left behind repeatedly. Even though she had a positive outlook about it, Treepie couldn’t resist grabbing her into a quick hug. She admired Kin for it and wished she could accept life’s pitfalls with as much good humor as her young relative.

Nibbling at the hunk of meat from Alaric by proxy, Treepie raised her brows and insisted, You’re a whole lot of awesome. She chewed for a moment before humming, I’m glad he likes you for you. I bet it’s so nice finding a man who understands you. And accepts you. I’m happy for you, Kin.

And she was a little envious too. Pie wondered if that kind of love would ever find her. She felt a jolt of peculiarity when she remembered that she’d considered Kinusi’s dad as a potential mate. Tiuttuk still thought Alaric was amazing, though they had never revisited the topic after that one painful conversation.

But speaking of matches, Pie idly shared, I’m pretty sure I met Solharr. He was with a lady named Fleur. She frowned, thinking. I wonder what happened to Callyope. But then, I wonder that about everyone who goes away… Her ears pulled backward. But, ah, let’s not dwell on that sort of stuff, huh? Tell me, have you and Katmai kissed yet? she teased instead.

Kini saw no reason to be down about things. It made no sense. Why be sad about things you couldn't change. As long as you tried then the outcome was what it was.

Laughter danced from her maw as Treepie hugged her. She hugged back. It was nice.

Kini's smile grew mischievous. A toss of her head.I know. It's nice to know other people know it too.

Kini nodded her head.It is nice. Weird sometimes too not gonna lie.

She nodded. Yep. Flour was nice. Quiet but nice.

She chuckled. No, but he did bite my toes when we were playing in the hot springs.

She held up a paw. Which by the way you ever decide to go on a romantic date to the hot springs, think again. It smells worse than an old man's farts. Like way worse. It took me two days, two days Pie to get the smell out of my fur. But it was fun.

Treepie wiggled her eyebrows at Kinusi’s riposte, though before she could comment about the flirtatious nature of such an act, her cousin warned her about the hot springs’ odor. Pie blinked at her, then threw back her head and laughed at the crass commentary.

I mean, Pie said, still laughing, it sounds pretty romantic to me. Katmai must really like you if the stench didn’t deter him, although I’m guessing he stunk too.

It sounded like all kinds of fun to her, not to mention memorable. Maybe she would take someone there someday, despite Kinusi’s warning. It might be a good litmus test, she thought with a little snort. Her tail flicked.

Keep me posted on any other developments between you two. I love a good love story. And I don’t have any romantic prospects myself, Pie hedged, smiling as she tweaked her cousin’s dimple, so I have to live vicariously and all that.

She finished off the last bite of her thieved snack, then decided to quit pestering Kinusi about her love life and ask her about something else. Tiuttuk thought back on everything she’d said and honed in on something that evoked Moonspear’s past.

Are you studying to be a medic? Or just dabbling? Pie wondered. The healing ulaq kind of crumbled into dust. I don’t know if you know Haedwig well or at all, but she’s stashing some herbs and stuff in an old bear den. She said it’s not ideal, so maybe we could find somewhere better suited for the pack’s infirmary.

Kini saw the wiggle, but knew her next comments would throw it off the rails. And throw it, it did. Pie laughed. Kini laughed. It was a grand time.

Kini nodded. He did call me beautiful. It was nice. And yea he stunk too. I made him roll in flowers with me. Because gods.

Kin leaned into the touch. When you do. Grab it tight Pie. It's a pretty awesome time.

I was studying. But honestly didnt have many prospects to practice which is good. And now I have dad to learn from again. Hmm. Do you want to move it? Are you gonna be a healer like your Ana?

Oh, no, Pie said quickly shaking her head. She paused, thinking, then added, Moonspear was a place for healers. Dawnspear might be different, though I still think it would be a good idea to have a dedicated space for it. I mean, that healing ulaq got a lot of use, you know?

Thinking of Sialuk and the village’s past jogged her memory regarding her upcoming plans. She didn’t think Kinusi would mind, nor try to stop her, but it felt proper to inform the aspiring leaders of her movements.

Speaking of parents, I’d like to go visit my dad, his mate and their kids soon. I met them right after they were born and I’m way overdue for another visit. I don’t know if you remember him—Killdeer?—but they’re all living at Redhawk Caldera these days.

What do you want to pursue? And what would you like to see new with dawnspear?

She wasnt about to not ask. Pie was important. In a way the mountain was Pie. And Pie belonged here more than anyone else really.


Kini frowned trying to remember. Had she met him? Maybe briefly. mmm I think so. Oh yea! Tell the little furballs I said hi. I bet their cute. But what baby isn't.

She appreciated Kinusi’s warm, breezy acceptance and quickly said, I sure will. They’re probably full-grown by now, though I bet they’re still adorable.

As for her cousin’s immediately previous question, that required some consideration, especially since Treepie hadn’t really expected it. It had been quite some time since she’d bothered thinking about ranks or trades. They didn’t matter to her much these days, though she supposed she ought to change that now that she had a village to support again. She needed to find a way to contribute.

Advising is one of my specialties. I’d be happy to help in that way, if you and Katmai need it, she said with a small smile. I don’t really sing or tell stories very much anymore, though I had a thought earlier, when you mentioned healing and singing. I was going to joke that the right song could heal someone. I could perhaps pursue counseling more in-depth. But I’ll have to think on it more and get back to you, if that’s okay.

She nudged Kin’s chin, wondering what else they could talk about. There were so many things! At some point, she wanted to pick the other woman’s brain about Kindle, though that could wait for now. As much as she enjoyed discussing romance, there was still so much more ground to cover, just between the two of them.

Want to walk with me, and talk about… well, everything? she invited, holding out a foreleg to loop it with Kinusi’s. Maybe you could sing me a song. Not that I’m in a bad mood or anything, but your voice—and your company—has always cheered me up, Kini.

Kini chuckled. Maybe half grown. But always adorable.

Dad's a counselor I think or he planned to be. Maybe talk to him. Advisor would be good. I don't think we have any of those in the ranks yet. That's absolutely fine. Take all the time you need.

I'm always willing to sing.

She looped their legs and began a slow soulful ballad, low enough that it sounded good. But didn't hurt ears.

Tiuttuk swung their linked arms for a moment before letting go so they could walk together, Kinusi’s soulful song ringing pleasantly in her ears. Its notes made a longing rise up within the Ostrega. Perhaps she should return to her roots, resume her long-forgotten pursuit of the arts. Especially now that she had no ambitions on leadership—and none of its responsibilities—maybe it was time to indulge herself rather than worry about what was best for the village. That was Katmai’s and Kinusi’s burden to bear now, though of course she would always be there in the background.

When Kini’s song faded to a hum, Pie broke in to say, I thought of something I mentioned to Katmai that I should probably talk to you about as well. My greatest hope is to meet my own ugi and start a family. I want very much to be an anaa. I know that, traditionally, rank plays into such things. I don’t have any aspirations there, though I will do whatever you might ask of me in order to hold onto this dream. It means everything to me.

She halted to look her cousin in the eye. It was not a challenge in any way. Treepie simply wanted to convey how much this dream meant to her, so that Kinusi could advise her accordingly. Her blessing would mean the world to Pie.

Kinusi was a firm believer in living for yourself. And if it helped out those you cared for all the better. Perhaps it was cruel to live life selfishly oneself. But she knew no other way to be. She could not would not fit in a box of another's making. Her worth was more than that. Her soul louder. So had she known Tiuttuk's thoughts she'd have told her. Do it! Don't worry about me or them, just do it. Live!

She was stopped cold for a moment. Blue eyes blinking. The only thing her mother gave her. Would she, could she be a good mom?

She spoke quieter than usual. Her tone showing her care with Pie's precious dream. As long as we have the bodies to support it. I have no objections. But I am only half of this leadership gig.

Kinusi offered her support, though it was conditional. Tiuttuk knew this was both fair and valid, though her heart sank in her chest. What if the conditions weren’t right when the time came? Would the leaders refuse her? She had a revelation just then: she would not let anyone or anything stand in the way of her lifelong dream. If she had to leave Moonspear to realize it, so be it.

She hoped it wouldn’t come to that and gave no indication of her secret vow, saying only, I understand. She turned her head to peer into the distance for a moment, taking a beat to collect her thoughts. Do you think you will seek to be an anaa, come springtime?

Part of Kinusi knew that she didn't give Tiuttuk exactly what she wanted. However, Kini also knew it was not only Pie she was now responsible for. Every wolf in the pack was someone she now had to care for. That was a distinctly sobering thought. One that even quieted the songs in her head.

 I'm sorry I can't give you more than that Tiuttuk. But it's not just you I'm responsible for anymore. I have to take care of every single wolf in this pack. But I will do my level best to make sure you get your dream if I can.

A soft noise at the last question. To be fair she hadn't thought about it. She'd been sort of in a whirlwind since meeting Katmai and now they were running an entire pack. 

I haven't thought about it much. I been so busy with meeting Katmai then building a pack. And then so many wolves and dogs came I've been just hanging on. If I do. I hope im a better mom than mine.

Despite her best efforts to conceal her inward concerns, Kinusi seemed to sense them. She apologized and provided more context. Something about her phrasing bothered Tiuttuk in a way she couldn’t put a finger on right away. Later, after some deep contemplation, she would come to realize she resented the idea of anyone thinking they could just curtail what wasn’t only her dream but her entire life’s purpose.

I understand, she repeated patiently now.

Kinusi confessed she hadn’t given it much thought, which likewise irked Treepie. Pups seemed like an afterthought to her, which was fine. Not everybody lived to be a parent the way Tiuttuk did. But she felt a sick lurch in her belly as Kinusi talked so flippantly about something that truly meant the world to Pie.

I think you would make a good anaa, she said despite herself. Both our mothers left us, though we don’t have to follow in their footsteps. I will never leave my children behind. If they choose to leave when they’re of the proper age, that’s fine. Natural, even. But it won’t ever happen the other way around.

She spoke as if her future children were a given, even after the previous reality check. In Pie’s mind, they were a foregone conclusion. She understood Kinusi’s logic and pragmatism, but the heart prevailed.

Kini had not really felt anything, but a slight tenseness. Her words were more to explain herself. She felt bad that she had essentially in a way sort of crushed a dream or put conditions on it. She wished she didn't have too. 

The set of Treepies shoulders told Kinusi that she had said something wrong, but what she didn't know. She was being honest. She hadn't thought about children yet. She was barely 1 year old for crying out loud. Not to mention that felt like a conversation she and Katmai needed to have. Not her and making a decision without him. That felt cruel. 

Kinusi felt her tongue tuck behind her fangs when Treepie, essentially made it clear she'd be having children. Despite what Kinusi had just said. And something in her stomach fell hard. What would happen if they could not support and Treepie didn't listen to her and had children anyway. What would she have to do to protect the pack against her own family and pack mates. She wasn't sure entirely what to do. And Treepie was always stubborn. Always. Almost nastily so. 

A small smile, as she swallowed the unease that had riddled her chest and throat. I don't believe i Would leave them. But if they are anything like me. They may leave me rather early.

#600 for you! :D

I can’t remember how old you were when you left, Pie admitted, but you were able to look after yourself, right? I’m sure you can raise your children to be as ready to take on the world as you were… you are, she corrected. Did you picture this, by the way? Not just becoming a leader, but founding your own pack?

She had never done such a thing and didn’t think she had the right qualities. Both Kinusi and Katmai possessed a charisma that Tiuttuk simply lacked. They had both ventured out into the world, met many faces and brought them home. She admired this gift, even if part of her was still adjusting to the realities of accepting a new village and its chieftains.

Kini frowned in thought. Had she been six months old? Or just shy of it. Truthfully she couldn't much remember. I was around six months old I Think. I can't say I exactly looked after myself. I was lucky, I found wolves that helped me. Oh i could hunt and trade my skills for food. But there were some things I wasn't ready for.  

She spoke candidly. She hadn't even seen the worse that the world could do. But in her short time she had seen a lot of missing and dead.  The next question she reined her thoughts in. Unsure. 

Honestly, no. I always knew I'd want a pack to belong to again. But I never saw myself leading it. Truthfully i simply saw myself as the sassy healer, who liked to sing. Kind of like dad. There on the outskirts helping those i could, making those laugh who I couldn't.

The dark implications didn’t really surprise her. Treepie frowned, touching her muzzle lightly to Kinusi’s shoulder. She didn’t think any wolf belonged on its own, regardless of age. Even the oldest, most experienced wolf needed the support of a pack to survive.

You can be the sassy, singing healer and a leader. I believe in you, Kin, Treepie said, with feeling. It was the truth. I think you and Katmai complement each other. You make a good team, which gives the village a strong foundation.

Now that she’d caught up with Kinusi and informed her of her upcoming trip, Pie suddenly remembered that she ought to find Alaric and Tiki now. She wanted to go soon. And this seemed like a good note on which to end the conversation for today.

Hey, I want to catch Alaric and Tiki to tell them about my field trip before it gets too late, she said, touching her nose to Kinusi’s chin. Talk more soon?