The Seer was home.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwHQ2hbvCT
After months of traveling between tribes, testing children, watching families fracture over magic—or the lack of it—she was finally back in her small church. The familiar darkness of her room wrapped around her like a welcome embrace.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXssda9YHZ
Her niece Teva was visiting, which should have brought her joy.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAUEvNWrRC
"I don't know why you always keep things so dark." Teva's voice carried an edge of irritation. "Are you trying to be mysterious? Because it's not working."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33GmIvqBf3
The Seer flattened her ears in response, tail swishing. "This is my room. Don't you have someone else to bother?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodhqDZI3MT
She was already regretting how much she'd looked forward to this visit. She'd somehow forgotten how much Teva loved the light—needed it, even.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G7DeWQq8p
"Yeah, yeah, crabby." Teva thrust a small basket forward. "Here. I brought you food from Mom."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspHFzo4JGe
The Seer accepted it, glancing inside at the assortment of fruit. "Thank you. Wish your mother well for me."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHeNKoYMwa
"Do it yourself. You're not stuck here."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsYNVL3JE3
The Seer ignored the jab, but her tail kept swishing. Something was wrong. Teva wasn't usually this sharp, this agitated.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OlWuny2aX
"Well?" the Seer prompted.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPs4lRJZ6W
"Well what?" Teva's ears flicked back.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIRpor4QZQ
"Are you going to tell me who stepped on your tail, or keep acting like I'm the problem?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwElXM8NJ0
Teva flattened her ears and narrowed her eyes. Then she deflated, shoulders sagging. "Sorry. I just... I haven't been happy since we came here. I don't have any friends."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSwRThcoyl
"You had that fox girl. Nina, wasn't it? Why not write to her?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jmnF9ggZh
Teva's ears flattened again and she looked away. "She's not my friend anymore."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7OyJVq55C
That surprised the Seer. "Why not?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIH5CHtewK
"She's going to be an elder." Teva's voice went quiet. "We can't stay friends like that. It's not the same." She turned back, something desperate in her eyes. "I want a friend. Not a pen pal who pities me."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAhNWYmacM
She wandered around the small room—basic but cozy, with a narrow bed, a simple desk, and a window covered to block out the light. Only a mage light provided illumination. Teva ran her hand along the desk's surface, then held up her fingers. "You really need to dust more."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WoAU5uVx5
"I haven't had time."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEfV7ufL4Z
"Or you're lazy." Teva smiled, her tail swishing playfully now.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvn7DNhznB
The Seer narrowed her eyes. Even sitting, her own tail began to swish in warning. "You're pushing your luck and my love for you, dear niece. If I didn't pity you, I wouldn't be so nice."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43eQgotgdC
"Sure." Teva stretched casually, still taunting.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUrI7nAnjq
The Seer did pity her niece. She knew Teva had gone from a tribe full of children—all helping each other, playing together, surrounded by family—to a village of scattered adults with children kept separate, sectioned off by age and work. It wasn't the same. Not even close.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgXNOjiJXj
"We'll see if we can get you some work," the Seer offered. "Maybe at the inn? Or the church?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNul7Pelt96
"Gods, no. Not the church." Teva's protest was immediate.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPgeXpHaXx
The Seer was amused despite herself. The church was wonderful—Teva just couldn't see how nice it was yet.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3tttqauZx
"The church teaches children," she pointed out. "You could try visiting? See if you like it?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaPcfySkE6
"Maybe..."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2UPKNrfH5
With that, the visit drifted into quieter conversation, neither of them quite satisfied but both grateful for the company.
The day started earlier than Wolf expected.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPVYIA4XwK
He was used to everyone being awake before him, food already made, the household moving with practiced routine. But today Len shook him awake while it was still dark, whispering that if he wanted to join the adults, he needed to help get things ready.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n467zHySo
Wolf didn't like it. But he'd asked for this, so he agreed.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2OdQgSLHj
The work involved packing supplies for the shop—crates of herbs, bundled furs, preserved meats, and other goods his father had gathered through trades and barter. Wolf had known Dad collected these things, but he'd never paid attention to the details.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZTmg7PEc4
Len explained as they worked. "Mostly herbs and meats. Some furs we barter with travelers. We use coins when people are just passing through—you know, last stop before heading into the wilds."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsB3Xk97SN
Wolf hefted another crate into the cart. "Do we get a lot of outside trade?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQbEhMWW7N
"Not really." Len brushed dust from her hands. "There's a bigger town at the crossroads to the kingdom. We're more of a branch—people come here for wood, hunting, that sort of thing." She gestured vaguely toward the lake. "Being close to the water helps. Makes us a minor attraction for people wanting a little adventure without going too far from the city."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAKzI3RbUf
Loading the cart was exhausting. By the time they finished, Wolf's arms ached and his back was sore.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GpOS8unDX
They ate breakfast afterward—simple porridge and bread. It felt strange knowing how much work happened while he'd been sleeping all this time, how much he'd missed.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjMpaID9n8
When they boarded the wagon, Len pulled him close, holding him tight for warmth as their father took the reins.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt90Yg979oG
Mom waved them off before they left, calling out that she'd stop by later with lunch. Dad slapped the reins and the wagon lurched forward.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIZRbKiC3F
The adventure was beginning. Wolf watched the familiar tree in their yard slowly drift past, then the world he knew, and then—finally—beyond.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDSFtqaxp6
Maybe it was waking so early, or the gentle rumble of the road, but he fell asleep almost immediately, held safe in his sister's arms.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAM1MmmpMOu
He wasn't sure how much time had passed when Len gently shook him awake, brushing hair from his face. "Wake up. We still have to unload the cart."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBNUVbtee3
Wolf blinked groggily. This wasn't quite the grand adventure he'd imagined, but he didn't complain. He climbed down and started helping move crates into the shop.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ivtoDoeM1
Then he froze.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpopRJzkNT
Two strangers were already helping unload—fox-like people with pointed ears and tails. He'd never seen beastkin before. Couldn't stop staring.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvV9lezAjf
The male was tall and slim with a serious expression. He noticed Wolf's wide-eyed gaze and spoke first. "You must be Wolf. Your father mentioned you the other day."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj4lU5sLOt
Wolf had no idea how to respond.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLOjzzeIHM
"Don't be rude, brother." The female stepped forward with a bright smile. "Yes, his name is Wolf. I forgot he hasn't seen many beastkin."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmp2rVFqimC
The male—her brother, apparently—nodded and went back to unloading without seeming offended.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqKMPxklR7
The girl's attention stayed on Wolf. "I'm Nina."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnNyCXkGvF
She was pretty, Wolf thought distantly—red hair, bright eyes, and a tail that wagged behind her like it had a mind of its own. How could anyone make a tail move like that? He'd never seen anything like it. He stared.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuLDIR4iMX
Nina noticed his attention and wagged her tail even more enthusiastically.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAK0c1XUUWn
"Stop being rude, brother." Len's voice was sharp. "Mom raised you better than that."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoSvWh19PJ
"Sorry." Wolf shook himself. "It's just... a bit much."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcRrkj6lPO
Nina's tail stopped wagging immediately. Her ears drooped. "Sorry. I'll get back to work."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPHmOJZLAW
She brushed past her brother, who flattened his ears as she went by.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SF3463rNQ
"Don't mind my sister," the male said quietly. "She can be overfriendly, but she means well."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hkY50mPvm
Wolf felt awful. He wasn't sure what he'd done wrong—he'd just been overwhelmed—but it was all happening faster than he could process.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEHp1G3G6f
"No, I was rude," Wolf said quickly. "You're both... I mean, you're still people. Um. I didn't catch your name?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMKgSBP9ax
"Nebo." He gestured toward where his sister was stocking shelves, her whole posture dejected even though she'd been so happy moments before. "And like I said, that's my sister."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxq8xDZSSWR
Wolf saw Len move toward Nina, clearly wanting to scold him more but choosing to comfort the girl instead. He didn't want to make things worse, so he focused on unloading the cart and tried not to think about how badly he'd already messed up his first day.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvWaQc4pyZ
Despite the awkward start, nothing much happened after that. Wolf had expected the shop to be flooded with customers—why else bring so much stock? But the morning stayed quiet.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUUZhgws6b
Len noticed his confusion and smiled. "Things always start slow."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpz1n5xOW09
Nina edged closer as they worked, her mood seeming better. Wolf decided to try again.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rBzGqymAr
"Sorry I was rude. You seem like a nice person."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uRDyqqXNl
Her tail immediately started wagging. Her ears perked up. She bounded right up to him.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnyiUdmZWR
"It's okay! We're new here too! I had a friend who came here before me. I haven't seen her in a while, so I was hoping to make new friends. Or even a new family!"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslIFnJhCtm
The rush of words threw Wolf off balance. Len laughed softly. Nina was definitely enthusiastic, he thought. But as the conversation drifted into easier territory, he found he didn't mind. It was nice, actually.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdJx6U31Ki
But then it got boring again.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnzvIZMz6c
Nothing was happening. It felt just like being trapped in the house—exactly what he'd been trying to escape.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUkUubrytc
Len noticed his fidgeting. "This is what I normally do, you know. The few times we wander off to gather herbs? That's my break from work."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYu4lEcAkH
Wolf felt a pang of guilt. He'd always assumed she was having grand adventures without him. "Sorry, Len. I thought you were always exploring without me."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z52mayvNU
She giggled. "Nonsense, brother. You make the adventure fun. Gathering herbs honestly bores me—it's you running around that keeps me on my toes. That makes it enjoyable."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd8GAy5Csk
Nina perked up at that. "I love gathering with my brother too!" Then her expression shifted. "Well, he's more into reading. Or doing boring work."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQklQv0CEH
From the back of the shop, where he was checking inventory, Nebo's voice drifted over. He'd clearly heard every word. "I'm more of a bookworm. Or a merchant. But I don't mind gathering herbs."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRKGPjScOp
Dad, who had been helping a few scattered customers, decided to chime in. "I told you before—we kept you at home because we were off working. It was for your own good."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTm866L4Km
Wolf deflated slightly.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzCRaqgyNM
But Dad continued a moment later, his tone softer. "That said, you worked hard today. And you didn't break anything."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXF0r67XY8K
Wolf looked up, surprised and defensive. "Why would I break anything?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUzI2qy7Nq
"You have in the past." Dad's expression was matter-of-fact. "We used to bring you to the shop all the time. But you pulled things off shelves, knocked over displays—you were a hazard to yourself and the shop."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjYy0kw2Rn
Nina laughed at that.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi85akVlIB
Wolf's face burned. "No! I don't remember that!"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXnV35y0te
He refused to accept blame for something he couldn't even remember. Len smiled and stepped in. "It was a few years ago, brother. You were still barely walking. It was no big deal."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJLSeKRQEh
Wolf still felt attacked.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1oJ6yYbYt
Dad cleared his throat. "What I meant is—you helped today. Saved us time. So when your mother gets here with food, we can watch the shop if you want. You could search near the lake for herbs."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dTK30gQQF
"Really?" Both Wolf and Len said it at the same time.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlD5XVwPbf
Dad smiled. "Yes."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKLFmIPwec
They both rushed forward and hugged him. He laughed, hugging them back. He could be stern sometimes, but he loved his family dearly.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgT28YC461f
Watching them, Dad felt a flicker of guilt. They'd been working hard without complaint—well, Len never complained. The new foxkin had helped more than he'd expected, and it freed up time. Time for the kids to find themselves.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq49D9X6JFu
He noticed Nina fidgeting nearby, watching the exchange with hopeful eyes.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OdFd9wMes
"Can I go too?" she asked quietly.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRy4pK8UugR
Dad didn't see why not. He glanced at Nebo, who had emerged from the back room.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nxaExYc6z
Nebo looked indifferent but spoke anyway. "I'd like to stay and keep working. You have a few records I'd like to review."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpinD1npJ8
Dad nodded gratefully—he'd been meaning to organize those. He turned back to Nina. "My kids like you, and I have no problem with you joining them."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTacri031TQ
Nina beamed. "Thank you!"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgDdo2Eb9N
Len seemed happy to have her along. Wolf was indifferent, still processing that they were actually getting free time.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQXRxqHCFs
Time passed. The excitement of the upcoming trip had Len, Wolf, and Nina playing tag between the shop aisles, their laughter echoing off the walls. Dad gave them stern looks after a while but said nothing. They took the hint and settled down.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicDAFf2U7O
When Mom arrived with sandwiches, everyone's mood brightened.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEo7wMjygd
She was told about the herb-gathering plan and approved immediately.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKq7KlZoV5
Wolf hugged and kissed both his parents goodbye, then the three of them rushed off.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbQmlkasY9
"Stay safe!" Mom called after them. "And be home before the sun sets!"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfo0MCUgsRh
Dad watched them go, standing beside his wife. Elinor smiled as she watched their children disappear down the road, Nina's red tail visible between them.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG29ftegu2Z
"So, dear," Elinor said after a moment. "What changed?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGG4dNYUhs
"Hmm?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dwuw7RFkL
"We never talked about letting the kids go play early. That's not like you." She glanced at him. "Not that I disapprove. Just wondering."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgt0Irn4hCO
He pulled her into an embrace and kissed her gently. She smiled against his lips, then pulled back slightly. "You didn't answer my question."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRE2VrXBNoT
"No, I did not." He grinned.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJc6RrKQhA
She gave him a light smack on the chest and stepped away. "So are you going to talk, or do I have to make you?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpE3rQpFU9
"Tempting. But no need—I'll talk." He sobered, watching the now-empty road. "They're growing up. And the world is bigger than our little village. I fear one day they'll want to explore it. Really explore it. And get hurt."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELkugxvqp5
He turned to her. "I've been to a city. I've been to a dungeon. I've seen magic that many here still don't believe exists, even though it's common elsewhere." He gestured back toward the shop. "I've noticed business picking up lately. Not just from local hunters, but from people interested in expanding beyond the city. Explorers. Adventurers."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NKtcUMfOn
He paused. "I just think we should plan ahead. Len doesn't complain, but I don't think she wants to run this shop. And Wolf certainly doesn't. So let them find what they do want."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SNqXUSRWA
Elinor studied him, amused, while slowly adjusting his collar. "I thought you'd be more stubborn about this. But it's nice to see the wise, handsome man I married—the one who knows how to treat not only a lady, but his children."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JpA08ssTh
She looked up into his eyes. He looked away, blushing.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XpePe6yNl
"If you say so, my fair lady."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJYi9Qe8oM
She leaned into him, content to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwA0wmdkfx
Finally free!481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDCGlx824p
Joy surged through Wolf as they ran down the street. After all the hardship—the early mornings, the boring work, the waiting—it finally felt like it had paid off.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh9WKAUL7m
He took in the sights eagerly: buildings he'd never really looked at before, people he'd never known lived in the village. Some frowned at the children racing past, but most ignored them. Just kids playing.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDMpfnzk8U
It took longer than he expected to reach the lake. By the time they arrived, Wolf was exhausted. All the early morning work, the travel, the excitement—it caught up to him at once.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡII5GM6vpyF
"Can I rest?" he asked, breathing hard.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrsSSL6AVE
Len was used to busy days and barely looked winded. "Of course. I'll look for herbs with Nina."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCLUIpb0Ch
She made sure to stress one thing before they wandered off: "Don't go anywhere. Anything can happen in a world full of magic."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZG89KnCo7
Wolf agreed, though he didn't really believe her. She was probably just using that as an excuse to make sure he stayed put.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZTT61txNr
He caught his breath while watching Len and Nina scout the nearby trees for herbs. He admired how they could just keep going, their energy seemingly endless. They moved deeper into the forest, disappearing between the trees.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjAvPfNthq
The calm of it all overwhelmed him slightly. Everything was new, different. He looked out at the lake's clear, still waters, amazed that his hometown had held such wonders and he'd never seen them.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡss7XADkH1U
The lake itself was vast. Beautiful.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm46BdTcLsU
Movement in the distance caught his eye—a fisherman sitting on the far shore. Wolf waved and shouted, "Hello!"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDms9ldVbQn
The figure jerked slightly, as if startled from sleep, then looked in his direction and gave a small wave before settling back into stillness.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs9SRDBYZe
Wolf laughed.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡND8uU0clw3
"Who were you talking to, brother?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gHDCeZpiU
He turned to find Len had returned, Nina beside her.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHnzNwfi1a
"The fisher over there." Wolf pointed. "I've never seen them before."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQZ522Z7Cl
Len looked into the distance, studying the lazy figure. "I think I've seen them before."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrn3r1lncNt
"Me too," Nina added, her tail swishing as she tried to get a better look. "They stop by for supplies sometimes, right? I think their brothers moved into town a few months back."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovtbfheotO
"Really?" Wolf was fascinated by how much they both seemed to know.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1cd2lsNtg
"How many people live here, anyway?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuAPSmyw8O
Len thought for a moment. "I'm not sure. A few hundred at least? Maybe more. I never tried counting."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRypmZyTZQ
"Wow. That's a lot of people!"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqxidkaHiO
"Not really," Len said with a small smile. "The crossroad town has a thousand or more, last I heard. And it's still growing."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRAHFUDYe9
Nina grabbed Wolf from behind, making him jump. "And you should see the city! People everywhere. It was too much for me—that's why I left."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5yCtwm45k
Wolf couldn't imagine that many people in one place. "You're both amazing for knowing so much."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6mDJoN9Tg
Len ruffled his hair affectionately. "Hold these for me." She handed him a bundle of herbs. "I think I found some berries, but I heard you yell so I came back to check."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqx8P98xQgf
"Okay!" Wolf was instantly excited. It was a rare treat when Len brought berries home.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxauioLGtN
"Hey, me too!" Nina rushed after her, leaving Wolf holding the herbs.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevGOivcE0T
He examined them while he waited—a mix of herbs and spices. Maybe they could be used for dinner tonight. He turned his attention back to the lake, enjoying the peaceful view.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc1IvMjVpv
"I wish I'd brought something to carry these in." Len looked at the overflowing handful of berries when she returned. "I forgot, in all the excitement." She paused, thinking. "How about this—we enjoy some berries now, and the view, then we pick more for Mom, Dad, and Nebo?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKQLTGLM1t
She offered Wolf a handful of the rare treasure.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOErlSFqMW
Nina plopped down beside him. Her closeness annoyed him slightly—she was really friendly, always in his space—but she was always smiling, so he didn't mind much.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJXlrIY2v1
Len settled on his other side, savoring her own berries.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1PUxSm2y1
The afternoon seemed to pass quickly. Wolf told them about his dreams of adventure, painting grand stories of dungeons and monsters and heroic deeds. Nina loved it, listening intently to every word. Len was less captivated—she was already thinking about what still needed to be done when they got home.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNY0Y9O9UD
But for now, they were just three kids by a lake, eating berries and dreaming about the future.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvfrTgKnyd
The trip back to the shop was tiring, but Wolf managed. Nina filled the walk with stories of her adventures coming to this town—Wolf listened, fascinated despite his exhaustion.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOdTMOsifo
When they reached the shop, they shared their bounty of berries. Nebo didn't care for sweets but thanked them politely anyway. Mom and Dad enjoyed them much more, savoring each one.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fb0kHe50A
As closing time approached, they said goodbye to the foxkin. Nina made Wolf promise they'd do it again sometime. Nebo was already focused on the next day's work, much like Len.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkQ6qFILTd
Back home that evening, Wolf retold their adventure over dinner—the lake, the fisherman, the berries. He made it sound grander than it had been, but his parents smiled indulgently.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvlj65HbHA
Len, thinking about her brother, brought up something she'd been considering. "Could we set aside some time for Wolf to play with Coby?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93s3LVG5su
Dad's expression shifted, the good mood souring slightly. "There will be more work before any playing."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpued6mIut
Wolf's excitement deflated, but he nodded in understanding. The adventure was over. Tomorrow would be work again.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGr30NxBpkB
Wolf was tired. So tired.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58q5kBxMbS
Why did he have to wake up early again?481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVrB7ZlJ3r
Len shook him awake the same as before, saying today would be easier but they still needed to tend the shop before any crowds arrived.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaPG0H2F8s
"What crowds?" Wolf grumbled.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6ymtXVsyM
She ignored him.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m8N4ARp8n
They made it to the shop easily enough. To Wolf's surprise, Nebo was already there, standing straight-backed and alert, ears perked with readiness. Nina looked tired—ears flat, tail drooping—but she perked up when she saw Wolf, her tail wagging weakly.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrL7yzA90y
"Morning, Wolf!"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0vnq1WB4x
"Morning. You're both here early."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiGb91Rdx3
"Yeah!" Nina's energy was returning. "Brother said if we want to prove ourselves, we have to keep showing up early."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wXNsekkCY
Her brother flattened his ears slightly at having private conversations shared so openly, but Dad overheard and approved, thanking them for being so diligent.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLDIHnpTbJ
But just like Wolf had thought, nothing was happening.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p03vKUuew
In fact, Len, Dad, and Nebo were doing all the work while Wolf just watched. Every time he tried to help, they'd already finished the task or he was getting in the way. Even Nina was keeping busy with small tasks, humming to herself cheerfully.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwG6Z4YBpg0
Was this really work? Wolf was bored. He hated having nothing to do, nothing he could contribute.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXEE6cLtnx
Dad, taking pity on him, finally spoke up. "You see that shelf in the corner?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YlJhCzEty
Wolf knew it well—he'd stared at it repeatedly in his boredom. It had a few minor items on display.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6flaYpKe40
"Clear that shelf and you're done for the day."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNUumvr6gh
Wolf blinked in surprise. Mom hadn't even arrived yet with lunch. It was still early. He got excited, then immediately worried. "What about Len? I can't go without her."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnN5KQqtsKP
"I was going to have Nina take you home and come back," Dad said. "She's used to traveling."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvw5fRcMpO
Wolf's heart sank. Not even two days had passed and he was already not needed. Already useless.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUYGelGM9l
Dad noticed his expression and quickly corrected himself. "I meant—you can help your mother bring us food, then you can all play afterward."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMQS2Ql4v3
Len smiled at that. Wolf felt slightly better. At least he'd have a mission. Something only he could do.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGkXH0OC9W
He threw himself into cleaning the shelf, organizing the random items with careful attention. When Nina was ready to leave, they set off together.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMymvqyXamV
She filled the walk with more stories, her tail swishing happily as she talked.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDccW40msL
Mom was surprised to see them—she'd been just about to leave the house with lunch. Wolf realized he wasn't used to all this walking yet. His legs ached. He was exhausted.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEykzvwdaC
"I need to rest," he admitted quietly.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDNdNzkx2k
Nina immediately offered, "I can stay with you."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ205mLXukS2
Wolf didn't like feeling like a burden, but he gave in quickly. He really did need to rest.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfc13IrUdsA
Why was everyone else so full of energy?481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTb8TOmjzXs
Before Mom left, she hugged and kissed him, leaving them a small meal to share while she headed to the shop.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QuJJgtLH6
Wolf showed Nina around the house. She took everything in with wide-eyed excitement, practically bouncing from room to room. He enjoyed her company—mostly—but she was far too enthusiastic about what was just a normal house.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwkiHxLphV
He took his wrapped meal to his room and set it on the small counter beside his bed. "Can I be alone for a bit? I really need to rest."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWKxlNV6Tf
Nina nodded easily. "Of course!"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxqNUOZNhh
Wolf thought he'd just take a short nap. He was asleep before he even realized it was happening.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4upKKDufY
When he woke, he had no idea how much time had passed. The meal was still wrapped beside his bed, untouched.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSHBjUvkCh
"Nina?" he called out, worried she'd left or gotten bored waiting.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtIXD9Z1jR
"I'm still here!" She rushed into the room with a bright smile. "You're awake!"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k6AB8QzVP
"Yeah. Sorry—still getting used to so much travel."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcdB55SseX
"It's okay!" Nina bounced slightly on her toes. "Are we going to eat now?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0BlyCM8oQ
Wolf was surprised she hadn't eaten without him. He unwrapped the food—bread, cheese, and fruit—and shared it with her. They ate in comfortable silence for a while.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlsISVFljw
But Wolf couldn't help his curiosity about the odd pair they made.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oWya2WHqV
"Why did you come to this village?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MJMDtAbSS
Nina's tail, which had been wagging happily, stopped. Her ears pressed down slightly. Wolf immediately worried he shouldn't have asked.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0JUMLKQ21
"It's not really a secret." Her voice was quieter now. "I... kind of ran away."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqgcxUprn4
Wolf wasn't sure how to respond. She didn't look that old—maybe his sister's age—but there was something weary in her expression.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygwqaXhrcX
"Won't they come for you?" Wolf asked. "The tribe, I mean?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e8TqnTqIK
She laughed, though it sounded sad. "I say I ran away, but I still got the elder's blessing to leave. Nothing was ever really forced on me." Her ears flattened further. "But I also never felt like I had a choice. This, though? Coming here? This is my choosing."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyw47zixkg9
Her whole posture seemed defeated. Wolf wasn't sure how to comfort her, so he said the only thing he could think of.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcaKBVXwnX
"Well, you're here now. And my sister likes you. That should be enough."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEN1Lw7ywe7
Nina looked up at him and laughed—a real laugh this time. "Yeah. It is."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEur79sb8r
They finished eating in silence, but it felt warmer somehow. Less lonely.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjV7hAA77KD
The trip back to the shop was still tiring, but Nina kept Wolf's mind off it with cheerful chatter. She seemed lighter after their conversation, more at ease.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNaJYGb9tg
When they arrived, Len looked relieved. "You were gone for a while. I was starting to worry."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhWHCHhqbd
"Mom said they were fine," Dad added from behind the counter.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1GpDJBwve
Wolf turned to his sister, curious. "Why didn't you come looking for me?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHw2gSJrI6
Len got a sly smile. "I wanted you to have time alone with your new friend."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpxw2Ca89H
Wolf wasn't sure what she was hinting at, but it annoyed him. Nina's face flushed, her ears flattening in embarrassment.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONfZcmmE91
"It wasn't that long," Wolf protested. "It's only a little later in the afternoon."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXJKtOLdi6
"Long enough," Len said with a knowing grin.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CHuvQwJLl
As the afternoon wound down, Dad approached Nina and Nebo. "I want to talk to you both."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckCNxNbPlF
They both straightened, uncertain.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjeaxhYvOd
"You've been working hard. Showing up early, staying late, helping without complaint." Dad crossed his arms but smiled. "I'd like you to keep working full-time. Official employees."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kZeJ20mox
Nina's tail started wagging immediately. Nebo's ears perked up, though he tried to keep his expression neutral.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8Q33Np3UZ
"Really?" Nina asked.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEL9pC5UdFq
"Really. And since you're official employees now, I insist you camp near our home. No sense traveling back and forth every day when you're part of the operation."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOwb6Ls4np
Nebo bowed respectfully. "Thank you. We won't let you down."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3WYwlH19b
Nina looked like she might cry from happiness, but she held it together. "Thank you so much!"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMbFcRwYir
Wolf watched the exchange with a warm feeling in his chest. Nina and Nebo were staying. They were part of things now.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTbiAsA6jl
It had been a good day. And Wolf found himself looking forward to what was to come.
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQz4JJva1e
and then Add to home screen.