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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5X3JecbdZB
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dVuyssqKG
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iIDI6NlEc
She didn't like sleeping in as much anymore. Feeling lonely, she started her day.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoUbsf7N9Z
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UWYcbGGrz
It also made the other kids more distant. Seeing her always with the elder, like she was special. Not like them.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9p2tASgI0
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnZ1690RSu
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDKvWxgkE7
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKTtqZikGv
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ccA2fbcn7
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsOSeDOt5F
She had fun, but quickly lost interest in making stones alone. Making blocks was amazing, but also... dull.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqUa2Qm3Wq
Once again, she didn't see the appeal of magic. She just plopped down by herself, making small pebbles smash into other little pebbles.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh9OvcIiPp
A shadow stood over her, breaking her boredom.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEN8qzZBZF
"Whatcha doing?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxahZJ0Yw28
Nina tilted her head up to see Teva's face inches from hers, vivid blue eyes staring into hers with a smile.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIIqWzIsuQ
"Making stones, but it's boring."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCC7mZIR4J
"Maybe it's the way you're doing it?" Teva said. "Water is fun."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUYyAMcpCc
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFbIUmAdjf
Nina was amazed at the control and skill.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJYYTA7uXE
Still smiling, Teva flicked her hand. A small spray of water splashed Nina's face.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSWHjgYhA1
"Hey!" Nina protested, wiping her face while Teva laughed.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEGIbSSgN8
"Gotta catch me!" Teva ran away.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTzaihPGGY
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTUagaFr78
Teva saw her friend not only not chasing but face-first in the dirt. She ran back. "You okay?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCShQv0lIRQ
"I'm fine, just embarrassed."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ir1AJSpdM
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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEUPRoctMm
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSdcYgVBBw
"Wow," Teva said. "Nice trick."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6siDSJV9IN
She made the water fade from her hands, not a drop hitting the ground.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokWwVzITWr
"Maybe we need to practice more before we play."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSM0TFNixa
Nina felt like she had a reason to care about magic now. She agreed.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzU0lNJ7CW
They spent much of their free days after that improving their skills. It was fun.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWJCyvA1cU
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoejGTPLABg
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzpvVN0Gz7
He remembered what his parents sacrificed to give them a good home. He remembered what the tribe gave freely after their deaths.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWZ9961Tyv
He'd heard adults talk. He knew what happened in other tribes that weren't as loving. Not really for the tribe.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXZm5Wnxjm
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...455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudBZWPLjiZ
He knew he was learning, and that had value. He wanted to travel too. But that was selfish.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGr9EMRW00v
"No. I will do what I'm told."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHW7QQQZpc
He wasn't going to be carefree like his sister. He had a purpose.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRYQZnpD0S
While studying, he was surprised to see the elder. She never left her tent—why was she here?455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIJ9vNvJUI
As she made her way in, she smiled when she noticed him watching her.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsGG26HhAY
"I asked around and heard you were here. Wanted to see how the kids were doing."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcuAkZ7h1k
He flinched at that, being reminded he was a child.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHsI438oNK
"If you mean my sister and her friend, they're fine and making progress." He paused. "As for me, I'm studying."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJWh0QQM7N
She glanced around the room, not seeming to mind the gloom he felt—or she didn't notice.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwjF6hkSSr
"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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27l425zEPf
He wasn't sure what she was getting at.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR7sgYHp3r
"I made my choice. As did my sister."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkYwsGeLL4
"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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvSoe6bu1Z
"She has the tribe," Nebo said. "And you want her to be an elder. How is she alone?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV3aogGq2g
The elder smiled a sad smile, as if pitying him. It annoyed him.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7ZBe12O1C
"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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6C7YdIFyP
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMMRKv8ABs
Why was anything else even an option? She was blessed and should lead.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsEEq1ewTv
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvhJV2yzeN
Nina and Teva came bursting in, laughing, a few minutes later when he was finally able to focus on studying again.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQytlzWto5K
"What?" He was not in the mood.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ79nS36N1q
"Let's go eat, brother!"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2HeVKpJ5c
"I'm busy. Why do you always try to include me? You already got a friend. Bug her."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9qLmO65b1
Dejected, Nina nodded and left. Teva looked confused and didn't follow.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDINF2BrPpZ
"Why are you so mean?" Teva asked. "She just wants to spend time with her brother."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpX9woCbMIE
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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeEt3Wxo7g
She glared at him and left.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQCFPhGaJe
Finally, he thought. Why am I the bad guy for trying to be an adult?455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLmKVXzI6L
Years had passed since the magic test.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSBYyrSPA8
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUXPZvzuEg
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fNWBBBEXa
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3HuuC9GKO
Even when they saw her playing, they tried. But it was awkward games versus the real fun and adventure she craved.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQz6Fn1PrH
She wanted something more. Like a real family, not this duty and distance.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbhmyX8zix
She would visit the elder later and listen to the troubles of others. For now, she wanted to see her friend.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7DrYqJbeU
Nina made her way to Teva's tent and was going to surprise her when Teva stepped out, looking sad.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMpxGxxoAU
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1EBJBmy6j
Teva's ears twitched. She noticed Nina staring and gave a sad smile.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFqrGEA1jX
"Nice timing. I was going to see you." Nina didn't feel anything about this was going to be nice.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofvzSeKuPW
"What's wrong?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3cpOvcY1E
Teva shrugged and stretched as if indifferent. "Family wants to be closer to Auntie and hates traveling. So I'm going."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UXbXTkiT6
"Why?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQRH6STySR
"Hah, what do you mean 'why'? It's my family."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ644UPMebXq
"But we're friends?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzndnRfMqmP
"So?" That stung. Nina wasn't sure why Teva was acting like this. Like her brother. Distant.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GlkQuCO0O
Teva scowled. "Don't give me that look. You knew this day was coming. Years ago."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h9PbYLt2Z
"What?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUnHMMuBdi
"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?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZmEkoXcmm
"Why can't I go too?" Nina knew it wasn't logical, but she didn't want to lose her friend.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1KYvtiosY
"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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEb8D5tLBP
"So just like that, it's over?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeQfRQQJZt
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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhiI3kWtw5
"So when are you leaving?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGF72x4TOTp
"Today."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbMemVvQyB
"GODS, and you're just telling me?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QHjHklv4c
"Easier if it's quicker. Less pain for us both."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt2F0drudd
"Whatever. I'm glad it ended like this. I'll probably do better with whoever I meet later than you."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnffdxXf6h
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKceXbCUH7
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gP3wqxagx
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtldM6sI4Vk
She went to the tent Nebo had always loved to study in and confronted him.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJq0U65bWah
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn76kEyRFj
"Okay. You ready to talk about it?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMZYD4GKeF
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?455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9rIUhbvDw
"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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL3LXH6vQT
"You wouldn't have listened anyway."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN5IXrvYAY
"I know I have always been distant, but it was to grow, not out of malice. If you need me, I will listen."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfV4ABnQw1u
Nothing to lose. Nina took a chance trusting him. If not, she'd go alone.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFn6CbrUwH3
"I want to leave."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAg0u3YWkQ
"Why?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczHiWKZ9Yc
"I hate it here. Always have."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcg57yWaDy
"Even after what they gave us?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZ3y2qAif4
"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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUzZgNp8UP
"And if it fails?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDcJTKEO4w
"Then I'll be a good doll and sit on the pedestal and lead."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMa2XvKkVve
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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rK0nn5HbV
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKm6lLsZcr
It soured her mood a little, but she was happy he cared, even if he didn't like showing it.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsu6tWVVA1
Now that she had more time to think, she knew how impulsive she'd been. "Would the elder even let us go?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9ru8f6AgF
He laughed at that, shocking her. He never laughed.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETDm4n74E5
"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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL0F0yymxK
Nina wasn't sure what to say to that.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb33OGwvNN
"We'll work out the details tomorrow. Get some rest."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrhzXxbBmA
Nina tried to do as her brother asked, but it was a restless night filled with the unknown.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerEMdHZSEo
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8YZ8benoR
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJE3QcXtol
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaPjc7SyQH
They tried settling there at first, but everything felt too overstimulating for both of them. So they left for the next place.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnIRR7XTLh
Crossroads was a town—much better, with a decent mix of humans and beastkin. It seemed her kind favored less city than more.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85zUsvStGu
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneT4sCEZv4
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?455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BToAjOgp6
They left for one last chance. A place to call home. And hopefully, find what she felt was missing.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQoX1z5MeM
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ6OXKElE8
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiUx8qr53C
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhbC2FMBb8
There seemed to be one major shop that was the main focus of trade. They went inside.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cvbhUttcQ
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QvTARsat4
"Hello, how can I help you?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhPSUs5BVb
Nina wasn't sure, but Nebo was.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQEWz2nnC0
"We're looking for work. We can gather herbs, do manual labor, or help with trades."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2B6RhkryO
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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cX2KMIZuU
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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrYkHujUlZ
She smiled. "He should be back within the hour. He was meeting with the mayor for drinks."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSI1c8cppf1
Nebo was happy about that and went to look around while they waited.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeDTdDeow2
Nina felt out of place and started pulling on her tail, debating what to do, when the shopkeeper spoke, breaking her thoughts.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7nnQku7NE
"I like your hair." She beamed while watching Nina. "And your tail," she added when she noticed she had her attention.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJeQl0ntxz
"Thanks. I brush them both daily. I like your hair too—it has a great color. I'm jealous."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEQsUan26b
"You don't like your red color?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuHaDmii71
"No. I thought about dyeing it but was afraid it stood out too much, so I stay red." Nina said, deflated.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuW1EUukjl
She watched the shop girl watch her with a keen eye.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeqfHVNIXl
"Maybe, but I still like red."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Rls9laSso
Nina looked for her brother, nervous about the attention. He was indifferent, looking at random shelves.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyEXEyWVpO
She wasn't sure why this time was different. She was always very bold and forward. So why was this time different?455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2yE2lYl4F
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLnzR64aFQ
Once more, the girl spoke, breaking her from her musing.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpdDz7BwQ4
"What's your name? Mine's Leena, though you can call me Len for short."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0vWRacP5h
"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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTnx214ZAi
"Well, Nina, can I get you a drink while you wait?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cwqlxYWZi
The conversation went well after that—random gossip and girl talk. Nina felt like she was home, back with Teva before she grew distant.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IeIFHtQdH
Too short a time later, the dad came back in good spirits, greeting his daughter.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01m2y1pLIv
"Len, everything well?" He reached over, kissing her forehead before starting to head to the back.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2htARk7QW1
"It's good, Dad. Remember how you've been looking for more help? We have some here, I think."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHJa7O5vwA
The dad paused and noticed the two foxkin for the first time. They had to be siblings—matching red hair and similar features.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAgYhRk6Id
He was debating how he could use them when the male spoke.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrT9S9r9SXJ
"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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyo05ZeJDU9
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy2JfA5e9L
"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..."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ybSrulELf
"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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkrrrTdwda
"So you have someone to stay with, then? That's good."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXy99J2V2f
"Uh... we know they live here, but nothing official. We just entered town recently and saved money camping in the forest."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWnB30rqRW
Nina fidgeted. She was used to living in the plains, but saying it here felt like admitting they'd run away.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI12SCUsVna
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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8j89SCjn9o
"That's not necessary," Nebo shook his head. "We are fine. Just need work for long-term living."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBs7KkAmxt
Nina deflated a bit. Being close to her new friend sounded nice, but she didn't want to push.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6dfnTgkxW
"Okay, let's meet tomorrow and work out some details."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEwe6fbhNY
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83PrKk7WOH
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKbF0bAlaK
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuA8qI3izE
It was an early morning when they woke. Nina hated it, but she knew it was needed for the meeting at the shop.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFNKsLaGuH
They made it there early. Surprisingly, it was open with Leena and her dad already working.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjsxaCi4FV
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0oXaKNpVK
Nina could stay and help with the shop, which made her happy.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7I5Al1g3x
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiV1FRfASd
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5a9g6drYY
"How are you liking the village?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin7X2MxY6Q
"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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6Kd0G03FR
"It's fine. I'm glad you're happy. You should express yourself. It reminds me of my brother—he also gets happy exploring."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVwakQ7Xam
"Really?" Leena wagged her tail and perked up hearing that. "He cute?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrfJugXCso
Nina laughed at that. "Well, I do love my brother and think he's cute, but not sure if he's your type."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0M5gVBMIZO
Leena thought about what her type was. "It's okay. I'd rather have a family anyway."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRqRB6o61J
Nina looked confused. "You have your brother, though?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6X0e7HgpjG
Leena flinched at that. Her ears deflated. "I do... but he is always distant, and my parents..."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrIB4drUSl
"It's okay. Sorry, I was worried." Nina tried to console her, but Leena shook her head in denial that she wasn't offended.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpurCT87GI
"No, really, I'm happy. It's just I wish I had a more... um, normal family like you."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDLMfBT4V5
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sjzGQSZJt
"Maybe you get a chance to meet my brother, and we can be better friends then, okay?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69dOnXstfF
"Okay!" Leena wagged her tail at that.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtizocWPI29
The days went on much like that, bringing Nina joy as she wondered when she'd get to meet the missing brother.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssOcMrEeyK
It was a good day. Well, every day was a good day, and he was happy. Life was simple.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtANJb3gLIy
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi22LV3SjRH
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEaWGUwzSa
How old did he have to be to explore or adventure with them?455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5Qwu9UDzv
Sigh. Soon, though. Maybe even today!455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R8OFwx2lA
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhabg3fncbz
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CwbFWzTUB
Clean up the messes. Help bring the items to the house. Organize the items. Help check the stock!455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0M70XeeLT
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqlAwk8Fey
"Mom, Len is late!" he cried as he kept pacing near the door. It was too late for him to go out.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFhuw8C5vE
Mother, who was cooking in the kitchen, looked up out the window and calmly replied, "She still has time. It's not that late."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDINJV1Yqq
"YES, IT IS! She's always home before the sunset."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg93UKN2cIO
And it was going down now. He knew what he was talking about.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFxI7MxJi2
Mom only smirked, then smiled. "Perhaps you're right, but do you really want me to punish her?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlqyUaKrBt
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?455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQol6DL02E
After a little thought, he finally spoke. "Maybe give her some more time? She was probably bus—"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfXHK7IYgP
"But if I was with her, this wouldn't have happened!" His mom tried saying something, but he cut her off.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD23qWs55hQ
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQh6vjIZzP
Wolf wasn't sure how much time passed as his mother was an expert in keeping him busy and distracted.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv01Tiiof2r
When Leena came in noisily through the door, she was carrying a basket full of clothes.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFRSciXDtS
"I brought the laundry in. And Mrs. Crow thanks us for the extra food."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3vnDvDO30
Before she could get far, he shouted.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBuQC48Sbu
"You're late!" He rushed into the living room to confront her, trying to intimidate her into confessing.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG83bU4Iyf
She smiled when she saw him, putting down the basket. She went and grabbed and held him before he could blink.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBrebdzQub
"You know I missed you too, little brother."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCHU8ar3Mv
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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUmWWQU6nK
She released him with those words, stared at eye level, and spoke with a serious face.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY8mFBiqFY
"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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgbamhILuj
That surprised him. Not only was his sister not playing but working—she also brought him a message from his only other friend.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZdLWBe9vy
"Sorry, Len." He felt a bit of shame. "I wasn't trying to get you in trouble."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T9NEjUTTA
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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyr4ihWbTb2
He wasn't sure where to go from there and was spared by his sister.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRc1Xzzq7J
"The basket's a little heavy, but can you put away the clothes while I talk to Mom?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3m61rvyZw
"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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp711lPcsy
Leena found her mother washing a few dishes. As she approached, her mother spoke first.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6UGWwM1dY
"He's getting more impatient every day."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIxS6SDWQg
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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OmC87OfKh
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.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVUVFxSzlk
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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZaIDbYiRP
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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCkcR64EC9
"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?"455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOlneU2s5L
Mom replied, "He has been there plenty of times."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJoKgF29kd
"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."455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaUE3DXY95
Mother thought about it. Perhaps Wolf had been forced too much into things for his own good. Kids learned best with failures.455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NjEpPuhOr
She sighed. "Okay, I'll talk to your father. He never seems to mind."
455Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8lDXojkNH
and then Add to home screen.