A few months had passed since the magic exam. Nebo never stopped pursuing the books, and Nina had never felt closer to him—not since he'd spoken so long ago about wanting to grow up.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPsBWcLR7D
He'd matured since then. Taller now, still skinny, but with his bushy tail and short red hair he still looked like her. Not as much, though. She'd let her hair grow and wasn't as tall. They both had brown eyes, she'd been told. She could only see her brother's, which always felt like stone. She hoped hers were softer, like soil.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gVZSk5DKU
She was lying in bed, her brother long gone for the day. She couldn't remember when, but he'd stopped trying to force her awake. It made her feel like she'd lost another part of him.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ufr2SNQML
She didn't like sleeping in as much anymore. Feeling lonely, she started her day.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvLDqTZZ6L
Nebo was off studying, as always. Her only responsibility was to sit and listen or train magic. She really didn't want to sit and do anything. The elder was nice and chatted with her, but the random coming of people bowing bothered her.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsOzdCYRLy
It also made the other kids more distant. Seeing her always with the elder, like she was special. Not like them.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGN3Zb85LQ
She went past the food tent, looking for the clearing where she could practice. If she was going to be an elder, she wanted to at least be good at the magic they kept praising her for. Maybe then the other kids would be her friends.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLYhPkiiv3
The clearing was empty today. Sometimes other kids came and played or practiced with her, at least a little. But they tended to avoid her more than not.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe44a2fa29u
She focused on the feeling of the earth. Since her awakening, she'd barely felt anything. It surprised her when, with no effort, the earth listened.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh6WTO3Sft
It was as if it wanted to be part of her. She wasn't sure she agreed, so she focused instead on trying to make blocks.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgZPnEa6HR
It was fun and simple. She stacked them up and even made random steps out of them and skipped along. The stone never faded—it was just normal stone, which surprised her. She'd thought since it was magic, it would fade. So she tried willing it away, and like water into earth, it faded as if nothing she'd done was ever there.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKju6VJIdu
She had fun, but quickly lost interest in making stones alone. Making blocks was amazing, but also... dull.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi8DNXVofi
Once again, she didn't see the appeal of magic. She just plopped down by herself, making small pebbles smash into other little pebbles.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A0j0b4l4y
A shadow stood over her, breaking her boredom.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9H36jcYtG
"Whatcha doing?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP1ybFRXlc
Nina tilted her head up to see Teva's face inches from hers, vivid blue eyes staring into hers with a smile.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJCQuS9MRk
"Making stones, but it's boring."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIPcuvufk9
"Maybe it's the way you're doing it?" Teva said. "Water is fun."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuR35vXFcI
She dashed in front of Nina, and a spiral of water swam around her body, up into the air. The line of water hit a peak and came rushing down. Nina covered her head, not wanting to get wet, but Teva laughed. The spiral pulled around her body once more and faded away.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HRRl7gXzB
Nina was amazed at the control and skill.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0eE3xSN9F
Still smiling, Teva flicked her hand. A small spray of water splashed Nina's face.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhVF86eT4e
"Hey!" Nina protested, wiping her face while Teva laughed.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxUzGpU8Il
"Gotta catch me!" Teva ran away.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4MrcGmevq
Nina got up to chase, feeling clumsy. She willed the stone to help push her up—which was too much. She flew forward and hit most of her face in the dirt. She lacked control of the earth, even if it was willing to listen.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrSAjOZZHo
Teva saw her friend not only not chasing but face-first in the dirt. She ran back. "You okay?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnb0rRG0AMp
"I'm fine, just embarrassed."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KdeIzjLsh
Teva looked around. "Nobody was nearby to see, so you're fine." She pooled her hands, and water appeared. "Wash your face. It's got a lot of dirt."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdq80MrCwcA
That gave Nina an idea. She could feel the dirt now that she knew what earth felt like. She just willed it away like water, and away it went, just as she wished.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYrF9kmVHm
"Wow," Teva said. "Nice trick."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa27QKrdmaH
She made the water fade from her hands, not a drop hitting the ground.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt5IOYPEqZ
"Maybe we need to practice more before we play."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOy4BF2ttE
Nina felt like she had a reason to care about magic now. She agreed.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUG2AQKvq5i
They spent much of their free days after that improving their skills. It was fun.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6BhkAwnuA
Nebo watched his sister in the distance near the tent he liked to study in. She was practicing her earth skills with that cat girl.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlqf0S89KQ
They'd been coming to this area of the plains doing daily training, which was fine. It gave him more time to study. He was tired of his sister always badgering him to be a child and play.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZfrntDGmJ
He remembered what his parents sacrificed to give them a good home. He remembered what the tribe gave freely after their deaths.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2poN7hH0L
He'd heard adults talk. He knew what happened in other tribes that weren't as loving. Not really for the tribe.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sg4dPqkxm
Their laughter echoed in the distance along with other random kids. He technically knew he was also a child and hated it. Just give me work already...425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcMwIONjxB
He knew he was learning, and that had value. He wanted to travel too. But that was selfish.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKfVLRjk6S
"No. I will do what I'm told."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgdQNX0MTK
He wasn't going to be carefree like his sister. He had a purpose.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1OM5PWjO3
While studying, he was surprised to see the elder. She never left her tent—why was she here?425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkBu56yfuh
As she made her way in, she smiled when she noticed him watching her.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxsd0AkIDG
"I asked around and heard you were here. Wanted to see how the kids were doing."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ537HzdWh9A
He flinched at that, being reminded he was a child.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ185iGUjjLE
"If you mean my sister and her friend, they're fine and making progress." He paused. "As for me, I'm studying."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n7jt51I6w
She glanced around the room, not seeming to mind the gloom he felt—or she didn't notice.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0ZVRqfgCB
"You know you're not required to do anything, child." She brushed her hand along a wood support beam. "What all of us want is for you kids to be free. To want to choose a path, never be forced."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOaiIIvgHi
He wasn't sure what she was getting at.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOasHAwPFB
"I made my choice. As did my sister."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgIUSft6Wa
"For now. But there may be a time you choose otherwise. Or she does." The elder paused. "I hope you will still follow and protect her. She's alone, you know."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjyYt76CDl
"She has the tribe," Nebo said. "And you want her to be an elder. How is she alone?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw2HcQZHsG
The elder smiled a sad smile, as if pitying him. It annoyed him.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiPPJGSyxg
"When the time comes, if it ever does, just guide her the best you can. An elder in the making can take a while. And if not? That's fine too."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGYUX3cSl9
The way she spoke made no sense, and it annoyed him. She was saying everything he was doing could be for nothing. He would be angry if Nina didn't embrace being an elder.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyQbkfrpBO
Why was anything else even an option? She was blessed and should lead.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKvlIllTi6
The elder left without saying much more. Nebo wondered once more what was the point. Maybe that was why she rarely left her tent—she didn't know how to speak with others.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4blJ9aMwQD
Nina and Teva came bursting in, laughing, a few minutes later when he was finally able to focus on studying again.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDgrXFHNF5
"What?" He was not in the mood.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4dJduMlJQ
"Let's go eat, brother!"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHNsFelbsh
"I'm busy. Why do you always try to include me? You already got a friend. Bug her."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3lqrMVxly
Dejected, Nina nodded and left. Teva looked confused and didn't follow.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBUO9n8C82
"Why are you so mean?" Teva asked. "She just wants to spend time with her brother."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSWBXlH5l2
Nebo sighed. "I want to learn. I need to study. While you are off playing, work needs to be done. I'm trying to work."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYxc6dxEJR
She glared at him and left.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iAXXkzheg
Finally, he thought. Why am I the bad guy for trying to be an adult?425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiGnssA0lF
Years had passed since the magic test.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84IiNkewMc
Her brother was more like an adult now, like he'd always wanted. Much taller, proud ears, and a regal tail that barely swished unless he was annoyed. Still distant.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymQcWpXSIK
Nina sighed. She'd long since accepted him as who he was. There were times he made an effort to show her love and support, but it felt more like duty than love.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCh5cQJk56K
Even after all this time, she'd never gotten closer to any of the kids. The time that passed only cemented their view that she wasn't just different—she was one day to be an elder. And you respect elders, not play with them.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9I4n6zjISd
Even when they saw her playing, they tried. But it was awkward games versus the real fun and adventure she craved.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTbl3BREWm
She wanted something more. Like a real family, not this duty and distance.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUVrTqHuKJ
She would visit the elder later and listen to the troubles of others. For now, she wanted to see her friend.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7YSw9UDdL
Nina made her way to Teva's tent and was going to surprise her when Teva stepped out, looking sad.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrWzZDM8Hn
She'd grown into a lovely young girl. She kept her hair short, still pure white. Her tail was very long and sleek, and her ears were lowered in what Nina assumed was disappointment. Her slender frame was the same except for her chest, which had grown much more than Nina's.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAJkTWb7YH
Teva's ears twitched. She noticed Nina staring and gave a sad smile.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXH5QKXktaB
"Nice timing. I was going to see you." Nina didn't feel anything about this was going to be nice.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtbx89aeTP
"What's wrong?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZUGk6cBJc
Teva shrugged and stretched as if indifferent. "Family wants to be closer to Auntie and hates traveling. So I'm going."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLhVOXtVs4
"Why?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPWfaArKq7
"Hah, what do you mean 'why'? It's my family."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1S17EJe7L
"But we're friends?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlniZ2tZJPR
"So?" That stung. Nina wasn't sure why Teva was acting like this. Like her brother. Distant.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJv0Mn8dcQ
Teva scowled. "Don't give me that look. You knew this day was coming. Years ago."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9kCdjF7Uc
"What?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViwwGXNW98
"You were always going to stay here. I never planned to, even as a kid. This was just to pass the time. You knew I had family elsewhere, so why are you surprised we're moving closer?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20DbQ2d2dI
"Why can't I go too?" Nina knew it wasn't logical, but she didn't want to lose her friend.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuO0OWbSeZ
"I don't want to carry you. Sorry." Teva's voice was flat. "Besides, you got a chance to be an elder. Take that. If you follow, I don't want to raise you. Yeah, we're friends, but I got a life too. Things I want."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxmzrWdaDM
"So just like that, it's over?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iROrMJW7r
Teva sighed. "We can still be friends. But remember I told you years ago—we can't be best friends. I knew this would happen. It's why I always stayed a bit distant. You just never noticed."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefjaQMW3EV
"So when are you leaving?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbeIfXe0GX
"Today."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALNwwFPdpd
"GODS, and you're just telling me?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziEEwTAOqX
"Easier if it's quicker. Less pain for us both."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wBAyxmVzi
"Whatever. I'm glad it ended like this. I'll probably do better with whoever I meet later than you."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0OILXMcJ8
Teva said nothing to that, but her tail was swishing. Nina wasn't sure what it meant, nor did she care. She left. There was nothing here for her.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQHxnUdAl9
It did hurt Teva to lose her best friend. But she also knew she couldn't decide her fate if Nina became an elder. This was for the best. And if not? They could work it out later in life. Or she'd just accept that this was part of life.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagKwkZLs2e
Days passed into weeks. Nina wasn't doing much until she made up her mind. She wouldn't mope. She wanted to change. She needed to make it happen.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e6M4R9syM
She went to the tent Nebo had always loved to study in and confronted him.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkFAsdh2mn
He was writing some notes when she came in. He looked over, stopped writing, took a drink of something on his desk, set it down, and faced her.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHrFWFgikV
"Okay. You ready to talk about it?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87F8HU2jln
She was confused. She'd given her brother space like he always wanted. So how would he know she had issues? Was her face that easy to read?425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zEKyv1Ykf
"Yes, it is. No, I can't read minds. But it's easy to see what you're thinking." He paused. "That, and Teva told me you guys fought before she left. I'm more surprised it took this long for you to want to talk."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEkDR2yhcQ
"You wouldn't have listened anyway."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUc1tpDCqj
"I know I have always been distant, but it was to grow, not out of malice. If you need me, I will listen."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkcXujMoYH
Nothing to lose. Nina took a chance trusting him. If not, she'd go alone.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcNaJjkXta
"I want to leave."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8ZG6dpOHy
"Why?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFhFHdKSHM
"I hate it here. Always have."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ9ttDlRGY
"Even after what they gave us?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lg8wSQciz
"Yes. Even more so because of that." Her voice was steady now. "I am an object of worship. Sat on a pedestal to listen to everyone else while nobody—not even my brother—is close to me. So I want to go somewhere else. A place I can find... maybe... more."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh1YX7QV8U
"And if it fails?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuCoFBpte2
"Then I'll be a good doll and sit on the pedestal and lead."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTlV6QeUj2
Nebo sighed. "You are probably the only one in the tribe who sees leadership and power as bad. I knew this day would come, in a sense. So I studied where I could while you played. I think I can get us by as a merchant and selling my knowledge as a tutor. I've read about it—churches and families pay well for teaching. Beyond that, we can gather herbs."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61AYX6Zx3I
Nina was surprised her brother had planned for them. She got happy and grasped him, but he gently pulled her off. Still not caring to be touched.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nwObMizbR
It soured her mood a little, but she was happy he cared, even if he didn't like showing it.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLDa6q6x6m
Now that she had more time to think, she knew how impulsive she'd been. "Would the elder even let us go?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUOSPlpOOL
He laughed at that, shocking her. He never laughed.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsnzgaeJY2
"Do you think she doesn't know? It's why she fed me as much knowledge as I could stomach. So I could take care of you. I just didn't understand back then."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl25Dz56RKh
Nina wasn't sure what to say to that.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutly1psa0D
"We'll work out the details tomorrow. Get some rest."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGlpkxKEt7
Nina tried to do as her brother asked, but it was a restless night filled with the unknown.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwAdnH97o6
The visit with the elder was surprisingly pleasant. She said they were always welcome, and if not, they would always have the tribe as allies in whatever adventure they traversed.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EncuAp9rq
Nina cried, feeling like she was losing someone who dearly loved her. But the elder assured her this was just part of growing up. And if she ever did come back as an elder, it would be with real-world wisdom to teach the next generation.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0xsBXBffi
The trip was overly long. Days passed just reaching the city, which was a wonder in itself. So many people and so few beastkin! It was the opposite of the tribes and was an adventure in itself.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbe1vGQ34j
They tried settling there at first, but everything felt too overstimulating for both of them. So they left for the next place.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Qcpwhidge
Crossroads was a town—much better, with a decent mix of humans and beastkin. It seemed her kind favored less city than more.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYBCc2J2Xe
Nebo did minor trades to keep their funds going, and Nina gathered herbs to help. The town was lovely, but it didn't feel like home. She was losing hope this would be any different than before.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWZ5GypLtF
The inn told tales of an offshoot, a slightly smaller village. Nina remembered Teva saying it was where her aunt lived. Maybe she could reunite there?425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesCo0WDyX2
They left for one last chance. A place to call home. And hopefully, find what she felt was missing.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa5OFTBKtk
The biggest change Nina loved was all the trees. She was used to open plains. The city, while different, had too many crowds. This felt like a nice mix—different, but not overcrowded.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWDuD3SmyI
Nebo offered his service to whoever would listen. The church welcomed his teaching, and there were many herbs scattered everywhere. That worried Nina—they had little value.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zBXypQ7zw
Though they could stay at the inn, they were tired of being closed in from the city. They chose to camp in the forest instead.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3Lt7SpIz2
There seemed to be one major shop that was the main focus of trade. They went inside.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YY4nz7QAw
At the counter was a lovely young girl with long black hair. Nina was jealous—she liked the color more than her red. The girl wore a simple dress and noticed them.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANkLzSnJg3
"Hello, how can I help you?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHTZgnt5Uf
Nina wasn't sure, but Nebo was.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpjLDVnlKA
"We're looking for work. We can gather herbs, do manual labor, or help with trades."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvcCjqW45k
She nodded slowly before speaking. "We always could use more help, but that's more my father's expertise. I'm more here for handling deliveries or buying and selling."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QMyWemclZ
Nebo nodded. "Is there a time we can meet? I don't mind working out details with him. I'm very knowledgeable about many things and will be a great asset."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0rXh3MJkv
She smiled. "He should be back within the hour. He was meeting with the mayor for drinks."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRh6ZQ9Ee9
Nebo was happy about that and went to look around while they waited.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjJDqwdFOa
Nina felt out of place and started pulling on her tail, debating what to do, when the shopkeeper spoke, breaking her thoughts.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0dacV6umQ
"I like your hair." She beamed while watching Nina. "And your tail," she added when she noticed she had her attention.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePc8X9i7S3
"Thanks. I brush them both daily. I like your hair too—it has a great color. I'm jealous."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjWKwhMTY1
"You don't like your red color?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYROGGn39y
"No. I thought about dyeing it but was afraid it stood out too much, so I stay red." Nina said, deflated.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUPmaUWYJv
She watched the shop girl watch her with a keen eye.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxcLq4BuGA
"Maybe, but I still like red."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtivJTie0nz
Nina looked for her brother, nervous about the attention. He was indifferent, looking at random shelves.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgIZrQJvAe
She wasn't sure why this time was different. She was always very bold and forward. So why was this time different?425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJJE9G1Sq7
As she thought about it, she knew why. She wanted a new friend and didn't want to lose it. Not when they seemed so genuine and nice.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aF4nREoS5
Once more, the girl spoke, breaking her from her musing.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnWMfZpjLb
"What's your name? Mine's Leena, though you can call me Len for short."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4uKkO4q9Y
"My name is Nina! And that guy over there is my brother, Nebo!" She pointed excitedly. He curtly nodded but went back to studying the shelves.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGeBucatOM
"Well, Nina, can I get you a drink while you wait?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdVEO8ZOgs
The conversation went well after that—random gossip and girl talk. Nina felt like she was home, back with Teva before she grew distant.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV67ETtFSRN
Too short a time later, the dad came back in good spirits, greeting his daughter.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQkhFUpiEL
"Len, everything well?" He reached over, kissing her forehead before starting to head to the back.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOd6ePL350x
"It's good, Dad. Remember how you've been looking for more help? We have some here, I think."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJpaX50KQi
The dad paused and noticed the two foxkin for the first time. They had to be siblings—matching red hair and similar features.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfTBRYmsPS
He was debating how he could use them when the male spoke.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJzD8uRqJN
"Hello, sir. I'm Nebo. I have been trained in gathering and trade, and as a tutor in many subjects. My sister Nina, while not as skilled, is diligent work and knows gathering."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFML02gyxM
It was a lot for the dad to take in. He was impressed, and it made more sense why they traveled if they were that well-versed.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqDv2vVkWy
"Well, there's no shortage of work. The town's growing, and I handle the main trade. I would like more time with the family. If I had someone I could trust to do longer trades to the city..."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHg64pkFPn
"I've traded with the best tribes and city before coming here. We thought about staying in Crossroads, but we had people we knew here we wanted to visit and try our luck."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIlWriGXRT
"So you have someone to stay with, then? That's good."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkemsLNQa77
"Uh... we know they live here, but nothing official. We just entered town recently and saved money camping in the forest."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcNWNZRJFJ
Nina fidgeted. She was used to living in the plains, but saying it here felt like admitting they'd run away.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTLw3KlX5L
The dad nodded slowly. "Well, we do have space near our house for you to camp while we work out details and you see how things are with your friends."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQF6FQP3SSP
"That's not necessary," Nebo shook his head. "We are fine. Just need work for long-term living."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68hOhHPP84
Nina deflated a bit. Being close to her new friend sounded nice, but she didn't want to push.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7egOi8dO7
"Okay, let's meet tomorrow and work out some details."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wpzk7ynj1
They bid their new potential employer a good day, and Nina bid her new friend goodbye as they waited for tomorrow to explore the new lands.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZLBEHe5D1
They camped in the forest near the lake. It was a simple affair, and they preferred to save money for food, though there were random berries to eat.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OkzgUaFcl
Nina wondered if Teva's tribe was doing something similar. But Nebo informed her that those who chose to leave the tribes tended to live in houses, not pitch tents like they were now.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa4nweQftE
It was an early morning when they woke. Nina hated it, but she knew it was needed for the meeting at the shop.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tVVnysYde
They made it there early. Surprisingly, it was open with Leena and her dad already working.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Nv9ST7hn3
Nebo was quick to show his worth and surprised them with his knowledge of trade. Leena's father was planning a trip to the city and figured it would be a good test run bringing him along and learning more about him.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMT4ej4at9
Nina could stay and help with the shop, which made her happy.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3W6N4onTa
It felt less like work and more like girl talk, which she loved. The shop ran itself, to a point. They did some barter and trade or even credit, since most people tended to be trustworthy. And they always worked for trades if they couldn't pay.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBzdKkII8j
It was an interesting system that reminded Nina of the tribe. The city was much different—it was coins or nothing for the majority. Crossroads village was the same, though some bartering did happen there.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeEq5I0awD
"How are you liking the village?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQg0HhKM7D
"LOVE IT!" Leena wagged her tail and jumped a bit, startling Nina. "Sorry, I get excited sometimes. My brother hates it." Her ears drooped and her tail stopped wagging until Nina put her hand on her.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeISObqaQcj
"It's fine. I'm glad you're happy. You should express yourself. It reminds me of my brother—he also gets happy exploring."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TrHrUYF0L
"Really?" Leena wagged her tail and perked up hearing that. "He cute?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCXH6ZNDS4
Nina laughed at that. "Well, I do love my brother and think he's cute, but not sure if he's your type."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OhijY16XL
Leena thought about what her type was. "It's okay. I'd rather have a family anyway."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAa5MxBADGs
Nina looked confused. "You have your brother, though?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xmR0zIPNE
Leena flinched at that. Her ears deflated. "I do... but he is always distant, and my parents..."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXJYrwnLiy
"It's okay. Sorry, I was worried." Nina tried to console her, but Leena shook her head in denial that she wasn't offended.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJdPC3j9qr
"No, really, I'm happy. It's just I wish I had a more... um, normal family like you."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkt93vi6Rv
Nina felt a bit sad hearing that. She knew they'd just met, but the girl desired to be part of something. She knew that feeling.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZDpYn2W5D
"Maybe you get a chance to meet my brother, and we can be better friends then, okay?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUcOJIcpSQ
"Okay!" Leena wagged her tail at that.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCqGa2dw42
The days went on much like that, bringing Nina joy as she wondered when she'd get to meet the missing brother.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46UrAkaKDQ
It was a good day. Well, every day was a good day, and he was happy. Life was simple.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6jZG7Gxju
Wolf had a family who always shared with him and told him of the amazing adventure of a world beyond the trees. Technically, only their dad had been outside the village more than a little bit, but he still looked forward to when he was older.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaE0a5rWfo
At least, that's what they kept telling him whenever he asked why he couldn't join them on their travels. He was too young.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhghLalJKkt
How old did he have to be to explore or adventure with them?425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTF4HcNnDAM
Sigh. Soon, though. Maybe even today!425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRpWEGeVQu
He knew it was a long shot, but if you asked enough, they had to give in! It was the rule. Whenever his mom wanted him to do something, she just kept telling him to do it, and he did.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJye2QeaDe
Same with his sister, though he didn't mind. There wasn't really any reason not to help. It just wasn't the adventure he really wanted, and it was such boring things they wanted.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRWGNPShoO
Clean up the messes. Help bring the items to the house. Organize the items. Help check the stock!425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlbnbCjFXZ
The only chore he loved—and his sister barely let him help with—was gathering herbs. It was the closest he ever really got to adventure, and he always treasured it.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1JNsr8NOt
"Mom, Len is late!" he cried as he kept pacing near the door. It was too late for him to go out.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnYfJTJdf0
Mother, who was cooking in the kitchen, looked up out the window and calmly replied, "She still has time. It's not that late."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7N47qfTjM
"YES, IT IS! She's always home before the sunset."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb5HFeCUDl
And it was going down now. He knew what he was talking about.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSYAxIJDk2
Mom only smirked, then smiled. "Perhaps you're right, but do you really want me to punish her?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSddE3oiNq
He was taken back at that. He was used to being treated like a child, but being able to decide his sister's fate felt awkward. He was frustrated and feeling trapped, but did he want to see his sister punished?425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp20dgcukYB
After a little thought, he finally spoke. "Maybe give her some more time? She was probably bus—"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdPbgnoell
"But if I was with her, this wouldn't have happened!" His mom tried saying something, but he cut her off.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcI3hRmXds
Mother relented by saying she would talk to Father, but only if he helped in the kitchen. He knew it was to distract him, but he did want to help since it was Mom who asked. And she never refused once, at least not without trying to help him when he asked.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93qY2H520Z
Wolf wasn't sure how much time passed as his mother was an expert in keeping him busy and distracted.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS0EpZP3ef
When Leena came in noisily through the door, she was carrying a basket full of clothes.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZJerma5QK
"I brought the laundry in. And Mrs. Crow thanks us for the extra food."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWwF86Xry8
Before she could get far, he shouted.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoqQqCBBG8
"You're late!" He rushed into the living room to confront her, trying to intimidate her into confessing.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRs1FOzI7H
She smiled when she saw him, putting down the basket. She went and grabbed and held him before he could blink.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQp9ikxVUh
"You know I missed you too, little brother."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLBa8BqeAS
Blushing and annoyed, he spoke. "You know that's not what I meant. You always get to go out and play, and I have to stay unless I'm with you. It's not fair. And when you come home late, I never get to explore."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkPStUSPcX
She released him with those words, stared at eye level, and spoke with a serious face.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeyGCNoRLQ
"You know I would never leave you, brother. When I go and you can't, it's to work, not play. I was watching the shop today for Dad and helped deliver some items for Mrs. Crow. Coby was there and asked about you. Said he wanted to go hunting with you and show what he'd been learning from his dad."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1P34DGzELm
That surprised him. Not only was his sister not playing but working—she also brought him a message from his only other friend.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1TVYflyP6
"Sorry, Len." He felt a bit of shame. "I wasn't trying to get you in trouble."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImT26fzQOw
She smiled at that and kissed his cheek. "It's okay. Mom knew I might be a little late. Dad had to go and stock some inventory, and with my other delivery, it took some time."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEIW0QOBMl
He wasn't sure where to go from there and was spared by his sister.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasKNUEqopF
"The basket's a little heavy, but can you put away the clothes while I talk to Mom?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJLfp6oCz1
"Okay." Thankful he had something to do besides thinking of his selfishness, he picked up the basket. It wasn't heavy, just awkward for his reach.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0x3zJ8hXvw
Leena found her mother washing a few dishes. As she approached, her mother spoke first.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfpgxPiWT6
"He's getting more impatient every day."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVD96CTKuF
Leena spoke up to defend her brother. "I agree. He doesn't understand it's not playing, yet. I think it would do him some good to go out more with me. He can help with little things, and I will help him understand life beyond the home."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvLe2oXeYd
Mother frowned at that. She knew he was growing up, but she didn't want him getting hurt. Despite his age, he was still small and still was her little child. She didn't want him trying to rush to be an adult.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gxfaOljkY
Leena knew her mother's thoughts. She smiled and said, "He's not growing up yet. Well, I mean, he is still young. He just wants to play more outside."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jrYyOqU9B
Mother gave a sad smile at that. "The opposite of you, it seems. You never cared much for anything other than helping. I fear you're also growing up too fast."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQIjwjVUCF
"Mooom," she groaned. "I was already a kid and had my fun. I want to help, and for me, it is also for the family, for my brother. I don't think it's the same. He just doesn't know it yet. And that's why I stand by we should let him go out more. The few times I went to the Crow's house with him, it meant the world, so why not add going to the shop too?"425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPFnOJ58w0
Mom replied, "He has been there plenty of times."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6iF7REJnp
"Yes," Leena said, "when he was a baby. Once he started knocking over inventory, he hasn't been back since. I doubt he even remembers."425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23KtfzZG1H
Mother thought about it. Perhaps Wolf had been forced too much into things for his own good. Kids learned best with failures.425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Onb877TMU
She sighed. "Okay, I'll talk to your father. He never seems to mind."
425Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TdugWB6by
and then Add to home screen.