Moonspear Through the big top tent up high

Maman had decided rather promptly that she wanted to hunt, leaving Ludo and Ignace with specific instructions; stay in the den, or go visit @Treepie. He had been eager to choose the latter option.

Disproportionate paws skipped to the neighbouring ulaq with that funny walk pups do when their limbs are growing too fast and too big. Ignace looked much funnier of course, so Ludo was unbothered - except when he remembered that his brother was growing far bigger than himself.. Pie! He called out as he neared, tilting his head to see if he could spot her inside. There was no guarantee that she was here at all, but he thought it was worth a try.

Treepie sighed and plopped to the floor of her ulaq. She wished her anaa was here. She knew she could talk to Tikaani about anything, but she really wanted to talk to an older woman. And who better than her own mother? But she was far away… hopefully living her best life.

The sound of a childish voice cut into her thoughts. The Regent raised her head, then unfolded her legs and pushed to her feet. Her head popped out of the door to behold Ludovicus approaching, his paws much too big for his body. Pie grinned at him.

What’s up, she said, tail twitching upward as she bent to nip playfully at the boy’s muzzle, Ludovicious?

Credit for “Ludovicious” belongs to Kitt! :D

There was a wag of his tail that extended to his back end as a whole when Treepie came to greet him. He was always quite happy to see the other's who resided on the spear. Maman left to hunt, she said to come see you if we didn't want to stay inside. He smiled up at Treepie as he spoke, his front paws lifting so he could return the nip. Soon he would likely be big enough that he would not have to reach.

Is that okay? He hoped so. Ignace had decided to lay down for a nap, and Ludo wasn't in the mood for his snoring.

Of course it’s okay, Pie answered, bracing herself when he reared up so that he might have solid footing if needed. Is your brother coming? Or is he staying in the ulaq? she queried, yellow eyes casting in that direction.

Her gaze returned to his face, anticipating his answer. She smiled down at him, at the little diamond in the center of his forehead and the dusting of freckles scattered over his cheeks like a constellation. He was so adorable, Pie couldn’t help but squeal in her head.

No, he's sleeping. We had a big meal earlier. He responded, glancing back towards the den. Maman has been bringing us little deer. She says they're better than chunks from the big one's. They did taste different, but he didn't have much preference of the fawns over the adults. Both were fine for him.

His head whipping back to look at Treepie, a toothy smile was quick to make it's return. Will you take me further up the mountain?

Her lips pursed thoughtfully at his response. Pala had left her pups by themselves, knowing Treepie was nearby. She had no qualms escorting Ludo wherever he wanted to go, though she hesitated to leave his brother behind.

We should take @Ignace with us, came her reply. If he’d rather sleep, we can go when your mother returns. I’m sure she won’t be gone long. Is there something specific you’d like to see or do up the mountain? the Regent queried, head tilting.

He was disappointed to hear that Ignace would have to come, but he knew it made sense. Okay, if you can wake him up.

There's nothing I want to go see, I just want to see! He trotted ahead towards where his brother rested, his tail wagging. There was very little that Ludovicus had been able to explore just yet, he was eager to see more. He wanted to know what secrets the spear held for him. If maman had been willing to leave Julienne behind for it, then surely there was something great waiting for them.

If we can’t coax him out of bed, we’ll just have to wait, she said lightly, nodding at his reply before motioning him to lead her back to the ulaq.

As they began walking, it struck her like a bolt of lightning: Pala was an experienced older woman. Treepie considered her a friend already, though they didn’t know each other on a very personal level yet. The Regent would be more than happy to change that, to foster a deeper bond so that Pala might become her confidante.

It wasn’t long at all before they stopped in front of the den once inhabited by the Sveijarn-Cortens, now belonging to the—did Pala and her boys have a surname? Pie tried to remember, but couldn’t. She shook her head, making a note to ask her that later, among other things.