Golden Glade Your skin was gilded

Waawaashkeshi bit back sobs as she hid away within the glade. Nasamiituuq was upset with her to the extent that she had insulted her pride, and yet Keshi could not bring herself to be angry. She did not feel that she had been listened to, that her friend had misunderstood her. Maybe she had misunderstood Nasamiituuq, too.

But truth of the matter was that whether her and Nasamiituuq made up or not, there was more to worry about now. Children were on the way. Under different circumstances, maybe she would have been excited. Maybe they both would have been excited.

Her symptoms were more obvious now, the baby bump beginning to show. With the thinning of her belly fur she was sure that soon enough teats would begin to swell too, and then she would reek of breast milk. There would be no hiding her pregnancy then. There would be no hiding her lingering shame.

As the thought crossed her mind, she then buried her eyes against her paws. There was no fighting her tears now.

Sorrow stirred through the glade. Imperceptible, if one was not accustomed. But Stratos had heard his sisters cry, and he still remembered.

This woman's sobs broke around soft sunlight and rusted the gilded glow. He thought of leaving, but his heart compelled him. There were no packs here. Most scents other than prey were stale.

Very likely, the girl was alone. And that made her wellbeing his responsibility.

Stratos made no show of stealth as he sought her out. If her back was not towards him, she'd see his ruddy pelt through the trees. A blessing today; he did not wish to scare her.

Sister, he called softly, before slipping back into the common tongue, The forest is wet with tears. Do you need help?

Stratos caught sight of her golden back between the trees.

It was only the sound of another's voice that pulled Waawaashkeshi from her sorrow. She was quick to lift her head, spotting the auburn man who had called out to her.

Oh, no.. I am sorry. She would hate to make someone think she was hurt at all. I had a fight with a close friend, that is all.

More than just a close friend. She couldn't explain it, she just knew that Nasamiituuq meant more. I will be fine. We will make up. She could only hope that was true.

A fight with a close friend.

That was all.

In the moments she had turned to him, Stratos had noticed the common weight that filled many women in these warmer months. She was pregnant, and no scent of man circled the woods she lost herself in.

He remembered Kigipigak, how his sister had left him. Is this how their separation began? Stratos wished he had been more present to help her. Maybe then, they would have made it out the otherside together.

I know those words, he remarked, stepping where she could see him better and settling on the ground, I have many sisters. Just two - but they made up many,  for all that they were. Maybe this one had a brother back home. If someone had found his sisters crying alone, he would have wanted them to help, in whatever ways they let them. Hurt is not only made by teeth. I will listen, if you'd like. Or, I will leave. But hurt is made worse when you are alone. And he tapped his head with his paw. When it is made bigger in here.

She nodded along as he spoke, listening with an intent yet somehow distant gaze. You are wise. She responded, crossing her front legs over each other. Maybe you can help me understand. She had no mother, no grandmother, no aunts to ask. They were far, too far to have heard her cries when she was taken away, too far to help her now.

My friend, my Nasamiituuq, she is upset that I have fallen pregnant. Never have I seen her so angry at me. At anyone. Her eyes searched the blades of grass, as though they may reveal her solution. I had no idea I was with child at all until she told me - I barely remember how it happened.

A sigh, and she looked into the face of the stranger now. She asked me if I loved him. But how could she love a man she did not remember?

How could she love someone more than Nasamiituuq?