Blackfeather Woods spirits take me

Averna has continued living in BFW after it was formed. Not sure if that makes her a part of the pack or permanent trespasser, but feel free to chase her out and/or hurt her if the latter is assumed. If they would've reacted to her presence earlier, this can be backdated if preferred, let me know. Backdated to after when Averna takes the bones back from Astara to the altar, as that's probably easiest. Tagging leaders for visiblity: @Ramsay @Maegi @Titmouse

Things were different now. The spirit felt it, knew it in her heart. She avoided wolves wherever they lurked, stayed tucked into the very depths of the Blackfeather Woods. She waited for them to come to her, because some day they would, to accept her as their own or to chase her out.

Another part of the spirit did not think that might happen at all. She listened to the voices and they kept her company. She had always been one paw in the spirit world -- a ghost, as some called her, or a spirit -- and only partly Averna, the moniker that they gave her to identify her. Could a spirit who barely lived in this physical world really be accepted as part of a pack or chased out? She was not so sure, and this was a question that she spent a lot of time debating on. She ate little, taking only what she needed, and no more or less.

She lingered by the altar that carried the caretaker's bones that day, comforted by the darkness of the forest's depths. The spirit rearranged some of the herbs she had plucked. Beautiful dark blue flowers she had found blooming were added to the altar, arranged beside the caretaker's bones. The spirit contemplated, drifting and uncertain of where fate might take her next. She tried to listen to the spirits around her, hoping they might provide wisdom.

Of Relmyna's two girls, Spirit had always been her favorite. She reminded Maegi most of herself at that age, curious, clearly connected to the gods. She supposed it was no accident; they were sisters, after all, even if it was a hard truth to swallow on her worst days. It still didn't diminish the liking she had for the girl.

So she was happy to see the pale sprite near the Altar, surrounded by herbs and flowers. Maegi made a small sound, hoping not to startle her by approaching suddenly. She drew up alongside Spirit, feeling a little trepidation. Astara clearly resented her for being absent when Relmyna had died; it made sense that her sister would feel the same.

Hello, Spirit, she whispered, careful not to disturb the ghosts that so clearly hovered here, all around them. She sat close, but far away not to be a bother, staring at the side of the girl's face. It's good to see you again. How are you?

The spirit did not care much about such things. When she saw Legs, a small smile danced on the spirit's face, even before she was greeted by that name. Legs knew things, that much was clear to the spirit; it was illustrated in the fact she knew to call her Spirit alone, where all others preferred the name they had attached to her mortal coil -- Averna.

Made sure Thief did not take bones, the spirit explained. She canted her head as she looked up at Legs and said, It smell of wolves. Is Legs and wolves staying? The spirit was not sure yet what she would do if it was the case. Was there still room for her here if it was full of other wolves?

Her brows drew together in confusion. Thief? she asked, puzzlement clouding her gaze. Someone tried to take the bones? Who? When? Please, Peryite, don't let it be Mou, she thought fervently, gritting her teeth. As much as she loved the man, he had given her enough trouble for one lifetime.

Perhaps he'd say the same about you. The silent rejoinder came, biting and cheeky. She chose to ignore it. . .for now.

We are staying, Maegi responded, giving a grudging half-smile at the nickname. Perturbing and bizarre as Spirit could be, at least she spoke. That put her miles ahead of her sister. My brother, Ramsay, is here now. Have you met him? He looks like Astara, except. . . Kind of fucked up? Bigger and hunched, she concluded lamely, knowing that didn't come close to describing the peculiarity of her brother's appearance.

Legs seemed alarmed about the theft, even though there was nothing to be alarmed about now. It happened and then the spirit had stopped it. Thief. That was all she said to answer that question, with a solemn nod.

Legs mentioned they were here to stay, and the spirit nodded. She was unclear why Legs mentioned a Ramsay, though the description reminded her of someone. Maybe. Then, seemingly sudden, her eyes glossed over for a few seconds. Afterwards she looked at Legs with a deadpan look in her eyes. I must go.

Oh-kay, then. That was that, she supposed. Figuring there was no more useful information to get out of Spirit on that front, Maegi listened in, only to have the conversation seemingly cut short. She canted her head in query, lips pursing tight, clearly displeased.

What do you mean? she asked, sounding a little cross. Aren't you going to stay here? Where's Astara? She hadn't seen the dark girl since they'd quarreled, sort of; their relationship was never going to be a smooth one. Maegi had accepted that.

But she had really wanted to get to know this young woman better and now. . .

Legs pressed for further information, but the spirit didn't really know what she was looking for and even if she did, it was unclear whether she would've given her it. At the question, the spirit canted her head and after a moment said: Thief ran away. I do not know where she is now. She pondered a short moment before adding: Maybe I'll find her. Honestly, the spirit did not know what she was going to do out there herself just yet, but it felt right to go, because this pack had formed overnight and it did not feel quite like her place. Maybe some day it would be her place -- time would tell. But right now, not just yet.

Don't be upset, Legs. We'll meet again. The whisp smiled briefly and broadly at Legs, a smile that might be reminiscent of their shared father, and then she started to walk away.

Now that was interesting. Upon asking about Astara, Spirit referred to her as 'Thief.' Astara was Thief?! Well. . .no. That made a little more sense, given the girl's obvious love for her mother and, by extension, Relmyna's remains. No doubt she just wanted to take a little bit of the Listener with her, wherever she was headed.

(Where was she headed? Where was Spirit?)

Safe travels, Maegi responded, her mouth dry, at a loss for what more to say. She watched the pale form of her half-sibling depart, face contorted in utter bewilderment. Those girls were made of strange stuff, indeed; she felt as though she had barely scratched the surface of their true nature. The thought disturbed her greatly.

Maegi turned back to the Altar with a tremulous sigh, shaking her head. And then, like always, she began to pray.

The spirit didn't know where her travels may take her, but the only thing she knew for sure was that she would return here some day. If she could choose a place to die, then it would surely be here, so that she could forever remain among the spirits of her loved ones. She glanced over her shoulder a last time with a sassy smile to Legs, and then didn't look back as she walked away. The caretaker's remains would stay safe here for her -- or Thief's -- return.