The Seer was home.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlPz5eV9Z0
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOOf8Hqntc
Her niece Teva was visiting, which should have brought her joy.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7lOiNn0hj
"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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0o6Ls09CxU
The Seer flattened her ears in response, tail swishing. "This is my room. Don't you have someone else to bother?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28q1s0ZuWI
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs6AehXVd9
"Yeah, yeah, crabby." Teva thrust a small basket forward. "Here. I brought you food from Mom."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3t5nfP7zI3
The Seer accepted it, glancing inside at the assortment of fruit. "Thank you. Wish your mother well for me."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbHaOjNUEa
"Do it yourself. You're not stuck here."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGXel6VtYo
The Seer ignored the jab, but her tail kept swishing. Something was wrong. Teva wasn't usually this sharp, this agitated.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EumTJjU7s
"Well?" the Seer prompted.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtRE8p3Cnl
"Well what?" Teva's ears flicked back.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwQ85IjPhp
"Are you going to tell me who stepped on your tail, or keep acting like I'm the problem?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTsHYVG2qw
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYFGAWTrmG
"You had that fox girl. Nina, wasn't it? Why not write to her?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wOkx952Ei
Teva's ears flattened again and she looked away. "She's not my friend anymore."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnZg73271B
That surprised the Seer. "Why not?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbP06XiwQg
"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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ40y4y9SWr
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPk4XqO9pt
"I haven't had time."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVbRaMGFXj
"Or you're lazy." Teva smiled, her tail swishing playfully now.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrwJFomN5T
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAiFewLCLe
"Sure." Teva stretched casually, still taunting.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR4eo8Ad6q
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkcnlVgHQJ
"We'll see if we can get you some work," the Seer offered. "Maybe at the inn? Or the church?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRFvuYSWkZ
"Gods, no. Not the church." Teva's protest was immediate.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5AhHAeSnr
The Seer was amused despite herself. The church was wonderful—Teva just couldn't see how nice it was yet.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAXTt9uEQB
"The church teaches children," she pointed out. "You could try visiting? See if you like it?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Jqx1mUnBN
"Maybe..."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW4Da9qinZ
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JQErWEmux
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCe7WutXIf
Wolf didn't like it. But he'd asked for this, so he agreed.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLImzIGO4t
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETHPRdjCAx
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehDPfHf1PI
Wolf hefted another crate into the cart. "Do we get a lot of outside trade?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywCvUxka49
"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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSuQpjAKst
Loading the cart was exhausting. By the time they finished, Wolf's arms ached and his back was sore.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDSvR2wCdY
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCxLMKz7Wv
When they boarded the wagon, Len pulled him close, holding him tight for warmth as their father took the reins.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgSxQcL0ab
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBuGtYjBbA
The adventure was beginning. Wolf watched the familiar tree in their yard slowly drift past, then the world he knew, and then—finally—beyond.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvS3YbRGly
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOMACy13tD
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyp6d9kkLo
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9fyXCh6IN
Then he froze.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9fpTexJnk
Two strangers were already helping unload—fox-like people with pointed ears and tails. He'd never seen beastkin before. Couldn't stop staring.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE982CaVJ3V
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8RmBxAXei
Wolf had no idea how to respond.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBShioBYYs
"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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHetqvLCL8
The male—her brother, apparently—nodded and went back to unloading without seeming offended.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EPghcmwOx
The girl's attention stayed on Wolf. "I'm Nina."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFyUp78KrR
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh19CeAFyol
Nina noticed his attention and wagged her tail even more enthusiastically.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSkjeQsJh3
"Stop being rude, brother." Len's voice was sharp. "Mom raised you better than that."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ8bKlPhSF
"Sorry." Wolf shook himself. "It's just... a bit much."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0LhHyTyei
Nina's tail stopped wagging immediately. Her ears drooped. "Sorry. I'll get back to work."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUkJOeBH52
She brushed past her brother, who flattened his ears as she went by.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GNj3ZDyox
"Don't mind my sister," the male said quietly. "She can be overfriendly, but she means well."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0avm3nVkW
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQie7JqDsm
"No, I was rude," Wolf said quickly. "You're both... I mean, you're still people. Um. I didn't catch your name?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUx2z7puULt
"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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDziwXopp3
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkpMeckCMb
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqId0ayySn
Len noticed his confusion and smiled. "Things always start slow."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FqnKfEc7M
Nina edged closer as they worked, her mood seeming better. Wolf decided to try again.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrKRN8xIQU
"Sorry I was rude. You seem like a nice person."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpk37zxDVKh
Her tail immediately started wagging. Her ears perked up. She bounded right up to him.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo3EpnD7OZ
"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!"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNeDaZqJnp
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gORuJbnIw
But then it got boring again.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfXhZUdrMz
Nothing was happening. It felt just like being trapped in the house—exactly what he'd been trying to escape.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fgzX61KzH
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UY1Zhuw3K
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX9GHmSW1M
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPebRw9G04Q
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxO8k3we2IE
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeyEYk08rZ
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEUtbuS2gr
Wolf deflated slightly.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CzjKS4Y7o
But Dad continued a moment later, his tone softer. "That said, you worked hard today. And you didn't break anything."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvuKmOpwx4
Wolf looked up, surprised and defensive. "Why would I break anything?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenV3IJX0FY
"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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJl0gMlD6WO
Nina laughed at that.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5nyjhXUCc
Wolf's face burned. "No! I don't remember that!"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlnPRNXExb
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrm3VI75wH
Wolf still felt attacked.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJ5yEJfWO2
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRD3tru0uwk
"Really?" Both Wolf and Len said it at the same time.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUUo60xlYz
Dad smiled. "Yes."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6iU3uaZQG
They both rushed forward and hugged him. He laughed, hugging them back. He could be stern sometimes, but he loved his family dearly.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LQWJD6n5w
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITWxbQUvp7
He noticed Nina fidgeting nearby, watching the exchange with hopeful eyes.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzObN8uaFi
"Can I go too?" she asked quietly.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYyPTEXXLZ
Dad didn't see why not. He glanced at Nebo, who had emerged from the back room.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUQes0d4my
Nebo looked indifferent but spoke anyway. "I'd like to stay and keep working. You have a few records I'd like to review."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z0geM5Y7f
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVTOjLJuOg
Nina beamed. "Thank you!"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkKLVvBSvF
Len seemed happy to have her along. Wolf was indifferent, still processing that they were actually getting free time.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEbyEJW8Rw
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1jKtDPODQ
When Mom arrived with sandwiches, everyone's mood brightened.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEOHusfddX
She was told about the herb-gathering plan and approved immediately.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UNlp9sWky
Wolf hugged and kissed both his parents goodbye, then the three of them rushed off.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjWWiQEp6w
"Stay safe!" Mom called after them. "And be home before the sun sets!"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWuX7zs50l
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPayKweK8bN
"So, dear," Elinor said after a moment. "What changed?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEzK6fpdWp
"Hmm?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSIbfjK5mX
"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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroC7I0WLKQ
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Xl9jneWIM
"No, I did not." He grinned.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtonxYIdJo
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?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CTXSAbGT0
"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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHI8oeo9c2h
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbsHoYFcKj
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBEvNEV05F
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfP2JSOj5db
She looked up into his eyes. He looked away, blushing.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniUEm05X5u
"If you say so, my fair lady."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHV0VDKK13
She leaned into him, content to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MfyQn5zp0
Finally free!454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwsIujPGtI
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfewDwtEBz
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh96bdRSP3
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8eEI5cNTv
"Can I rest?" he asked, breathing hard.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLAW5HgFXx
Len was used to busy days and barely looked winded. "Of course. I'll look for herbs with Nina."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoWMqpqIKv
She made sure to stress one thing before they wandered off: "Don't go anywhere. Anything can happen in a world full of magic."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoF7at1Wge
Wolf agreed, though he didn't really believe her. She was probably just using that as an excuse to make sure he stayed put.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUEsfRvBnc
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnybNntB5e
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrm2YzAeKp
The lake itself was vast. Beautiful.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb0j3dr6iz
Movement in the distance caught his eye—a fisherman sitting on the far shore. Wolf waved and shouted, "Hello!"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwluDysD8XY
The figure jerked slightly, as if startled from sleep, then looked in his direction and gave a small wave before settling back into stillness.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tm8XKdTS7
Wolf laughed.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzsIP0DcIg
"Who were you talking to, brother?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEz1ARbDCox
He turned to find Len had returned, Nina beside her.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVey3WzOXl
"The fisher over there." Wolf pointed. "I've never seen them before."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6N2P8wiLOB
Len looked into the distance, studying the lazy figure. "I think I've seen them before."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLizbcX3RB4
"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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjj1ccMjjY
"Really?" Wolf was fascinated by how much they both seemed to know.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFExkEFPQGr
"How many people live here, anyway?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMMNIUJXM0
Len thought for a moment. "I'm not sure. A few hundred at least? Maybe more. I never tried counting."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7OfGtqKa2
"Wow. That's a lot of people!"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDneeNt0dz3
"Not really," Len said with a small smile. "The crossroad town has a thousand or more, last I heard. And it's still growing."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5RkOUVfYH
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDqsVI18NF
Wolf couldn't imagine that many people in one place. "You're both amazing for knowing so much."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpDWY4higS
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDrZhFFWXh
"Okay!" Wolf was instantly excited. It was a rare treat when Len brought berries home.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7mUvmGNLE
"Hey, me too!" Nina rushed after her, leaving Wolf holding the herbs.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn44KLQaiM6
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TrQoGPUYF
"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?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkw2g3nPta
She offered Wolf a handful of the rare treasure.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEPlEECXU6
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgqxUQDwp2
Len settled on his other side, savoring her own berries.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakW2VJIso8
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBL0WA7C9Pp
But for now, they were just three kids by a lake, eating berries and dreaming about the future.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffcyXJxKro
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTq1tldv3P
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFitghvbKq9
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfA2xiaAtcs
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEUep4Inkl
Len, thinking about her brother, brought up something she'd been considering. "Could we set aside some time for Wolf to play with Coby?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9meMZjmH1b
Dad's expression shifted, the good mood souring slightly. "There will be more work before any playing."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XCSLnHnHn
Wolf's excitement deflated, but he nodded in understanding. The adventure was over. Tomorrow would be work again.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSekJGdg1D
Wolf was tired. So tired.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0t0lwMt9Os
Why did he have to wake up early again?454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzA4BYrAQhQ
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRO6Sx21ZZZ
"What crowds?" Wolf grumbled.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGBWz7YvoC
She ignored him.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSbncaxx3p
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlptJLw0cF
"Morning, Wolf!"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQc6EOAdq6J
"Morning. You're both here early."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dPMLSvNwp
"Yeah!" Nina's energy was returning. "Brother said if we want to prove ourselves, we have to keep showing up early."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8Iqb6plcx
Her brother flattened his ears slightly at having private conversations shared so openly, but Dad overheard and approved, thanking them for being so diligent.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVe3srmNls
But just like Wolf had thought, nothing was happening.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyd5GnlNLD
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheGiRsmOFB
Was this really work? Wolf was bored. He hated having nothing to do, nothing he could contribute.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuX8UWWLwDq
Dad, taking pity on him, finally spoke up. "You see that shelf in the corner?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRxUXW2S7h
Wolf knew it well—he'd stared at it repeatedly in his boredom. It had a few minor items on display.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7v8UKpSJM
"Clear that shelf and you're done for the day."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegNGOA6pbs
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqO3oPDBox
"I was going to have Nina take you home and come back," Dad said. "She's used to traveling."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eYQeyxo2A
Wolf's heart sank. Not even two days had passed and he was already not needed. Already useless.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOC4dV4rfW0
Dad noticed his expression and quickly corrected himself. "I meant—you can help your mother bring us food, then you can all play afterward."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMukVKYVjo
Len smiled at that. Wolf felt slightly better. At least he'd have a mission. Something only he could do.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfyywPW2KR
He threw himself into cleaning the shelf, organizing the random items with careful attention. When Nina was ready to leave, they set off together.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvJQ1YQjE3
She filled the walk with more stories, her tail swishing happily as she talked.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlcXmokpqj
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD9vX1UM4x
"I need to rest," he admitted quietly.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlNE5phubY
Nina immediately offered, "I can stay with you."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNbYPJ2D2I
Wolf didn't like feeling like a burden, but he gave in quickly. He really did need to rest.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1b5EnfrO5y
Why was everyone else so full of energy?454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALpxBlRiXV
Before Mom left, she hugged and kissed him, leaving them a small meal to share while she headed to the shop.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50nRt5YykG
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9tWXEPdJf
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfX71nx4gEz
Nina nodded easily. "Of course!"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtr95vPLJSk
Wolf thought he'd just take a short nap. He was asleep before he even realized it was happening.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLZNd5vBVQ
When he woke, he had no idea how much time had passed. The meal was still wrapped beside his bed, untouched.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbaUbre4a1
"Nina?" he called out, worried she'd left or gotten bored waiting.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqu5qpSOC4
"I'm still here!" She rushed into the room with a bright smile. "You're awake!"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPGhbqrszx
"Yeah. Sorry—still getting used to so much travel."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwmYlYmOae
"It's okay!" Nina bounced slightly on her toes. "Are we going to eat now?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfZrr9QRYf
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjets5AUYqI
But Wolf couldn't help his curiosity about the odd pair they made.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqfELVET3I
"Why did you come to this village?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcT9Nlndet
Nina's tail, which had been wagging happily, stopped. Her ears pressed down slightly. Wolf immediately worried he shouldn't have asked.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRZNASWpUg
"It's not really a secret." Her voice was quieter now. "I... kind of ran away."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbxUXYyhRB
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EVwS5czZr
"Won't they come for you?" Wolf asked. "The tribe, I mean?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMDA8Kh9wM
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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MGZK46op1
Her whole posture seemed defeated. Wolf wasn't sure how to comfort her, so he said the only thing he could think of.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWr5l763o3a
"Well, you're here now. And my sister likes you. That should be enough."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstkwiEvCPF
Nina looked up at him and laughed—a real laugh this time. "Yeah. It is."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ215Lhy28pU
They finished eating in silence, but it felt warmer somehow. Less lonely.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdyD1yFYZX
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.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TVeUzFGZK
When they arrived, Len looked relieved. "You were gone for a while. I was starting to worry."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWOXCb6W6R
"Mom said they were fine," Dad added from behind the counter.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0ZKblubb6
Wolf turned to his sister, curious. "Why didn't you come looking for me?"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtCmOEaodO
Len got a sly smile. "I wanted you to have time alone with your new friend."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63zAUbN21v
Wolf wasn't sure what she was hinting at, but it annoyed him. Nina's face flushed, her ears flattening in embarrassment.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaPFeDLm5X
"It wasn't that long," Wolf protested. "It's only a little later in the afternoon."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvo0hwEubIV
"Long enough," Len said with a knowing grin.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSVTlWzROL
As the afternoon wound down, Dad approached Nina and Nebo. "I want to talk to you both."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzcaKmgOs4
They both straightened, uncertain.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAnqt2ObLC
"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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cz03HUxsQ
Nina's tail started wagging immediately. Nebo's ears perked up, though he tried to keep his expression neutral.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXDsvRhyzv
"Really?" Nina asked.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEXQjvhqbE
"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."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXLOhOIXPc
Nebo bowed respectfully. "Thank you. We won't let you down."454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWkRg3YTGw
Nina looked like she might cry from happiness, but she held it together. "Thank you so much!"454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXNiV9mk5P
Wolf watched the exchange with a warm feeling in his chest. Nina and Nebo were staying. They were part of things now.454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPu5Tl3qrh
It had been a good day. And Wolf found himself looking forward to what was to come.
454Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlq11W6r68
and then Add to home screen.