Late Spring349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2yo82XKBl
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gmc1hmnJU
He'd studied the herb book a few times while waiting for everything to arrive and before getting everything settled.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzSXp224gD
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtttlm5Liub
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡls6O2SI8LI
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6SnUR29M0
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡco9l4LKzcG
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NYea6hrrj
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?349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraBSPa9gId
Figuring out how best to dilute it took a bit of time but worked out in the end.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUCtVFIpxE
It was the adding the pep from caffeine or sleeping from star beads that scared him a bit.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OqrZYPGja
The first time, he put way too much caffeine in a batch and could not sleep for two days.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFa5uJjQMx
So he thought he was smart. After not sleeping for two days, he added night moss.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsP2SdCvM8B
Then he woke up three days later.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFYi9dIjh6
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk544natqIb
Combined with the lack of sleep, it hit him much harder, and he just needed to sleep it off.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGgPKRxwBd
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?349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6W0KNzm7D
He was content now, and the family loved the new spice mixes and drinks once he worked out how to make them safe.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5t4Nl5Oxn
He found he needed a fraction of the caffeine or sleeping agents versus the rest of the mix.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeagfqsuha
Before, he'd tried to split it even and was surprised he didn't hurt himself with stupidity.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvxWoorg1v
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiWLsOUAMF
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxAdcoxDfK
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgFlRX0LsE
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXLxRd4xJD
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC3eghkjz7
But what was interesting about the spider brew was even though it was so deadly, it also was a selfish poison.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwssZ4cVRs
It refused to allow anything else to hurt its victim, which is why it can be made into an antidote.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6tQw8jBdk
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwETmzDz3z
It loses its edge long before it can harm anyone, leaving the healing effect to dispel it.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuivYb3RWb
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfNuVBLk5v
Another was adder bite, which was also a poison. But if used carefully, useful for reducing pain as a paste to numb areas.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluSZl4HjnM
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNFNDKLr9g
The cure only took a sip, same with the other potions' effects. So one bottle brewed would last a very long time.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNMfgijh0W
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcvMrEJFjB
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD06DorEqfa
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIR8IIm6Gt
So that meant despite its toxicity, it was not fatal—just fast-acting?349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUrUNu2jvv
That would also make sense as to why it was favored as an antidote. They will always heal quickly.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKeKy8Uz2h
He figured, to be safe, he'd start with the adder potion and make it into a liquid versus a paste.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOUNdY3MaZ
He needed to have a fail-safe to use and cure ready to be safe. He got his sister Nina.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tKaJWRKkg
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGFnXbqDdT
"Are you really going to poison yourself, little brother? I don't think that's safe."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMs4oGij7t
"No. I mean, I know it's not safe."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIwutve6Dm
"But are you sure it's worth it?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkIjKZ4RZC
"Just to test what you already know something about?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nim8XnTGH
Nina asked skeptically.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7UQTk4YfK
He sighed. "I'm sure."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BDj3KWdR4
"I can't practice some of these things alone."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvPkyuyJu1
"I need to know what they look like and the worst effects."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGMznBs3b6
"That can be suffered."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqt1H6g8Vi
"Before I'm willing to risk it on others."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF74zQgrId
"Okay," she said in a low, sad voice.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkksUEH00ou
"I trust you."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5o3SNfWIX
"But I don't like it."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwRXO9VtAi
"And I know Leenia would hate it more."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLdFxLhgmd
She gasped. "Your mother!"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKgSGwnV2f
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl5Z1gVKbV
"It is an adder's potion."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhg1zQixtKc
"The book mentions the paste numbing."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGH0zg1P9bB
"So at worst, it numbs me."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMEgXa5eTp
"But I need to know how the antidote works to better understand poisons and cures."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WYNqG5Sha
He explained.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTz5gDZt6RP
She still looked at him with doubt but let him proceed.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgw9Jk8RSc
The adder potion was simply mixed with water as the base.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0q7TtyMwS
He took a sip, and the effect was immediate.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVe0gxXR4t
He was watching Nina as he did it. She watched him back with concern. His face never changed.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDAAdvQ1ZV
He just blankly watched her as he fell sideways.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbeZPT0wf9
He felt no pain. Everything was just numb.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpMQim8eY4
He wasn't even sure if he was breathing, and that thought caused him to panic a bit.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtwQnNJkV3
But then even his thoughts seemed blunted. Even that was numbed, it seemed.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeb9e9kwot
A light coolness touched his lips, and he felt water race into his body.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi6cOlec4t
Everywhere it touched—from his face down to his feet—felt something eating away the numbness at an amazing rate.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmhy6ddJfq
In less than a few seconds, he went from a blank paralyzed state to feeling normal.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxp6OvN8cH
Even after that water rushed through his body, it faded in seconds, as if it never existed.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICIkzQBPkI
"Look at me!"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgkh7ZBwpX
"Hey! Listen! You okay?!"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlb2ZsWWvu
He was shocked to see Nina's face in front of him.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbqycIXAkn
How was he not able to notice her before?349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ6uaYwjuA
How potent was the adder potion?!349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9Fg1pqeWZ
"I'm fine," he said, surprised. He felt... normal?349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgk6D7NB6a
No side effect? Gods, that is amazing!349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8h1UITecd
There were tears in Nina's eyes as she held him.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBIruB1nbo
"Don't scare me like that," she said and held him tighter, cutting off his air.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6M5ruvJI6u
"Too tight!" he gasped, and she let go slightly but still held him.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuMrAstBil
"I told you what I was doing, and I made sure I had help."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkFJSj9efz
"This was a good test."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaIw0lZtgR
"I know now how dangerous the toxin is and how powerful the antidote is."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmaCpNdHtA
He tried to comfort her, but she wasn't listening. So he gave in and held her instead.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwlmXL5ulD
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzB7DECofy
"Thank you for helping me."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmNp9e6AjW
"I'll use more care and not try to hurt myself anymore. Okay?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApbilnsj5o
She didn't let go, but he felt her nod. He was happy she cared so much, but she'd been overprotective.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D7RoqyQfb
Now that he thought about it, maybe it was best he didn't involve his other sister.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZXT8QWWSQ
"I trust you, sis. So please keep it from Leenia."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnWoeHCmQZ
"I can't learn if I don't practice."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgzSJwXftr
"And she will fear I can't be trusted."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvDAQhD2F2
She laughed at those words. "You're not proving her wrong."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOHa9K6bye
He rubbed her back. "Yeah, guess I'm not."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFetl6YWl8
"But if we lace this on weapons?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJGabWngN0
"It is a very strong tool to help fight monsters."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORsyKBk7KN
"So it was a good test."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwogD8ZE8wz
"Now I need to do spider poison."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TzYD6O6x7
"NO!" Nina shouted.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIAAhhrHez
"Everything okay?" he heard his mother say in another room.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXQ7u9dnWc
He grabbed Nina's mouth to stop her and said, "Everything is fine."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZWYVGDLEY
"Just fighting over little things."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXuyWsdSku
"Okay," his mom said. "Supper in an hour."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonjRq20FO3
"Okay," he shouted back.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN4HOC4cNN
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdihaoN6nqi
He moved back slightly with his arms up. "I already read the side effects."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabyb4YWgwc
"And you already proved you can help me quickly if things go bad."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGvJYfWtCE
"It's why I bought potions versus trying to make them. Just to be extra safe. I promise."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73uktIbNmM
She was not convinced. She even had a bit of puffiness in her eyes from crying a bit.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyYv8tj0Ye
"If you really mean it."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rYRPDrACO
"You will spend an afternoon with me versus Coby."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLCU3ssoOk
"Or your sister and random others."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eddUPXHl9
"You're always avoiding being alone with me."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwscrxgP6X3
She pouted.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYZes9Zv0z
"I don't," he tried to retort.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxp4Y79li0R
"I'm just always busy, or you are."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EzZxOUgKr
"Sure," she said.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfUBN5bDNK
"So busy ignoring your loving sister."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5waFWogA3
"Unless you needed something."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJuLykMS6I
"Even then, only if."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3192FllwM
"Leenia's not available."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqGVZEwpPI
She looked away at those words, as if it was a finality and proof of her point.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBDm0lmOsG
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhNugVV7RC
He looked down at that and said, "Okay. You're right."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡein3V7C9OP
"We both have another brother or sister, but that doesn't mean I can't show you more love and respect."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriif8lIrKD
"Like you do me. I just never thought it was an issue."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGTksEF4Z4
"It's not," she said. "But it got me a day alone with you."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GFhOsBJii
"So I'm happy," she said, full of cheer.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs59mbwTWjo
"You liar!" he said with alarm. "You made me think I hurt you?!"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD5Kh4rfwG
She faced him with a smile. "I could never be mad at you, little brother."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEpiKCERSO
"We're family," she beamed.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIv9yWsyiL
"But that doesn't change what you're doing is wrong and dangerous."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DQPCs2MzQ
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uQjbmLtkU
"Okay," he said again. "We will shop tomorrow."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp65MZhikEI
"I need more herbs anyway, and I can put stuff up for sale."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cYANXTZbP
"Then maybe we can have lunch at the inn as a random treat."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKEOgE0BC5
"That fair?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSiL1QIpZO
"Yeah!" she said excitedly.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSiXho10s1
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CPrtUJfkj
Nina watched him carefully.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCjyEQabzs
"Make sure to let its effects last for a few seconds," he said.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCE6D3fl7Kz
"As anyone hurt would go much longer, even if the effects were milder with the flower."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6dMYQBaKN
She nodded, watching, unmoving.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnxUQr5ris
The antidote and the poison were scarily similar side by side. He almost couldn't tell them apart.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iIXLxCHNA
The poison just had a slightly deeper color, whereas the antidote had a brighter glow. So easy to harm.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBFExZn7zP
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLHSvsWelR
For now, the goal was to test the effect to know what he would be inflicting on others.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rhAix0j2q
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5P5YZ9w72
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY3k8aPRQ8
When the cramp hit his stomach.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8EEUg6ibn
He involuntarily twitched, and his vision went black and then cleared.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScCNqNwRiv
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tBF5E28Ke
It was when the dizziness and sickness hit that he was losing himself. Everything just felt wrong, and he couldn't focus.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKKzzZ3piL
He wanted to tell Nina to heal him, but he was not sure which way was straight even though he was just sitting.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmA63VrGBo
He was not even sure if he spoke or slurred words.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTijrLFYu0
Everything felt random. No clear thought could enter his mind.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBzEbX9Vva
This, he was able to think weakly, is mild effects.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8YzKqf1yB
He wanted to laugh at how cruel the gods were if mild did this.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYC8VMOt7w
As he was finishing those thoughts, he heard a voice in his ear.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSDOFqPely
"Shhh."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CH6Uw25cc
"It's okay, little brother."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMl5vF4UbY
"I'm here."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvw7pCQayWn
"Drink this."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK7P4Umsbj
He didn't feel the drink upon his lips, but the effect was immediate.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeEXHxp7uH
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8azEU3mxnh
The antidote was indeed a godsend. If poison like that can hurt normal people like that in the wild... terrifying.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC6yZY1Lg2
It was only after he was cured that he came to and noticed Nina holding him, rocking him in her arms.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LYT8Zyc6i
"Um... why?" he said once he got a moment of clarity to speak.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6PxUL3YTs
She shook her head. "After you drank that, you started crying and mumbling to yourself."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgZlQdJmpQ
"While seizing up."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYogNtEhiEB
"So I held you and gave the cure."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXh42tYygS
"Letting you know you're okay."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPryu7Uvsw
She smiled at him as a mother would holding a child.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbaY8VvtvU
She gently brushed his cheek, and he felt wetness. Oh no. I was crying.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqgeVPkX84
He pulled away from her and wiped his face. "It was necessary," he said.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMvjZWd7gN
"I can't let that happen to others."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SGyx7WCJw
"Not you or anyone else."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUVaQ0oIM0
She smiled at that. "I know."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡws5nvsDnvx
"As much as it hurt to see you like that."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEnHz5BBuZ
"I knew why you were willing to go so far to make sure that was no one else."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL9MEhbnas
"I don't blame you for not being able to handle an unknown poison. It would be scary."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8Q8V5QAH4
He didn't like being talked down to like a child, but he was acting like one if he thought he was in control.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dH2PTwcvS
A small part of him even had a bit of fear knowing that he was willing to do this by himself.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlERV3SbMEI
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrYNmTS8HG
"Thank you, Nina."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcf8h0DFRGd
"But I think I'm going to shower and end it here."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CFHGuuh8a
"I'll be done for dinner, but I want a little alone time."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgreTv74qUs
"I won't forget about tomorrow."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt86mRz940g
"You don't have to," she said. "I'm not that selfish. You know I love you and just wanted to spend some time—"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxaJ9RmvpE
"No," he said. "I want to, and I promised to spend time with one of my sisters, so I will."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FFIpmhLII
"Yeah!" she said excitedly and clapped a few times before kissing his still-damp cheek.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplXzotFAzr
"You're a good boy, Wolf."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtibHYajLmP
"I promise I'll keep this secret from Len."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CNP5v8z1W
"Or she will kill me for helping you." She thought for a moment after. "Your mom too… So no, I won't tell anyone.”349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7MyOJQbIU
It was a small comfort but a comfort all the same. He nodded as she saw herself out.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4HYnnlEb1
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKv1W5OZKRn
In bed, he couldn't sleep.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELCGy7ESIT
He wanted to make many new brews, but he also knew he could not just assume he knew based on what was written.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggmlE0Eqpw
He wished he had an easier way of knowing, but figured more study and time was needed.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81i7A1GBBA
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgIFXj0ytE
He mused and looked at his hand. I was blessed by the gods with great power.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5K9bnki3d
If I can choose, then I don't like that people can be hurt with heals. I want to change that.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QGjAcJLpE
Even if it means new things must be rebalanced.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsMy8GsWNm
A dark thought crossed his mind. Even if it meant the potions were deadlier.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpulSWkiLtD
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?349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgXQE23ZHr
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWHdOG0riI
But Nina seemed to crave not being alone, so it became a random thing they accepted.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPMEbbFQsU
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—349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8tHgLQEDm
"HELLO, BROTHER!" a voice boomed in the hall.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcLAkz8jEg
"Morning, Nina," he said. She was way too happy in the morning. He liked his other sister—calm and quiet.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr64xtH7qw
Nina was not.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJSzaaMKDR
"You ready for today?" she said, practically jumping up and down and waiting for his answer.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa6IljUPNk
"Yes, yes, I haven't forgotten."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHQZBJ5Sc1
"Just let me get a light breakfast and we'll wander the town."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEI1detcb4
Dad spoke up as he was trying to go to the bathroom. "If you got time to play."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN8D4yB2SH
"Can you take a bit of time to help me and Nebo load the wagon?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH014YbYhYW
"Nebo is going to the city soon, so anything you want to sell, we can do it there."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevzIEgGWx4
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlt6idgwxbs
The morning went by quickly with the chores done and seeing everyone off. He was now off with Nina.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0x24Oa3js
They mostly explored and chatted about miscellaneous things, and it was a mundane day overall.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdElikz9rM
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI83d3W0e5G
The bear man Icarus sniffed the air before looking their way. "There's a face I haven't seen in ages."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaDU9hhJhc
"Where you been, pup?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWIdCJtLnL
"I scare you away? Hah!" He barked at his joke.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnCKkjDqVh
Wolf was happy to see he wasn't forgotten despite the time away. "No, just busy trying to learn new things."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNREsFcY90
"Oh," Icarus said. "And got a fox girlfriend, I see."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON0PG0FaNd
"I approve!"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxWfcCt58Q
"NO!" Wolf said.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtfZprOqKz
"She's my sister."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0FKtYJwwW
"Well, not my sister."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Rdm2HiZzK
"But she is still family."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ECLLasBMJ
"I promised—" He was flustered, trying to explain, and Icarus laughed.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteSN3nMznW
"Relax, kid."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoH9me0U6A5
"She's a regular. She talked about you all the time too."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqTRNL9os2
"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."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7No0NKOCY0
He was still trying to compose himself when Nina spoke.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuTX8FfM69
"He's my new little brother, and I do love him."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hMHh4w0hK
"But I think he is still too young to think about girls."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWpHadQ3RS
"Not that I will be able to say no to him if he asked."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR0BwMeTXL
She grabbed him in a hug, saying that, and he pushed her away, blushing. Why was she causing a scene?349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduU6S3QVj2
He focused and said, "I'm here for a drink," in the most adult way he could.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrYcuUEM5k
Icarus laughed. "There's a man, not a pup!"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNYtNAPrjl
"You want a man's drink, then?" A grin full of teeth.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PfNujDgjn
He noticed people starting to stare from all the excitement, but he still shook his head.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1kS4CYru9
"No, just a normal one, please."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRJArcHRD0
"And some food."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT8ZvBjgAK
"Okay, little one," Icarus said. "It'll be my treat since I missed you and you brought a date."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohFcdQJk5o
"I mean, your sister," he joked and laughed as he went to the back.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWnBijSVJH
Wolf lowered his head, feeling a bit defeated. He was trying to take control, and everything was getting beyond him.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yX9XnmQ1k
It was then he felt a hug—slightly different than before—press against his back.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xJFZHAmU7
With a voice he had not heard in a while. "Missed you, Wolf."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5uBhaR8Zg
He was stunned at the new sensation and could not move as the voice went on. "Nina," the voice said flatly.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFHiACO7g0
"You said you'd make an effort to help me see him since he was busy!"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJiPcTQ6aj
He saw Nina look indifferent. "I have been busy."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuEUy6ctwW
Her ears and tail remained flat.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvGIyZ2vAd
He knew it was Teva when he turned to look and was stunned at how she had changed in such a short time.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5dZgDfBJ6
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21GiNexSPo
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlb52lWk6WL
He forgot how blue her eyes were. So soft and feminine. And the way she smiled was full of life.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F10AjcnZx
He hated how he'd ignored her and didn't think twice.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFphJrKKQOr
A voice whispered into his ear. "Should I be jealous?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMXZizn6tp
"I thought this was our date?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLzzjwqP7x
"What?" he cried, shocked.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a5lnt9ilI
"This isn't a date."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CZlPgCY4o
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."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hsigC5CCH
"Too many people watching me freaks me out."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkk7NXQMxQ
"And also, stop pretending to be a random girl I like. We're family."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYkk2gGRdJ
Amused, she sat beside him and stared at him with a smile. "You never said if I should be jealous?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIyva1rfa8
"Is she your type?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUvhXcTfne
His mind went blank for a moment as he thought about her words.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMh8rZIfNq
"I don't have a type," he said bluntly, then proceeded to ignore her, waiting for the food.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnEjlLdTzj
She kept staring for a bit, then conceded for now.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm6l8msvch
Icarus came with simple drinks that were yellowish-looking. Their mildly sour mix with sweet juices gave a nice mix of bitter and sweet.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjj4REYD38
"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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK4MtGvrSj
"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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULI2FiUGr1
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9CVa786JH
"Interesting," he muttered to himself.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXj0IL2TFc
"I know, right?" Nina spoke up beside him. "It's why I love the stuff."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNPf0ic3hQ
"No matter what you eat, the flavor of the drink doesn't interfere with the food since the aftertaste fades. Amazing stuff."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJt08hrk9n
Now that he had a moment to relax, he could hear a bit of music playing in the background. Was that always there?349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9kK9FAWy3
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWcNDxVNzb
It seemed they'd been taking a break. Why did he not hear them before?349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao2mTybMg6
Nina noticed where he was looking. "Aha, them."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMRILY72Pw
"Yeah, they've been here a few weeks."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoXU107AAR
"I heard they tend to travel."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMJr3c8iA7
"But liked this place and been staying awhile."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgagkdW0NM
"Not sure how far they go."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Bp91hhDv3
"Never asked."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf98g15m2Mk
"Sometimes the gnome sings. Nice voice too."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDvIrM2IJG
"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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lJr156Bzg
"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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7c8LmhLq4
He saw Wolf's shocked face at the sizes and laughed. "I like meat, so I tend to serve it every chance I get."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSjMBXJT95
"Hunting has been good here."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKOLeIBnEC
"So I can afford to share the wealth."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SWqGwqmx1
"Eat what you can."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2exIl0NvR
"We got fat pets that enjoy leftovers."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOxrpnkeQb
"They're lazy bums, but I love them all the same."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNCmf8oTt4
He left them to their meal.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUYNun1INd
Halfway through the meal, Teva came back and approached them. "Everything okay?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfM685cKi3
"You feeling better?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTi1FC5lpa3
"Your shouting earlier?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jRa62neyn
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pDFnju0lb
Seeing her this close, her eyes were still a deep blue like the lake.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsihx5c8zk
Nina spoke up while he was still lost. "My little brother is fine. Thank you."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBVsTDap3f
"For your concern, but I'm watching out for him."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKwWYS1p7p
Teva smiled and got a mischievous grin. "We're not strangers. He was my friend first."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj23VFbaZt
Then brushed his hair. "Besides, when did he become your brother?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJ3bIVIHNK
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTd25nEIi9x
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?349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2Pet36HV5
"Please leave my brother alone. He doesn't like so much attention."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLvy4UAmcc
"It's spoiling his meal."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlky7hncDR
Teva flinched and stopped touching him as if bitten. "Sorry, sorry!"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UxkU1NutF
"Just wanted to make sure he was okay."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrh5oK0tB8N
"It has been a while, and I missed him."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbGj4keIlR
"And when you're surrounded by old farts all day."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3UQHp5uce
"You want to be closer to people you care about."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhpFikAkB0
"So I just want to be closer to a cutie."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cgP5ZAUrc
"I'll be on my way. Stay safe, Wolf. Please visit more."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsbQOb2HH7
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."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5KmS6GSE0
"Sorry. I have been a stranger."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75sivIM56R
"That was rude. I'll try to visit more."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yO49xGYnf
She beamed and danced away, tail swirling with the dress. "Maybe we can talk more without your pesky sister."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lJekJK5tK
He wasn't sure how to respond to that. Was it still friendly banter or an attack?349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTFdSTqet1
"Ooooo," Icarus was watching from the side, speaking. "Caught her eye, did you?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNvii9Ihor
"Careful. She does bite."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GQo27FkDe
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?349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd22KjZEzTW
"If she tries anything, she will regret it."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXDSXXP7T3
"My brother doesn't need a vixen's temptations."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCxBch0VbX
"He's going to be an alchemist, not a cat toy for a random catkin."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuM1TAOPXIw
Icarus laughed again. "Never dull with you around, cub."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofH8yBClcH
"Already trying to build a pack of women, and not even a full wolf. Very bold!"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTJY508kCQ
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ReRlB8cTu
It did not work. She still looked ruffled.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKtrXYdG3C
The rest of the meal was eaten in mostly silence. They thanked Icarus for the meal and promised to return the favor.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyjzL09YZm
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3JgmFfQ4m
The walk home was met by a detour to the lake. He didn't mind, as he always enjoyed its view.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJIoUuvJPA
Even now, as they neared the water's edge, Nina made smooth rocks appear in her hand and started skipping them.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8kORIXE9S
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VKVhu3WUY
She spoke after a third toss. "Thought you didn't like her?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlkvkaEKpS
"Wha?" he said.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcdayKj6QL
"I don't."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1vKH7xA32
"But you sure loved her attention," she replied with a calmness unlike her.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufK8PFdwaQ
"It was different," he said.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9340aFhiFX
"Not used to girls liking me."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZsf27yNWU
"What about me?" Nina asked.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FSpglz4iJ
"You're my sister," he said flatly, as if that solved everything.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBCNxbnNgJ
"No," she said. "You always pushed me away with indifference."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvaWOoplSU
"You liked her touching you."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5vJweggfU
He blushed at that.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jlSNLjoez
"IT'S DIFFERENT!" he shouted, flustered. "She's NOT FAMILY," he shouted at the end to make it a stronger statement.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgjM64Z7SL
She stopped throwing rocks and sat down at that. Wolf had to know.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoAcIya9ug
"Are you saying you don't want to be my sister?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfQMOd0tdH
"No," she said in a low voice.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrVo47eId6
He didn't want to ask, but he had to know. "Are you wanting..."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUp4QiVUhQ
"Did you want to be my lover?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qdFmJkVcx
"WHAT? NO!" Nina looked at him aghast.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpHcz4mZNg
He let out a sigh. "Okay, good."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPGMiJpFuX
"Then why are you jealous?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lJT14PMXz
"Because you're MY BROTHER."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqd9v1HJSE
"MY FAMILY."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirB2m1hSlO
"I don't want to share!"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRo2aLNKb1
She explained with a huff, then tears were in her eyes and she looked away. Ears flat.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH3X4w5z9X
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW13gcgF0A
Like Nina would have done for him.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqZ6GWQpqG
"I understand," he said. "I got so used to you and Leenia loving me."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJBHyaLlV1
"I forgot there's a bigger world with more people."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpdlxscrbB
"It freaks me out, and the attention overwhelms me."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Mu5KguiAp
"Teva is... nice. And a friend."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3Sd5u2tXb
"I don't like her, but she is pretty and friendly."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEoUVQf6NR
"So I was happy for the attention."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xv4AtiCau
"She did not do anything wrong to make you mad," he finished.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1kpDyHcis
"Yet," she said.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzBkUScNp6
"What?" he asked.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdimavNgoTH
"She did not do anything yet."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUeMujywgd
"Let's not pretend she wouldn't chew you up the first chance she got, little brother."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOo9ZgxCMS
"You don't understand women."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJug0ihQxI
"You'd be a toy she had fun with, then lost interest for another."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jHlUKLpnw
"She did not see you for a while, so she likes you."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhynDt4F9D
"When the next new boy comes along, you'll be an afterthought."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uxFBr5Y8y
That stung a bit, but he didn't care. He wasn't trying anything anyway.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRpR0ehTjM
But he had liked to believe they were friends and had just grown apart. Teva only ever showed him kindness. Maybe one day...349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pNbCn1AJI
He focused on Nina instead. "We'll always be family."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlr3TCaYzq
"I promise."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1qNH9mWJg
"But there may be a day you find someone else, and I trust you won't leave me."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgvUIp1GN4
"Any more than Leenia will."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kiZzXnr56
She didn't answer but leaned into him. "I guess," he said.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDXvoZE2Lh
"Part of growing up is knowing we have to share, and we don't always get to keep everything."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5fmIORaoD
"I learned that when Leenia was helping Dad with work."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kED3wmC6c
"And although Mom had always been there."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5lpLDvazQ
"It wasn't the same. It was the same thing with Coby."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9qtamiK1Z
"My only friend."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasi1ReGZOO
"Off hunting with his dad."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTpsPMbwiC
"I knew Teva for a while from the church, but we just kinda been busy."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoYhiWGhHy
He watched the lake before going on.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIhIVu5rei
"So I was happy when you came along."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QK4UXxQUT
"But you were too happy."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSFyEHmZYB
"It overwhelmed me."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIEDYHdLql
"I was used to being alone."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqInr9CnAFl
"That's why I pushed you away with what seemed indifference."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8JyG1xADG
"You always bounced back with more joy."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcL1urAzDP2
"So I thought you never cared what I did."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAylehgskWu
"I don't," she said. "Not really."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWd5VLCFV5
"I mean, I do care."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlQE98Ar1e
"It's why I got jealous of a new girl."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUCFRvlDHi
"But as long as you were happy and my family?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg2QQdaZaY
"I was happy."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxqvFKDnSu
"I wanted people close who did not worship me as a magical object and wouldn't leave me."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomObKIPDY4
"Well, I'm glad we had this playdate."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBGv7OYtYK
"Play... date?" she asked and laughed. "Is that what this is to you?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjoC7gI3sB
"Well, we're family, and you said it was a date?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zl9ix8zri
"So we had a playdate."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7rgPYXcpZ
She nuzzled her head in his chest. "You're fun, little brother."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPcF7hgfN5
"Don't change, even if you have a wife and kids."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSjQfO0e24
"I promise to be a good aunt and love them as much as I love you."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXuT9DzLbq
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQoKruASnN
"I love you too, sister."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu43LU4Y5V
"But you should try to spend more time with your older brother."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5MT3XIRYd
"Bet he is lonely with how much you embrace me and Leenia."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07f2lR3WWA
She stiffened at that. "You know I tried."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UbWE18Ywp
"He's happy keeping his distance."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLWiWlXOzU
"He never accepted me the same way you and Leenia did."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRRBstXHLA
"Dunno why."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ6n1XlQgk
"It's sad, seeing as he is blood and you're not."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxcwPhL892
"But I feel more like family with you than him."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgRUaH7q4c
His tail gently wagged as she spoke.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTKfDZZw5z
"Maybe he just likes his space and hasn't been touched?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeahgaFhkgE
"You're a very loving person."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2zLSz4RCw
"It can be a bit too much."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnU2ZXuXh4
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.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcZ3kCFEuc
She shrugged at that. "Maybe. But I think we're both happy with the way things are."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GuefWa0Ab
"He never tries to get closer, and I never push him."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jftM7p0Vm
"If it bothers you, I'll give you more space."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkJJgYxXFo
"No," Wolf said. "You're fine. We're all growing up in our own way."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRwtl3SjVy
"Let's at least try to make it work."349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcXiDBSwWf
"Even if it is not perfect. Okay?"349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcKvbLAWQu
"Okay," she sang and hummed to herself as he held her by the lake.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PFXEzQoPa
It was a good day. Not the one he wanted, but a good day all the same.349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55hXWxkijK
And he couldn't help but think how the lake reminded him of Teva's blue eyes.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuahuMMacV
and then Add to home screen.