Wolf was happy with his giant basket at first.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLx9ueb0vgf
But he overloaded himself when he started filling it. The berries kept piling up—more and more. It was too much. He wasn't able to make it home.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NiBKS0XJb
He had to stop and rest halfway, setting the overfilled basket down with a grunt.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xVTNyWtCJ
As he caught his breath, he heard a voice he hadn't heard in a long time.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXY5stXcg5E
"Hey, KIDDO!"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LspUJJYtC
The exclamation was full of joy.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBo8JyX8vu
Wolf looked up and saw Nina running toward him. She was wearing a slim-fitting shirt and leather pants—practical clothing for work.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyttTR3S8n
He'd never thought much of her before. But the way she smiled, so happy to see him, reminded him of his sister. Except this girl was much louder.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqZbaKo6VJ
Wolf was momentarily stunned. Couldn't respond.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzfAZj3Ab9
Nina didn't seem to notice. She ran up and hugged him without hesitation.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcRlXZfTyG
Her embrace was warm but a bit smothering. It felt... off. She wasn't family. Still felt like a stranger, despite the time he'd spent with her brother.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQ39ryMR0V
When Wolf finally got his bearings, he pushed her away gently.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhYyYn6QjQ
"I'm not a kid. I'm fourteen!" Wolf protested. "Besides, I'm not younger than you. What are you, thirteen?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMA8D1SLrv
Nina laughed. "You're sweet. But I'm seventeen, kiddo. A little too old for you."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWziQqRc2w
Wolf was surprised. She was older than his sister.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpz7ZHVeXj
"But you look so young?" he said without thinking.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcSQiTtH5H
Nina blushed. "You're a real charmer." Her tail swished playfully. "Now I know why your sister kept me from you. She was afraid I'd take you away and eat you up!"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXpfnLMHrl
Wolf wasn't sure how he was supposed to take that. So he frowned instead.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGVaJQVaWw
Which made Nina laugh even harder.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqBqydHSkF
"So serious! Just like your sister." She tilted her head. "I wonder if she got it from you, or if she rubbed off on you."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkpyrdIZAl
Wolf felt exasperated. "I'm happy to see you too. It's been a while. But... did you need something?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBqmob94W3
"Aw, you already want to get rid of me?" Nina pouted.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKenl2wFvTj
But she recovered quickly. She sniffed the air and noticed the berries for the first time.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZD8i2Ep4qb
"Wow! How'd you get so many?!"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNKwGGA3B8
"I know a spot," Wolf said, a bit defeated. "I just need to rest. It's too much for me to carry."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid5ET0togs
"Really?" Nina asked, confused.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnjQmxzwVh
She walked over and tried lifting the basket. Held it easily, like it weighed nothing.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6CFq8jXKC
"It's not heavy to me. Want some help?" She looked at the berries curiously. "What's this for anyway?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQQ8uCKJmy
Wolf felt frustrated. She was upstaging him so casually—not even trying. He sighed. "Please help me with this."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0EqXVSKuS
Nina gasped. Then jumped up and down a bit in joy.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cmTryRtsV
While still holding the basket.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4x9kyRems
"You're so cute when you're exasperated!" Her tail wagged enthusiastically. "Of course I'll help! I owe your family for always giving me easy work!"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmyDLzvalo
Wolf would've liked to say it was a pleasant trip back.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUm89xyOPKt
But Nina talked the whole time. And walked slowly, clearly trying to enjoy the visit and drag it out.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRK8UK2WF4g
He listened with half-interest. But he couldn't complain—even if he'd pushed himself, he knew the distance was too much. She was saving him.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YKxkIVOgV
"Kiddo?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpquStIkfhQ
Wolf looked over. Nina was still smiling, seemingly indifferent to his lack of interest.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0LBiNnlpc
"Sorry," Wolf said, a bit ashamed. "You're helping me, and I'm not really paying attention."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4ilCEhh80
Nina nodded. "Is it because I'm not talking about magic?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3GdogaYj9
Wolf was surprised. She knew about his love of magic? He'd never told her.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDyd3zRvxP
"How did you know?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl82G0dSTDK
Nina laughed, carefree. Even while carrying the basket, she seemed to dance freely as she walked.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeBzMz06Xs
It was a bit enchanting.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRF7ZNpQxos
And it annoyed Wolf a lot too. Seeing her so strong. He'd always been weak.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdBk8MRDcf
Nina looked back after enjoying the secret she had about Wolf's desires. But when she saw his face, her smile faded.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnEmt2bJj2
He looked defeated.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTUVibIdmG
Not like a child pouting. But defeated like a man who'd lost something important.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6RVI7tx2n
She felt the joy leave her immediately.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqgdWT5GyE
"Is something wrong?" Nina asked gently. "You seem lost. And it's supposed to be a sunny day."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUJtipu1NV
Wolf looked up, unsure of her meaning.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBVS4BIEpC
"It means we were having a good day. Not supposed to be down." Her voice grew more concerned. "What caused it?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeqq40ZTO7
She hesitated. "Was... it me?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6ihJg79gI
For the first time, she showed something other than joy. Her ears dropped. Her happy tail slowed to a stop.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuisOeJvIU3
Wolf would've relished getting her to quit talking before. But now it was no victory. His sour mood seemed to be spoiling someone else's joy.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq9Jp3XsQ4
"It's nothing," he said.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGveFxV6ui
"Kiddo, if it was nothing, we'd be happy at your home right now." Nina's voice was gentle. "I assume that's the plan—since this is too much to eat, even sharing with friends."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbggocOPyza
Wolf wasn't really trying to hide it anymore. "It was the topic of magic that did it."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDsI7yWorl
He paused. "Also, how did you know I wanted to make jam?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4nMmERC8f
He was shocked she knew him so well after only a few random visits.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRU82ldiLv
Nina laughed with joy. "It's not hard to guess. A giant basket of berries? Pretty obvious."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91v44zpppD
Still smiling, she asked: "But why is magic bringing you down?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrwsFzp30f
Wolf sighed. "It's the magic itself. It's my greatest wish and joy." His voice grew frustrated. "But I keep being told you can't pick it. That there's a chance you'll never even have it—if the gods don't agree you're worthy."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBum3b8l710
He finished looking lost once more.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43s3fKn0Dq
"Aha." Nina's voice changed. She looked solemn. "Well, you're chasing a dream that's a nightmare for others."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3O9jIup0w
She paused. "Truthfully, you'll find more joy being free than being bound by magic, little Wolf."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9YslfVUee
"I'm not little," Wolf said, annoyed. "And what's that supposed to mean? I want magic. I want power." His voice grew more insistent. "How is having that a bad thing?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5fakpWyyL
Nina didn't answer.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6gaMdbxLG
The silence stretched out.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0STOI8ipHC
She sighed.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRRjARiwMp
"Perhaps today is a cloudy day after all," she finally said. Her voice sounded distant. "I'll make sure your berries make it home safe."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHfK8k0oot
Before Wolf could ask what she was talking about, Nina started running.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPPCN7nMeG
Faster than he thought possible. While carrying the heavy basket.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RFOHztub4
How is she doing that? Wolf wondered in shock.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhTEIkJt18
The distance between them grew rapidly. By the time he could think to call after her, she was gone.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QyQKdX578
Wolf stood there, confused.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTudnGDdI66
Why was she upset?370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBhKx6Z7zG
He'd ignored her earlier, and she'd been happy. But talking about magic had been a trigger somehow.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCJrQvH5GV
How could magic be bad?370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvD3s8uPh6
But he had no information. And didn't know what to do.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1CKAvbZJm
Nina was hurt.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvo8J4WkYvC
She'd wanted to get closer to Wolf. To be family. But it seemed like he was going to be just like her tribe—only seeing her magic. Nothing else.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6pYXrfsWB
She hated it.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0xHeXWIxh
She'd thought she had a new start here. A new family.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxOugW3JXu
The basket was all but forgotten in her arms. She was surprised it had been so heavy for Wolf. She guessed he'd never really had to do any hard work.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhjtsGLcXL
But she loved him all the same.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNodDzmNopN
She made it to the house quickly, her speed carrying her there before she'd even realized.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzEDZls7dJ
But she didn't want to enter. Didn't want to face Len or Wolf's parents right now.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGHKM4zXRB
She didn't want to go to the shop either.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyah1ydnhs
Maybe I can relax at the inn, she thought. Nothing can go wrong there.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3svu95Mt2d
She set off for the tavern.
Teva was still on cloud nine.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz3SA0An67
She wiped down a table, humming to herself. Wolf had finally visited again—and he hadn't forgotten about her!370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4AGKRhI9Y
She picked up the dishes from a regular customer. He was the last one. It seemed like there'd be a lull until nighttime.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiePFAuxdmt
The customer smiled and nodded at her in thanks.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkoV5AIIcT
Teva carried the dishes to the back and found Icarus standing there, staring at some meat. Just... staring.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpTiUX7OOy
"That's not how you cook," Teva said cheerfully. "Just staring at meat."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8411cIh07L
Icarus grunted but didn't move. His massive arms were folded.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjk8mX5bgA
"Listen, brat. I got a process." His voice was gruff. "Good food isn't just made. It takes thought and time."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkefUGas1V
"Well, take any longer and that meat's going to spoil," Teva teased.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxvAbST6od
She went to the sink and used her water magic to wash the dishes. Flowing water cleaned them quickly. This was the part she loved—how freely she could use her magic and actually be useful!370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZaBBXHfzQ
Even after the dishes were cleaned, Icarus was still staring at that meat.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2A4zdyw2u
"I think I want to add honey to this new recipe."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tJ4ebLXdL
"You always want to add honey," Teva said, rolling her eyes. "I hate that you like sweet meat. Yuck."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WGz3swkfG
She shivered, remembering the last dish she'd tried. Chicken with honey. Gross!370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5r42241e7E
"My wife loves my honey recipes," Icarus said proudly. "It's why she married me. You'll never get a man if you can't cook good food."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrTyxGz994
That bristled Teva's fur.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoYVZYdQmX
"Not taking love advice from an old grump," she shot back. "Keep your honey stuff out of my food, thank you."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSjfJghqwE
Her ear twitched suddenly. The sound of the door.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMUmyXU9oL
"We got a customer." Teva headed for the front. "Don't ruin the meat while I'm gone. Though if you just stare at it all day, it might be an improvement to your food!"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlhHmsUVhX
Icarus huffed a small laugh as she left.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QQNNNraD3
Teva was surprised to see who'd entered.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2jRxLEpMh
An old friend she'd never really reconciled with.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTKakzkgMD
Nina.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKFMqXW5aY
She looked lost. Alone. Her ears were down, and her tail hung unmoving behind her.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVXzPeqck8
Nina looked up and saw Teva. Her ears shot up in surprise. Then her face twisted—like she'd swallowed a very bitter pill.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8xev1AKnJ
She looked like she was about to leave.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTOviUMIDg
"Don't go," Teva said quickly. "We were friends once. Maybe... still are?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiThckqFzYI
She hated how things had ended between them.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9shvA9oxu
Nina sighed. Shrugged. Then slowly, looking defeated, came over and sat down.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrFRKuP8GT
"This is a perfect end to a perfectly bad day," she muttered. "So I might as well stay for a drink."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5Be8yA3Bn
Teva couldn't help but giggle.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4HlvfIo4S
Which made Nina glare immediately, her ears flattening.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV50f4SdtbW
"Sorry! That was rude." Teva's expression softened. "I did miss you, regardless of what you think. I just... didn't know how to tell you."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1Q7Bon3Qt
She looked away, unsure how to act.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4InH8mLqLl
But when she looked back, she was surprised to see Nina staring at her in shock. Her ears were fully alert now.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLNl9ZDtaq
"Really?" Nina's voice was small. "Do you mean it?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKXPD9tiDN
Teva smirked. "I never lied to you. I just thought we had different paths."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI3bYv4CBi
Nina jumped up suddenly. Shocked Teva by grabbing her before she could react.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYfm0fpUVZ
Teva panicked at first. But the warm embrace was something she'd missed from her friend. She returned the hug.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfRilUZJEH
"Glad you're back," Nina whispered happily. Her voice was thick with emotion.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBNgy9vO30
Teva felt a pang of guilt. She'd never tried to get close after moving. Never made the effort.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FvraylRrD
In that regard, she was just like Wolf. Never making time for those who cared about her.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUTk3lzpad
She wanted to explain herself. To apologize properly.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZNnoED4mj
But Nina didn't give her the chance. Instead, she launched into talking about all her adventures since Teva had left. Everything that had happened.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrfojXXH7G
It was... nice.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpNXmLs6M3
Icarus came out from the back, watching the girls catch up.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj7ZsjX3sy
He thought it would be a good opportunity to try his new recipe on them.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMDJSjEuWH
Nina was more than happy to be a taste-tester. Teva kept saying no!370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MjXDgRPOf
Icarus laughed and did it anyway.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hpOG64gh5
When the food arrived, Teva had to admit... it wasn't bad. He'd listened to her complaints at least a little.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0H1WTk1qr
It was an odd honey-sour mix. The dish balanced sweet and savory perfectly—a crunchy fried crust on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRyQf0mwuT
Teva couldn't help but want more.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbA3KRoFEr
Which she hated, seeing the smug look on Icarus's face.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0Nd8HKzVr
"Well, kids?" Icarus asked, grinning. "How is it?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6DCkdVgqV
"Amazing!" Nina's tail wagged happily as she devoured it.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Cj41L7rFc
Teva sighed. "You did good, grumpy." She took another bite. "Now I know why your wife married you."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ1ej4azKa
Icarus laughed with genuine joy. "See! Never doubt a master chef!"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrbHlG2RJC
Nina looked shocked and amazed. But Teva just rolled her eyes, used to his antics.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl7Vkujvfr
Icarus headed back to the kitchen, leaving them to talk in peace.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsQaecXDK5
Even though Nina seemed happy now, Teva was wondering what had brought her here in the first place.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZXOtzU5bn
"You want to talk about it?" Teva leaned on the table, watching her friend carefully.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNiVK0gMNP
Nina flinched. Remembering what had soured her mood.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6s12KENO77
"I got in a fight with Wolf," Nina said quietly.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vqXqFIXdG
That surprised Teva. Wolf was always nice.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVi1172aP4O
"He only cares about magic," Nina continued, her voice pained. "And once he learns I can do magic, he'll only care about that. He won't like me for me." She looked down. "He'll probably see me differently. Like you did."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrbOovpxCU
She added that last part quietly. Showing it still hurt.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1uzwrwrMk
"First of all, darlin—I never saw you differently," Teva said firmly. "I thought you were going to be an elder. That you would see me differently." She paused. "And Wolf doesn't care about magic like that."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHD1PzuHpW
"What are you talking about?" Nina's voice rose. "He wants it more than anything! He will too!"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLtxeA0aty
Teva sighed.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5mfIZ7Esf
"You know I met Wolf at the church, remember? Well, when I was trying to be his friend, I showed him my magic."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W5NtEVN6i
Nina's face showed complete surprise. She went stiff, afraid to speak.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNojx614OD
Teva laughed at how seriously Nina was taking this. "He's still my friend. And he sees me, not my magic. He never begs me to use it or demands I teach him or anything."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiB4ecwSC8
"You can't teach magic," Nina said, a bit deflated.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAUn6LQDxP
Teva rolled her eyes, her tail swishing in annoyance. "That's not the point! The point is—he's a good guy. And he's trying. He's a little naive about life, but he's always trying to learn." She smiled fondly. "It's why I have such fun adventures with him. You can too."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgAdhwyAqW
Nina wasn't sure how she felt. She knew Teva wasn't wrong.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x7zB86DQf
But she was happy hearing Wolf wasn't lost to only wanting magic.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquJu5eplCY
And she was happy Teva was still a friend. Maybe more than maybe.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjgxsVOI8L
The conversation continued like that. Both learning more about each other. Both finding a bit of peace.
Wolf didn't want to go straight home.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYfElkbjSG
He was worried Nina might be there. That he'd have to face her. And he had no idea what to say.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAv8TACiMMg
But he also knew his sister would be at the house. He could talk with Len. She always seemed to know things.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTv6sEJucH
Len was outside folding clothes when he arrived.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5cAfZ6s0x
Though she was facing his direction, she was focused entirely on the laundry. Wolf wasn't sure how to approach her.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLrhNxEvtU
But she seemed to sense his presence.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUOqHhlyBi
She slowly looked toward him. When she saw her little brother, her face lit up with a radiant smile.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXysXcPfvl
She laughed. "Well, aren't you a sneaky wolf!"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCFhoWVhfE
She walked over and hugged him.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjXG8UZ5Mv
Wolf was happy to spend time with his sister. She was getting taller—felt almost like a mother rather than just a sister now.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlGjsEXcfu
"Len?" he asked hesitantly. "Can we go to the lake? It's been a while. And I want to talk somewhere else."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2n7IqLcgnU
"Hmmm. Okay." She smiled while brushing his hair back gently.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebpI3caOeL
Wolf fidgeted away from the touch but didn't protest too much.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUal4bMN1pQ
Len took the clothes inside, then set off with him toward the lake.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkW9MEsHjN1
The trip to the lake was eerily quiet.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8EtrpI1CW
Not hearing Nina talking was an odd contrast. After the overbearing joy that foxkin had shown, the quiet just felt... off now.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjiz0bdRIv
Before they reached the lake, Len broke the silence.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrExR9vY05L
"So, dear brother." She watched him as they walked. "What was so important you needed me alone?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bLkwdUqFx
"I was—I mean, I am happy." Wolf knew he was rambling. "With less work. No more endless reading and writing. That makes me happy." He paused. "But I ran into Nina today."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0x4LMrVc0
"Oh." Len sounded surprised. Then thoughtful. "She's been trying to find an excuse to meet you, you know. I wouldn't let her see you until recently. I thought she'd be too much of a distraction when you needed to study."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANTs1ytVEF
She looked at him more carefully. "Why bring her up?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLcNxrNcWJ
Wolf sighed. He looked ahead—they were at the lake now.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFQbE3c4yd
The view was still amazing. The clear water, the trees surrounding it, the air itself gave him peace.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzEda6Qgl8
He took a breath and explained his troubles.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfb5yJmUESw
"Len, I upset Nina somehow. But I don't know how."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTU7YNZfgI
Wolf's words came quickly. "She was so happy to see me. Wouldn't stop talking. She even helped me carry a heavy basket of berries." He gestured helplessly. "Everything was fine."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsY3j91a4JW
He paused. "She didn't care when I was being mean. Or when I ignored her. Or barely talked to her." His voice grew more confused. "The last thing I remember... she asked if I wanted to talk about magic. And I said magic meant the most to me."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrDvoOk1jR
He looked at Len desperately. "Then she got upset and left. Said she'd take the basket home for me. And that was it."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bIGvFOdR3
His voice rose slightly. "I didn't do anything to her! I don't understand what I did wrong."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF64NXctSpI
Len listened quietly, having mixed feelings.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFQ2pFDlRP
She knew what had caused this. And technically, it was a secret. But she also knew she could trust Wolf. He was young and headstrong, yes. But he'd never intentionally hurt anyone. And he'd never spread a secret.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTsXmN7GcI
She looked at her brother. Saw his pain at not knowing what to do.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN77po2aTLX
"Dear brother," she said, looking out at the lake. "I know why she was upset. And you did nothing wrong—it's just opposing views on magic."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHxXUXK8qn
She paused. "I could tell you if you want. But it was a secret she trusted me with." She looked at him directly. "Do you really want to know?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhtWOvTp8h
Wolf was surprised. Twice, actually.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTe8aogAZN
First, that magic had started the fight.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaxuOPH3UR
Second, that his sister knew why. And it was a secret.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN95LbP1J8t
He really wanted to know. But...370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvkfnNzjU0
"No. Don't tell me, Len." His voice was solemn. Firm. "I wouldn't want you telling my secrets. And I won't tell yours. So it's not fair for you to tell me hers."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4qA0ieEBB
Len smiled warmly. "And that's why I love you, little brother. You always try to do what's best."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkBnKirQvc
She held him close, proud of his choice.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUHkny8y2r
Then she pulled back, smiling mischievously. "But there is a secret I can tell you. And it's also about her."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1jXKSbQnZ
Wolf felt conflicted.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRVV8rtJUu
He didn't get the answer he wanted. And he'd just said he didn't want her telling other people's secrets. But this one would be theirs, apparently.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB5hKQ9hBb
He hated that he felt like he was lying. But she said it was okay.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVRwGCNDDF
"Okay, Len. What's the secret?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdbGqX1H5K
"That I love you, little brother!" Len snuggled him close.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6T1Ukw9xC
Wolf was not amused. He pulled out of her embrace.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sUX0I6bqd
"Don't mock me, Len! I'm not a kid!"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tRKy0aCqz
She laughed at that, full of mirth.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDQfUH96xz
Wolf felt bad in that moment. Remembering Nina's joy at just seeing him. And how he'd treated her poorly.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEe3YwmSXp
"So there was no secret?" he asked, defeated.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J4W1Dk0Ko
"There is, brother. And I will tell you." Len's smile softened. "I just wanted to play with you for a bit. I fear you're growing up too fast. Forgetting you're still a child—or at least, not quite the adult you think you are."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5C7NizlO7e
Wolf felt annoyed that his sister wasn't respecting him. But he swallowed his pride.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDumy7khT8F
It was true, wasn't it? He was trying hard to stand among the adults. And they kept pushing him down.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhuBNfml0F
"Will you please tell me the secret, Len?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0njtYAgq6
She smiled and nodded. "Nina wanted to be your older sister too."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMPut62ILF
"WHAT?!"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1MCqyKiPG
Wolf was shocked. Len just nodded calmly.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuuRhWA8sy
"It's true. The whole time she was with me, she asked me stories about you. Ever since she found out you were my brother." Len's voice was gentle. "She was envious of our family. Wanted to be more a part of it."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgrbGClbkK
"What about her brother?" Wolf asked, confused. "She has Nebo already. Why would she need more family?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalLcswn4tM
Len looked sad at those words.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD2A08AlfR
"Not everyone gets a good family, Wolf. Some people just want to be happy and don't get to be." She paused. "So they do what they have to until they can find that happiness."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA32LhUlyk1
She looked at him seriously. "As for her brother—she loves him, and he's good to her. But it's more of a father thing than a sibling thing."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCjnL5gq4h
"I don't understand," Wolf admitted.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6DuevagC8
Len looked thoughtful. "Hmmm. Do you love Dad?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnt8tMYMLym
"Yeah..." Wolf replied, not sure where this was going.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOguVHICkEp
"Well, do you want to treat me and Dad the same?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjgqNKmUCF
"No?" He was still unsure. "That's Dad. It's different than you, Len."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYvKdsx7Fs
She had that sad smile again. "Well, that's how it is for Nina with her brother Nebo. She loves him. But it's like a dad watching over her—not a brother to adventure with, to just have fun with."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXBq4EwFcr
She touched Wolf's shoulder gently. "I'm sure that's why she was so happy to see you. It was the first time she got to be free and act more like a kid having fun."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOt34NmABNT
Wolf felt ashamed.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8coQEfhnh
But when he looked back at the memory now, he saw it differently. Nina really had just been happy to be with him. The way he was happy with his sister.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdCOx9zNm1
She'd wanted that same connection.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Xbkxs1QHQ
"I didn't know," Wolf finally said. His voice sounded defeated.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGG0sjZCcQk
"It's okay," Len said gently. "It's not the end of the world. People hurt people—it's part of life." She paused. "It's what we do after we hurt them that matters."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvcgkccHwX
She smiled slightly. "Besides, I became Coby's older sister and everything went fine. You can do the same with Nina. We'll just be a bigger family."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88l3a63fLe
Wolf felt guilty. He'd never thought about balancing his life with others. Only about when others would give him more.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZ1bkEqyfk
He sighed. "Thanks, Len. You always know what to say." He looked at her fondly. "I'm glad you're not my mom. But I love you like one. I would hate to not have you as a sister."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQkls5K7xN
Len grabbed Wolf and held him tight against her chest.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAID8lOz5UP
"I'm sure Mom is jealous she doesn't get more of your time," she said firmly. "And that's not fair to her, no matter how much you love me. Remember to appreciate her too!"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM85jXBr8G
Wolf tried to respond, but he was pressed tight into her chest. Why was she so strong?!370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZ13Oj2kXS
After a bit of wrestling to struggle free—his face red—he said with slight annoyance: "Okay! I'll pay more attention to the family. Mom and Dad, not just you." He paused. "And Coby, since he's my brother too."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY8T1Pc9Ro
Len's face was not amused. "What? I promise!" Wolf was confused.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPs9mfjkyC
"What about Nina?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScWlKknT76
"Ah, I did forget..." Wolf was flustered. "It's just—nothing's official yet. And she's still mad at me."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvx2jbdf6B
"She's not mad," Len corrected gently. "Hurt, maybe. But not mad." She looked at him seriously. "She wants to spend more time with you. As long as you assure her she's family, she'll calm down."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRzS8TN04Y
"Really?" Wolf asked, surprised. "She talks endlessly to you too?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeFmuXd5wj
Len laughed. "Yes! Always following me, asking questions, wanting to help with deliveries." Her voice softened. "It was only after she was sure I was happy with her—that I wasn't shooing her away—that she calmed down. That's when she started asking more about you. When she confessed about wanting a stable family."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2UtuIQr71
Wolf frowned. "What do you mean? I understand her brother had to act like her dad—I get that. But why wouldn't her other family be okay?" His voice dropped. "Did they... die?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYPDl6QmP5
He was scared to hear bad news.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBOY0Jdpry
"Hmmm." Len spoke carefully. "It happened long ago. Their tribe—she felt... not close to them. Very distant."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSo0WwQFLT
Wolf could sense this was edging toward the secret. He dropped it before Len confessed something Nina had trusted her with.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpvA0HmHGZ
"It's okay, Len." Wolf's voice was determined. "I'll try to spend more time with her. Until she gets bored of me, at least." He smiled slightly. "It'll do me some good anyway. Maybe I'll help her with a delivery."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyNLEYw1bC
Len smiled warmly at that.370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUYJIMmetU
"That sounds good, brother." She paused. "So, the berries. What was your plan for them?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYEp2BlI5G
Wolf's face lit up. "Lots and lots of jam! But I wanted to share it with everyone." He started counting on his fingers. "The church, Dad, Mom, Coby and his family, Teva, you, Nina, Nebo, and even the tavern keeper—since he was nice to me. I want to return the favor."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKNAVYPrpC
"Wow, very ambitious," Len said, smiling. "How many jars are you planning to make?"370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecH7RKOFx8
"I got a lot of berries," Wolf said confidently. "I feel like I can make around twenty jars. Maybe thirty, depending on how I mix them."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5px29R1T0c
"Oh my!" Len laughed. "No wonder that basket was so heavy for you!" She looked at him with amusement. "But you know that's a lot of work, right? And you've never made jam by yourself before."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2Qa0BBwZu
"I know," Wolf admitted. "I was planning to have Mom help. To spend time with her." He added thoughtfully, "And Dad could sell a jar or two to pay for extra ingredients. Plus I'd gift him one. Maybe two, depending on how it turns out."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIc4xDN9jP
Len smiled. "Seems like you really planned this out."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dB5Vt0jpH
"Not really," Wolf said with a smile. "It just seemed like something that would make a nice memory for everyone. And I wanted to give back a little of what was given to me."370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqdcLKELk6
Len's expression softened. "Well, dear brother, let's see how it goes."
370Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIcXpwsfiL
and then Add to home screen.