Late Spring380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJjyISSBZB
Wolf was happy. Finally, today, after weeks of waiting to get the supplies and everything set up how he liked, he felt ready to craft.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvyjrQF1B3
He'd studied the herb book a few times while waiting for everything to arrive and before getting everything settled.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugw5uMNyb4
His brother Coby was able to visit more often and started requesting potions to help with stamina. He said they did a lot of traveling on foot in places, which took a toll after a few weeks of hunting.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU9AZCH6qN
His sisters also made random requests, though he thought it was more to be involved in his craft and encourage him than needing his supply.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6efDTSfNn
But if he was going to be a true alchemist, this was just the start. He had a small notebook, empty, near him. He would write all the working concoctions he ever made, which would help him keep track of what worked.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBb11KlPIhs
He figured he'd do a few easy mundane ones and then try to focus on more magical ones afterward.
Spice mix (mild): common mix of herbs. If want hotter, add pepper flower.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMxEzqd0yy
Moonberry drink: water and berries with honey. Serve as is, or can mix caffeine if they want to be kept up. Star beads or night moss for sleep.
After a bit of trial and error, he managed those items.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf2npF95Bj
The moonberry drink was a happy surprise. He was thirsty when he figured, why not try something new since berries were common here and it was an easy mix?380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8KbiYhLLK
Figuring out how best to dilute it took a bit of time but worked out in the end.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AUZ6jL0Sh
It was the adding the pep from caffeine or sleeping from star beads that scared him a bit.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6K2AregkjY
The first time, he put way too much caffeine in a batch and could not sleep for two days.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBOHyuDb72
So he thought he was smart. After not sleeping for two days, he added night moss.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpWTS6vqZ2
Then he woke up three days later.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbpzCaU54n
It scared his family, and they rushed him to the church for healing. But when the Bishop dealt a healing scan to heal him, he said it was just a sleep-induced potion.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eetVn9M3K
Combined with the lack of sleep, it hit him much harder, and he just needed to sleep it off.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGXz2mekc3
It was after that that he knew what Herbert the hermit meant when he said understanding what you made was so important. And why he warned about magic. This had a mild effect he chose to make—what happened with magic-altered things?380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX364GuwTlf
He was content now, and the family loved the new spice mixes and drinks once he worked out how to make them safe.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K1rSTljq5
He found he needed a fraction of the caffeine or sleeping agents versus the rest of the mix.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJO5k02xDRn
Before, he'd tried to split it even and was surprised he didn't hurt himself with stupidity.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbs6jhoQf2
The only saving grace was doing herb mix first. He knew it took a lot less pepper flower for a hot taste. So he did put in less caffeine or sleeping agent, but he still went overboard, it seemed.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44wnw8oc3T
On the more magical side of what worked, he made the potion the hermit told him about—the one for cramps. Mostly for his family, as the hermit was already selling it and he didn't want to compete.
Teardrop leaves, lime moss, and pixie tears for women's monthly, minor healing, and food poisoning.
He was able to reproduce it easily, as it only required making it like tea.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3jETSOFfp
Few of the new herbs bought were an odd mix, as some by themselves could be used as poisons.
Adder bite: red stem. The stem is used in many poisons. Fast-acting, causes paralysis, not fatal.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRpgZ7RxOS
Bluebell spider: a blue blooming flower. Its petals are highly toxic and cause cramps, headaches, dizziness, and mild blindness. It will neutralize all other mild toxins even in base form. Combined with lime moss and teardrops for an antidote with no side effects.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmSblaPoie
Shadow bark: from undead trees. The bark can make shadow gasses. Poison effects are random and rare with mild numbing. Large amounts: more numbing and a higher chance of sickness.
Most of the info he had was based on his random research and reading. He knew he had to be careful.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2Mhge38Gb
But what was interesting about the spider brew was even though it was so deadly, it also was a selfish poison.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMMrfn4LOA
It refused to allow anything else to hurt its victim, which is why it can be made into an antidote.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2G61Vz3uR
It flowed through the body so quickly that it neutralized other poisons. And the teardrop heals before the spider can turn its poison on the victim, since it uses its potency to hunt through the body.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigzamJ1qst
It loses its edge long before it can harm anyone, leaving the healing effect to dispel it.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaadm818nff
That is only true if it's in the antidote form. If by itself, it will attack the body after it makes a pass-through and poison the person afterward.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaY1TiUV2D2
Another was adder bite, which was also a poison. But if used carefully, useful for reducing pain as a paste to numb areas.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHshc4fBm1
He was scared of the spider brew for a while, so he bought two cures from Herbert to be safe and would keep one at all times as a fail-safe.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUF7rir7Ds
The cure only took a sip, same with the other potions' effects. So one bottle brewed would last a very long time.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZC2s0b15Pp
When he looked at the antidotes, the brew was a deep orange with a soft glow. He was assured a small amount—enough to fill the bottom of a cup—would cure any poison.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUX2lZ1Fpz
He did not like to be told deadly poison was also a cure for all known poisons, but in the books, they said it was, as he recalled the page:
It's by the design of the god of Balance that which hurts can heal, that which cures can poison. However, never assume you are safe from hurting yourself or others from mistakes. The gods let us choose, even if those choices will lead to mistakes.
He hated that line. He read about alchemy being balanced and that it has so much potential and power, but it was balanced with an edge that could always lead to harm or worse—death.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KSgaoy0Da
He wanted to make new potion types and thought about the spider flower. Perhaps that was why the bluebell spider's flower was so common as a poison mix in potions. He remembered it saying mild toxins even though it was highly toxic.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhz2o3mZj0
So that meant despite its toxicity, it was not fatal—just fast-acting?380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXjOKCLS7b
That would also make sense as to why it was favored as an antidote. They will always heal quickly.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFrWt5Rdlm
He figured, to be safe, he'd start with the adder potion and make it into a liquid versus a paste.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3oZdZK8qW
He needed to have a fail-safe to use and cure ready to be safe. He got his sister Nina.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXvNLCM48e
He preferred his real sister Leenia, but that'd be rude to Nina, who loved him as a real brother. So he bit his tongue and did not say that out loud to her, especially when she showed nothing but enthusiasm to help him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD99Yoxvpfa
"Are you really going to poison yourself, little brother? I don't think that's safe."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFg7fV7kR9
"No. I mean, I know it's not safe."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZoSUCaiJf
"But are you sure it's worth it?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2qr8wZECy
"Just to test what you already know something about?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt88uw9QUH
Nina asked skeptically.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW60oZtmt0
He sighed. "I'm sure."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeZZebNMgc
"I can't practice some of these things alone."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GDiDVMKwS
"I need to know what they look like and the worst effects."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1TIvSOIsM
"That can be suffered."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofAD273AKF
"Before I'm willing to risk it on others."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRet1R168qx
"Okay," she said in a low, sad voice.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CfpVWyMNx
"I trust you."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyJj3eiZRu
"But I don't like it."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOKG4bNSgo
"And I know Leenia would hate it more."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzqneFvxFL
She gasped. "Your mother!"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBjYdQrG8o
Wolf held up a hand to stop her. She hadn't thought about why he wanted her help—just happy to help. But now she knew the details? She was opposed.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcUEDw1lYV
"It is an adder's potion."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhHGesHTWp
"The book mentions the paste numbing."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWz0icGqaj
"So at worst, it numbs me."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqNZGqiSL0
"But I need to know how the antidote works to better understand poisons and cures."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXt4atUXdcF
He explained.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxqaq6yIMD
She still looked at him with doubt but let him proceed.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhgAQa2QfB
The adder potion was simply mixed with water as the base.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrQT1IEcBp
He took a sip, and the effect was immediate.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h6zqwWF0k
He was watching Nina as he did it. She watched him back with concern. His face never changed.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTnqfV0L1o
He just blankly watched her as he fell sideways.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n8fAKIG3m
He felt no pain. Everything was just numb.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL8A5r908B
He wasn't even sure if he was breathing, and that thought caused him to panic a bit.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhrOO0UvJi
But then even his thoughts seemed blunted. Even that was numbed, it seemed.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYYnOCfzIZ
A light coolness touched his lips, and he felt water race into his body.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmRi79sB9G
Everywhere it touched—from his face down to his feet—felt something eating away the numbness at an amazing rate.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnw16xfA2I
In less than a few seconds, he went from a blank paralyzed state to feeling normal.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZncmqX0w5
Even after that water rushed through his body, it faded in seconds, as if it never existed.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr1AlYgJLx
"Look at me!"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nTRkfC4fj
"Hey! Listen! You okay?!"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKF9qircMIm
He was shocked to see Nina's face in front of him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQXIsZD75Y
How was he not able to notice her before?380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUe1SVXp1V
How potent was the adder potion?!380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LoJvVV409
"I'm fine," he said, surprised. He felt... normal?380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiF8AX8Cl1
No side effect? Gods, that is amazing!380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiLwloFuuO
There were tears in Nina's eyes as she held him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIg4sc0FFlU
"Don't scare me like that," she said and held him tighter, cutting off his air.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEukLswDEk
"Too tight!" he gasped, and she let go slightly but still held him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUUAkCHBYz
"I told you what I was doing, and I made sure I had help."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7WfS8ArHm
"This was a good test."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTttmpRnWj
"I know now how dangerous the toxin is and how powerful the antidote is."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7DJvIMakY
He tried to comfort her, but she wasn't listening. So he gave in and held her instead.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIJLK8AW0o
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDcqByzp0P
"Thank you for helping me."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJMlh1iDav
"I'll use more care and not try to hurt myself anymore. Okay?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrycezpuHF
She didn't let go, but he felt her nod. He was happy she cared so much, but she'd been overprotective.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4PeokbkJS
Now that he thought about it, maybe it was best he didn't involve his other sister.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzPo556yYp
"I trust you, sis. So please keep it from Leenia."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7dgpIoP7T
"I can't learn if I don't practice."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYjjC5amuA
"And she will fear I can't be trusted."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHBr6SHle5
She laughed at those words. "You're not proving her wrong."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbI0aU8yt86
He rubbed her back. "Yeah, guess I'm not."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32Pnw166PB
"But if we lace this on weapons?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpDMR0Opql
"It is a very strong tool to help fight monsters."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxVTiWlcZQ
"So it was a good test."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxeEw6IJNb
"Now I need to do spider poison."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CkD3U4wZI
"NO!" Nina shouted.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbGqOUTuiU
"Everything okay?" he heard his mother say in another room.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcazsbyLuze
He grabbed Nina's mouth to stop her and said, "Everything is fine."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0REPbhD4U
"Just fighting over little things."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm0ifjHW4L
"Okay," his mom said. "Supper in an hour."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm4Vdc7NWS
"Okay," he shouted back.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvh2b66f8l
Nina was glaring at him. She could easily slap his hand away and pin him down with zero effort, but she loved him and showed him more respect by restraining herself.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ltEX42saO
He moved back slightly with his arms up. "I already read the side effects."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjmYYEeYkF
"And you already proved you can help me quickly if things go bad."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCw4qG8zbG
"It's why I bought potions versus trying to make them. Just to be extra safe. I promise."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASl4lM6IMb
She was not convinced. She even had a bit of puffiness in her eyes from crying a bit.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnNw4AY54U
"If you really mean it."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEa2QA4748
"You will spend an afternoon with me versus Coby."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhxnSUCz1x
"Or your sister and random others."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTVLwZ9sdv
"You're always avoiding being alone with me."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2GWPeUAuL
She pouted.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6FUqkPPnx
"I don't," he tried to retort.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSOjEGGMIZ
"I'm just always busy, or you are."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld7rIV5t8x
"Sure," she said.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIBjyHi4QC
"So busy ignoring your loving sister."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0KqWCqR7P
"Unless you needed something."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Xo6Rpug9Y
"Even then, only if."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVab4s0ffn
"Leenia's not available."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpQr87l6tx
She looked away at those words, as if it was a finality and proof of her point.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtCzdqGhe3
He flinched at that. He'd never thought she noticed. He did ignore her and tended to humor her more than believe whatever she said.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx38MF9g9D1
He looked down at that and said, "Okay. You're right."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCOtzMFBcW
"We both have another brother or sister, but that doesn't mean I can't show you more love and respect."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUAO3vpa8n
"Like you do me. I just never thought it was an issue."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQ83l5aZPB
"It's not," she said. "But it got me a day alone with you."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaLqDbzixc
"So I'm happy," she said, full of cheer.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggic8JrjBI
"You liar!" he said with alarm. "You made me think I hurt you?!"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HOjAUaC6H
She faced him with a smile. "I could never be mad at you, little brother."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcovf7geBjS
"We're family," she beamed.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEx4VU8Uo4l
"But that doesn't change what you're doing is wrong and dangerous."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygQsjPVo0l
She turned serious just as quickly as she'd been smiling. The shifts in moods were exhausting, but he knew she wasn't being flippant. She wanted him to understand what he'd asked and to be mindful of his choices.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8X3L65OyzK
"Okay," he said again. "We will shop tomorrow."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr5KKfxCgH
"I need more herbs anyway, and I can put stuff up for sale."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDhpuAu3JG
"Then maybe we can have lunch at the inn as a random treat."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6bH9IIbeF
"That fair?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmCnGVDEtB
"Yeah!" she said excitedly.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnnABmH1UU
He repeated the steps to make a spider potion. He knew it was a bit strong, but the effects were not fatal, so at least he'd be safe.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BqQDRupov
Nina watched him carefully.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvu034BPzG
"Make sure to let its effects last for a few seconds," he said.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzevXvX5lXi
"As anyone hurt would go much longer, even if the effects were milder with the flower."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqhRSktqU7
She nodded, watching, unmoving.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡde49WYhVbm
The antidote and the poison were scarily similar side by side. He almost couldn't tell them apart.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UMWiaSs6v
The poison just had a slightly deeper color, whereas the antidote had a brighter glow. So easy to harm.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcMOGK2pdb
He needed to find a way to make sure the poisons looked like poisons. Maybe a dye or mild poisons to change the color, since this was to be marketed as a poison. He needed to make sure it couldn't be mistaken.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYg06VPxJZP
For now, the goal was to test the effect to know what he would be inflicting on others.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoaVc21CLM
He took a smaller sip—learning from the paralyzing brew—and at first, it felt just like the antidote, to the point he had to look to make sure he picked the right one.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEMMQQpZMj
Water rushed from his mouth to his feet and flowed in his body. He was about to say how odd it did nothing and wasn't working.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiEJc7RqqA
When the cramp hit his stomach.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX26gncDCFh
He involuntarily twitched, and his vision went black and then cleared.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphDiYab6PY
More cramps randomly hit other body parts. He still was in control, but everything felt off and fighting him to move. That by itself wasn't that bad.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91lpjcuske
It was when the dizziness and sickness hit that he was losing himself. Everything just felt wrong, and he couldn't focus.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vT0Q2bJAo
He wanted to tell Nina to heal him, but he was not sure which way was straight even though he was just sitting.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhvF2drpNJ
He was not even sure if he spoke or slurred words.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMg78vQ3vP
Everything felt random. No clear thought could enter his mind.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpOaBj7cbv
This, he was able to think weakly, is mild effects.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZhpm2UMZl
He wanted to laugh at how cruel the gods were if mild did this.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjjGYkRTZu
As he was finishing those thoughts, he heard a voice in his ear.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQYmsd1NJ2
"Shhh."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7aGrOe7z3
"It's okay, little brother."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWwBpv1MDJ
"I'm here."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡda1RhajNSW
"Drink this."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9VvB7pOVw
He didn't feel the drink upon his lips, but the effect was immediate.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcg9O4TqYK
The same rush from head to foot, but this time he noticed everywhere the water went, it ate, destroyed—he couldn't think of the right word. It just removed everything wrong and left peace.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyeJ1FJjrr
The antidote was indeed a godsend. If poison like that can hurt normal people like that in the wild... terrifying.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ4MA6XH1k
It was only after he was cured that he came to and noticed Nina holding him, rocking him in her arms.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMuM67UolN
"Um... why?" he said once he got a moment of clarity to speak.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfp5a8zeEtg
She shook her head. "After you drank that, you started crying and mumbling to yourself."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPpq2YQ20M
"While seizing up."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9EnMkcN46
"So I held you and gave the cure."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNB9IitVdI
"Letting you know you're okay."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCii0kKIF2
She smiled at him as a mother would holding a child.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4pUZYCeNC
She gently brushed his cheek, and he felt wetness. Oh no. I was crying.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oDWkpy68q
He pulled away from her and wiped his face. "It was necessary," he said.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbNUS9j8v9
"I can't let that happen to others."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRdcSPiNmu
"Not you or anyone else."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBGTXP7xD9
She smiled at that. "I know."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO9MedtlBo
"As much as it hurt to see you like that."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZk0J7p0Nw
"I knew why you were willing to go so far to make sure that was no one else."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VaYFZm83i
"I don't blame you for not being able to handle an unknown poison. It would be scary."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbT6yLbXZsU
He didn't like being talked down to like a child, but he was acting like one if he thought he was in control.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KZfEBI9ey
A small part of him even had a bit of fear knowing that he was willing to do this by himself.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oAVBAWH7Q
The thought now was proof of how careless he'd been. Herbert warned him to follow the book, yet not even half a year passed and he thought he was master enough to experiment anew.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHq35JAsqZ
"Thank you, Nina."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3Dqy2ISbm
"But I think I'm going to shower and end it here."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnQlRbOauA
"I'll be done for dinner, but I want a little alone time."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxLOJ1iSw5
"I won't forget about tomorrow."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPeryZaYya
"You don't have to," she said. "I'm not that selfish. You know I love you and just wanted to spend some time—"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt3qVuNggk
"No," he said. "I want to, and I promised to spend time with one of my sisters, so I will."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeG2P5fgf6
"Yeah!" she said excitedly and clapped a few times before kissing his still-damp cheek.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDcEN2C39D
"You're a good boy, Wolf."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnE3zAD8xb
"I promise I'll keep this secret from Len."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4N44KiJBd
"Or she will kill me for helping you." She thought for a moment after. "Your mom too… So no, I won't tell anyone.”380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCTKB0kp7P
It was a small comfort but a comfort all the same. He nodded as she saw herself out.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaAQRXWzR1
Dinner went well. Leenia sensed something was off, but he played it off as having been forced out on a playdate with Nina. She objected but did not call him out, and the rest of the evening went smooth after that.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3r798pC2N
In bed, he couldn't sleep.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOPn9V2skr
He wanted to make many new brews, but he also knew he could not just assume he knew based on what was written.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZVXgRWKgs
He wished he had an easier way of knowing, but figured more study and time was needed.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGvdotsRcJ
Before sleeping, he wrote a bit in his book as a note:
Mild effect or not, a poison is still a poison. Never assume any are safe. Care must always be taken with unknown effects. The god of Balance may gift us many things, but the gift also brings dangers.
He wasn't sure why alchemy was made that way. Maybe it wasn't. Maybe we just assumed and just kept doing it.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4Sl2uRhN3
He mused and looked at his hand. I was blessed by the gods with great power.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mSx478wor
If I can choose, then I don't like that people can be hurt with heals. I want to change that.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7zCRx1ZaE
Even if it means new things must be rebalanced.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YfwAZThdi
A dark thought crossed his mind. Even if it meant the potions were deadlier.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4UImXyU2M
He wasn't sure. Does everything need to be balanced? The gods already forced magic into set ways. Isn't that enough? Isn't taking my ability to do real magic enough?380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIbbwnzAKv
He thought darkly as he faded into sleep.
It wasn't often, but sometimes Nina slept inside with Leenia. She loved sharing a bed. She'd tried with him, but it freaked him out, as he'd never really even shared one with Leenia.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUr5j1wc8N3
But Nina seemed to crave not being alone, so it became a random thing they accepted.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLPY0VCsSY
Dad made them a guest house in the back, since everyone already welcomed them as family. The only bad thing when she stayed indoors was—380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUospk0avD
"HELLO, BROTHER!" a voice boomed in the hall.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnN2G4EnRZ5
"Morning, Nina," he said. She was way too happy in the morning. He liked his other sister—calm and quiet.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkuKJxkRRQ
Nina was not.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdibytaIDAG
"You ready for today?" she said, practically jumping up and down and waiting for his answer.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Uvt34TT2c
"Yes, yes, I haven't forgotten."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJXCeldYtJ
"Just let me get a light breakfast and we'll wander the town."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSICrnMPGQ
Dad spoke up as he was trying to go to the bathroom. "If you got time to play."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eDPh1EiIm
"Can you take a bit of time to help me and Nebo load the wagon?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wdZiyY6ZR
"Nebo is going to the city soon, so anything you want to sell, we can do it there."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiTMGWVnm5
That made him happy, as he wanted to sell the juices and herbs he made. He knew they were not rare ideas, but doubted they were flooded in the market, so he could make something off them.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNiQrEYVzm
The morning went by quickly with the chores done and seeing everyone off. He was now off with Nina.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlF6Hc2KLur
They mostly explored and chatted about miscellaneous things, and it was a mundane day overall.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMw9iFuO7Yx
They later went to the inn for a meal, and he saw the bear tavern master Icarus. There were people at the tables now being served by humans and beastkin.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYIAp5XYYW
The bear man Icarus sniffed the air before looking their way. "There's a face I haven't seen in ages."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGVTxJq0QH
"Where you been, pup?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQiUgzKkb4
"I scare you away? Hah!" He barked at his joke.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA3BNjj4fV
Wolf was happy to see he wasn't forgotten despite the time away. "No, just busy trying to learn new things."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSw12C2fk5
"Oh," Icarus said. "And got a fox girlfriend, I see."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOEL07Yqfq
"I approve!"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLSFhid7aX
"NO!" Wolf said.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBkFcLOmk1
"She's my sister."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj1HDGQWPo
"Well, not my sister."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhoiQoyx2d
"But she is still family."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8xwCbxvX0
"I promised—" He was flustered, trying to explain, and Icarus laughed.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvpB06NDUi
"Relax, kid."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJ3OYIGQRd
"She's a regular. She talked about you all the time too."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGjZAObSvE
"So I already know the story." He scratched his chin while looking around. "Teva usually talks with her too. I was wondering where that girl went."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRevANDDXtt
He was still trying to compose himself when Nina spoke.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzYEAoE6Ad
"He's my new little brother, and I do love him."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJU2TNaKgL
"But I think he is still too young to think about girls."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveeDv4TX7P
"Not that I will be able to say no to him if he asked."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzKHajQDJA
She grabbed him in a hug, saying that, and he pushed her away, blushing. Why was she causing a scene?380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UUzxDSAAf
He focused and said, "I'm here for a drink," in the most adult way he could.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk4eMYbdGl
Icarus laughed. "There's a man, not a pup!"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5MaVA1W2N
"You want a man's drink, then?" A grin full of teeth.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIuG7mHNcK
He noticed people starting to stare from all the excitement, but he still shook his head.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUu5EBUfkc
"No, just a normal one, please."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcDBiCxRbb
"And some food."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed1XQTYGj1
"Okay, little one," Icarus said. "It'll be my treat since I missed you and you brought a date."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoyez3fnyy
"I mean, your sister," he joked and laughed as he went to the back.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePXCCX8DjC
Wolf lowered his head, feeling a bit defeated. He was trying to take control, and everything was getting beyond him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYqtxGPZ5x
It was then he felt a hug—slightly different than before—press against his back.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ2A60uQdi
With a voice he had not heard in a while. "Missed you, Wolf."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUcBWq8ptT
He was stunned at the new sensation and could not move as the voice went on. "Nina," the voice said flatly.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamfCLmNr5m
"You said you'd make an effort to help me see him since he was busy!"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZkRQcwhSh
He saw Nina look indifferent. "I have been busy."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvX083Ohud
Her ears and tail remained flat.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzlWjAjzmv
He knew it was Teva when he turned to look and was stunned at how she had changed in such a short time.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDCoOkWyJg
Her hair was slightly longer, though still short. A simple loose-fitting blue dress with an apron tied on the front. She was just as bright as before.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKQxTxSr3N
Despite the glares at each other, she left him and Nina to help others, and he admired her speed going around the tables, checking on the people who thankfully ignored him in favor of their own food and drinks.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0FK41Tqxc
He forgot how blue her eyes were. So soft and feminine. And the way she smiled was full of life.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1R8lMs7AOG
He hated how he'd ignored her and didn't think twice.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PnHtTw24o
A voice whispered into his ear. "Should I be jealous?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4AZJUMvDp
"I thought this was our date?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChu5lLCFDX
"What?" he cried, shocked.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWqhI3324r
"This isn't a date."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZFnJATG6E
That got a few random stares as he quickly went to the counter to sit before turning on his sister. "I don't like crowds."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZN1uKxfBxL
"Too many people watching me freaks me out."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5Wk7U5bRT
"And also, stop pretending to be a random girl I like. We're family."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVk2CeKTJ6A
Amused, she sat beside him and stared at him with a smile. "You never said if I should be jealous?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYGm7Q5iJP
"Is she your type?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4id4uG9b3c
His mind went blank for a moment as he thought about her words.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIIZQkPItn
"I don't have a type," he said bluntly, then proceeded to ignore her, waiting for the food.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyBEaXB68t
She kept staring for a bit, then conceded for now.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAizeFm9D6z
Icarus came with simple drinks that were yellowish-looking. Their mildly sour mix with sweet juices gave a nice mix of bitter and sweet.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQikexAcBxR
"Nina here tends to ask for them, so I brought two on the house!" he said with a bit of pride. He remembered her drink of choice.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxIAZMTDYf
"Thanks," she said with a bit of cheer. He also nodded his approval in thanks, as Icarus went to check on another who needed his attention.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYTX58MF2Q
The drink itself was an odd mix. The sour bitterness was very light, before it got to the point where it was too much, the sweet blend smoothed it out, making you chase the flavor, which faded much too fast. So you drink another, and it would repeat.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHF3Ikptlmd
"Interesting," he muttered to himself.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxIt1rGDht
"I know, right?" Nina spoke up beside him. "It's why I love the stuff."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVF0peeJQ6
"No matter what you eat, the flavor of the drink doesn't interfere with the food since the aftertaste fades. Amazing stuff."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRhKuO8Nfp
Now that he had a moment to relax, he could hear a bit of music playing in the background. Was that always there?380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWQ4HLydBF
He looked for the source, and interestingly, it was a human man, a gnome girl, and a human girl playing some instrument in the corner.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDGRvnzle0
It seemed they'd been taking a break. Why did he not hear them before?380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ttgkyWUJq
Nina noticed where he was looking. "Aha, them."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11HLHBooCl
"Yeah, they've been here a few weeks."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbEFcRElu8
"I heard they tend to travel."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZwp8HrpKe
"But liked this place and been staying awhile."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihlzxOvTKt
"Not sure how far they go."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVMQI9w02g
"Never asked."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95NfD9bvD8
"Sometimes the gnome sings. Nice voice too."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFKiiGTRHL
"Really?" Wolf was amazed. He'd heard his mother and sister sing lullabies, but never a real performer. He wondered if there was a difference.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IvRdFxU7w
"Here you go, little Wolf. Eat up and be a big wolf," Icarus said as he laid down two plates of slabs of meat with a very small side of veggies.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZeLgJLTyQ
He saw Wolf's shocked face at the sizes and laughed. "I like meat, so I tend to serve it every chance I get."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWOJP3K4Pf
"Hunting has been good here."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bmDk2S7xK
"So I can afford to share the wealth."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yTVg8PAVB
"Eat what you can."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpY5Ky2miMo
"We got fat pets that enjoy leftovers."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9yjR5FOMo
"They're lazy bums, but I love them all the same."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6SntlUDOv
He left them to their meal.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyJ3lRzdnO
Halfway through the meal, Teva came back and approached them. "Everything okay?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7lJfEVPQ7
"You feeling better?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Kc1tJ8C3T
"Your shouting earlier?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmc5Xq1w13
Wolf blushed involuntarily. He was used to attention from his family, but from her? It caught him off guard, and he wasn't sure how to act.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBaNi3TSD3
Seeing her this close, her eyes were still a deep blue like the lake.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczT4GVm8qw
Nina spoke up while he was still lost. "My little brother is fine. Thank you."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHqmyX3xFm
"For your concern, but I'm watching out for him."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq4QQUIykp
Teva smiled and got a mischievous grin. "We're not strangers. He was my friend first."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzJWB6sYie
Then brushed his hair. "Besides, when did he become your brother?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShbXMqjHZC
The soft touch of her hand on him was nice but distracting. He wasn't really attracted to her—at least he didn't think so. He was just not used to random girls touching him. Nina didn't count. She was different.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpds2JsBBeT
He thought that, he could see Nina getting angry, which was very rare, and he wasn't sure why. Wait, was she the jealous type? Or just doesn't like to share?380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABclKNkcCs
"Please leave my brother alone. He doesn't like so much attention."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk5T5i1pkh
"It's spoiling his meal."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuwC05UMYA
Teva flinched and stopped touching him as if bitten. "Sorry, sorry!"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZ7OTabPBG
"Just wanted to make sure he was okay."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYNqmPSSLN
"It has been a while, and I missed him."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3KKs14EdU
"And when you're surrounded by old farts all day."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0nUCNQ5pD
"You want to be closer to people you care about."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aWWQagwK9
"So I just want to be closer to a cutie."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPaA9VOECz
"I'll be on my way. Stay safe, Wolf. Please visit more."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXxBtmMdt2
He was blushing from being called cute but also saw Nina staring daggers. He found a voice to speak. "Thanks for worrying about me, Teva."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qkqZt0IW1
"Sorry. I have been a stranger."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW76kr5CIgU
"That was rude. I'll try to visit more."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynBrIMAcSr
She beamed and danced away, tail swirling with the dress. "Maybe we can talk more without your pesky sister."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ENXyFVM4t
He wasn't sure how to respond to that. Was it still friendly banter or an attack?380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyRhTFmZtV
"Ooooo," Icarus was watching from the side, speaking. "Caught her eye, did you?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyB9OuVq9Vp
"Careful. She does bite."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2yJwnMFOV
He wasn't sure what was going on but still tried to recover. It was just Teva. Why is everyone making it a big deal?380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDROWVSBEWX
"If she tries anything, she will regret it."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuUaaBENBh
"My brother doesn't need a vixen's temptations."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf4nx8nPxh
"He's going to be an alchemist, not a cat toy for a random catkin."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsyOfQ5hxP
Icarus laughed again. "Never dull with you around, cub."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB639JfiwxU
"Already trying to build a pack of women, and not even a full wolf. Very bold!"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVf6lwqvdfP
Wolf finally started to get desensitized to all the attention and overbearing nature of the beastkin. He sighed. "No, just a date with my sister," he conceded, trying to stem some of her anger.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdw2NHnwuLC
It did not work. She still looked ruffled.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4i5H5To7Fe
The rest of the meal was eaten in mostly silence. They thanked Icarus for the meal and promised to return the favor.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGiBF2ku3n
As they left, a few patrons nodded or gave a wave goodbye. Wolf couldn't help but look, and yes, as if by intuition, Teva was watching him and gave a wave goodbye. He even thought he saw a bit of sadness in her eyes, but wasn't sure. He was lost in his own world.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyeWczUIY6
The walk home was met by a detour to the lake. He didn't mind, as he always enjoyed its view.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3ASz3Nh0a
Even now, as they neared the water's edge, Nina made smooth rocks appear in her hand and started skipping them.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YrX52xomH
A petty use for magic, but amazing to him, who would have loved to do just that. He looked at his hand, full of power, and nothing there.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDPz0l7Hen
She spoke after a third toss. "Thought you didn't like her?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtnDf6GuTf
"Wha?" he said.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy32eqJWMum
"I don't."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7hPSI0HVn
"But you sure loved her attention," she replied with a calmness unlike her.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ476tzUf8oo
"It was different," he said.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqXTmxOsYH
"Not used to girls liking me."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhr7PLBt41Z
"What about me?" Nina asked.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerhhqzXg0X
"You're my sister," he said flatly, as if that solved everything.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ557RYmwmVB
"No," she said. "You always pushed me away with indifference."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbIizpOUmL
"You liked her touching you."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxfWhwtTu9
He blushed at that.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2BOOKl1Yc
"IT'S DIFFERENT!" he shouted, flustered. "She's NOT FAMILY," he shouted at the end to make it a stronger statement.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyQEqCuzVQ
She stopped throwing rocks and sat down at that. Wolf had to know.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhcQQmYLxH
"Are you saying you don't want to be my sister?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2N3rz4zGN
"No," she said in a low voice.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG58KDKgxcy
He didn't want to ask, but he had to know. "Are you wanting..."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREmOm75Zxw
"Did you want to be my lover?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JtDE4yCv6
"WHAT? NO!" Nina looked at him aghast.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8LSCSiFw3
He let out a sigh. "Okay, good."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToxbdfLu1L
"Then why are you jealous?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWDimqVwym
"Because you're MY BROTHER."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxvGfX97C7
"MY FAMILY."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSyc0UOZFU
"I don't want to share!"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP64x2xZNq
She explained with a huff, then tears were in her eyes and she looked away. Ears flat.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEufpbfQhIP
He wasn't sure how things ended up like this, so he sat beside her and held her like his other sister would have done for him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw4WTSnSad
Like Nina would have done for him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCOqD6S4Yt
"I understand," he said. "I got so used to you and Leenia loving me."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlJ1NUnCFp
"I forgot there's a bigger world with more people."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AhyuUJCZi
"It freaks me out, and the attention overwhelms me."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjlvzaBWZD
"Teva is... nice. And a friend."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmN94ud4Bp
"I don't like her, but she is pretty and friendly."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMKAzwfaI2
"So I was happy for the attention."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsij6cbdFcC
"She did not do anything wrong to make you mad," he finished.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KGHSwYzKw
"Yet," she said.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSPcf10Vea
"What?" he asked.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaAIvP2CUQ
"She did not do anything yet."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh7HVkPdTd
"Let's not pretend she wouldn't chew you up the first chance she got, little brother."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkndHzUnje
"You don't understand women."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0kZBZFL1I
"You'd be a toy she had fun with, then lost interest for another."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKgJv7u8XI
"She did not see you for a while, so she likes you."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNwBij13ay
"When the next new boy comes along, you'll be an afterthought."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4cMiz1JoH
That stung a bit, but he didn't care. He wasn't trying anything anyway.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JVuQ1tr29
But he had liked to believe they were friends and had just grown apart. Teva only ever showed him kindness. Maybe one day...380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Kg05k8EEh
He focused on Nina instead. "We'll always be family."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnZnDVHUrT
"I promise."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlmbOcSA2H
"But there may be a day you find someone else, and I trust you won't leave me."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ATe3Ij4v8
"Any more than Leenia will."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicDWgLSTix
She didn't answer but leaned into him. "I guess," he said.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMX4cpDF9g
"Part of growing up is knowing we have to share, and we don't always get to keep everything."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JjgkFhwQ6
"I learned that when Leenia was helping Dad with work."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElX5SeBKiD
"And although Mom had always been there."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGR3QK2a2K
"It wasn't the same. It was the same thing with Coby."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcHQlm1gzw
"My only friend."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeKMr9Bu1b
"Off hunting with his dad."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq4hjR3FHb
"I knew Teva for a while from the church, but we just kinda been busy."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmsYwLvpX0
He watched the lake before going on.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKH0qFAl0q
"So I was happy when you came along."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvuMeYW5fo
"But you were too happy."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ447EIVgFDP
"It overwhelmed me."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFrva4Vamf
"I was used to being alone."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pXgz0QS63
"That's why I pushed you away with what seemed indifference."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7dzxiwQYE
"You always bounced back with more joy."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9zXTKplKe
"So I thought you never cared what I did."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3WUqrT2nJ
"I don't," she said. "Not really."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ947d8mNO6E
"I mean, I do care."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhE1G17P6p7
"It's why I got jealous of a new girl."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAPIQWarWo
"But as long as you were happy and my family?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQyb7ZCvWC
"I was happy."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEedubuVnN
"I wanted people close who did not worship me as a magical object and wouldn't leave me."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFrWcZWc15
"Well, I'm glad we had this playdate."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOf1mxJbaW
"Play... date?" she asked and laughed. "Is that what this is to you?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzLq1josKq
"Well, we're family, and you said it was a date?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUSRVoJdfS
"So we had a playdate."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHvw148gq3
She nuzzled her head in his chest. "You're fun, little brother."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVXdxEm2zM
"Don't change, even if you have a wife and kids."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBjmkXcNwl
"I promise to be a good aunt and love them as much as I love you."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9SH4NDLoS
The shift from sad back to happy threw him off a bit, and hearing her say she loved him—while not rare—made him think about how he felt versus just humoring her feelings.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLKicmykSA
"I love you too, sister."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYk6uEFpsU
"But you should try to spend more time with your older brother."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytjUfKQUh8
"Bet he is lonely with how much you embrace me and Leenia."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNa9U1kLkf8
She stiffened at that. "You know I tried."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURGhRFWjlK
"He's happy keeping his distance."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMxwoM13tZ
"He never accepted me the same way you and Leenia did."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWw3GKbx77C
"Dunno why."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHd4AEvyEw
"It's sad, seeing as he is blood and you're not."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEtjAgX0qm
"But I feel more like family with you than him."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s3ihKBbJ8
His tail gently wagged as she spoke.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKSWsBfeDS
"Maybe he just likes his space and hasn't been touched?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS7iTJEkro
"You're a very loving person."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVEeAmMFSG
"It can be a bit too much."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7Da9sQbN4
He knew he was assuming a lot, but he wanted to assure her she wasn't alone. Even without him. And he did wonder why her brother was more distant.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpjhRSitIR
She shrugged at that. "Maybe. But I think we're both happy with the way things are."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDrS9WfdHa
"He never tries to get closer, and I never push him."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywQchcaDMR
"If it bothers you, I'll give you more space."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjFq85pQrz
"No," Wolf said. "You're fine. We're all growing up in our own way."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5AYYLjLOr
"Let's at least try to make it work."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySKHVZH8H8
"Even if it is not perfect. Okay?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWHQvhJsJD
"Okay," she sang and hummed to herself as he held her by the lake.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt4UcCDgwM
It was a good day. Not the one he wanted, but a good day all the same.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCLDrOZa50
And he couldn't help but think how the lake reminded him of Teva's blue eyes.
380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxj8nGkAdC2
and then Add to home screen.