Teva watched them from a distance near the garden entrance.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBVPp1Sciz
Wolf and Coby looked so happy together. She wasn't sure how to get close. She'd had fun the last few times they'd met, and Wolf had never pushed her away. But it still felt like there was a wedge keeping them apart.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2PL27rXgS
Maybe it was the church. Her lack of freedom.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4Y4nGYrfw
She made a decision. She'd quit working at the church and find work somewhere else. Maybe the tavern. Wolf had to eat, so he'd go there eventually. And she wouldn't be seen in that drab grey robe anymore.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwtMFB5sWF
She thought she heard them saying something about being brothers. Then she watched Coby leave.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPZFkbIxw3
Wolf looked around, still smiling. He was young—around her age. Dressed nicely but in simple clothes. Much better than her grey robe.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZebz9Q6OC
Now that she really stopped to watch him, she noticed details she hadn't before. He had black hair and slightly pale skin, despite spending time in the sun. His friend Coby had much more tan skin in comparison.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxXZJkgAc6
She also liked Wolf's eyes. They were a rare green. She loved staring at them—they reminded her of grass plains. Of wandering free.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xfr74coP4
"It's not like you to just watch, niece. Why not go to your friend?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbyKAqmz9Z
Teva's tail puffed out. A chill ran down her spine.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcPUifqQek
The only person more sneaky than her was her aunt.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtm5UdoCYnR
She said nothing, though she knew her aunt knew she'd been spooked.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7ZoysGSBu
"He's charming," her aunt continued. "I thought you wanted friends. Yet you're letting him go?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuCjhdTtKt
Teva couldn't stay quiet under the constant badgering. "He already has friends."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGV3QV9Sk4p
She knew she sounded defiant. But she didn't care.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0XTuleTZw
Her aunt placed a hand on her head, petting her gently. "He can't have more? Did he tell you that?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyuicMjLtl
Teva moved away from the touch, but still kept herself hidden. Even as she watched Wolf start to leave.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrUh5gyHaN
"No..."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjieZKGXqj
"Then follow him."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH1fkUVh6T
Teva scoffed at her aunt's words. "It's not that easy."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuS6ml9sI0
Her aunt giggled. "Since when did that ever stop you?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcK3wQ5OySa
That did inspire her. Since when was she afraid to make friends?415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGEJtRMgcY
But still, she couldn't move. It wasn't making friends that scared her. It was losing them.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT602vyoAeA
Her aunt suddenly pushed her out into the hallway.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBiFujzOVG
Teva panicked. If Wolf wasn't already halfway gone, he would have seen her stumble out!415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPksXURt2ra
"If you do nothing," her aunt said calmly, "all you have is me and the grey robe."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySMlARFLnl
THAT lit a fire in her. No, no, no!415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8pAaoOT3Z
She didn't look back. She didn't hesitate.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9S7Z8ujsv
She stalked her goal. She would win this battle and keep her friend.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOYuFkuEwT
She was off—chasing Wolf from the side passages and shadows, stalking him all the way to wherever he was going.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYFAjohBIN
Her aunt laughed, watching her go.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0LpxuyOSh
She was happy for her niece. Teva was growing up. So bold and brave in everything.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cZbk74tbh
Until it came to something she actually wanted. Then she let it go for fear of losing it. She'd rather not have it at all than risk the pain of loss.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XDzYFAAnp
A childish view. But one her aunt adored all the same.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52PRMiY9cw
Wolf moved slowly but with purpose. Teva wasn't sure where he was going.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeSSFaOEym
She hated that she still had the grey robe on. It made her feel like a beggar. Like someone who could never leave the church, even though she'd left plenty of times before.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr5zzos0FQ
The chase didn't last long. It ended at the general shop—the one Wolf had mentioned. Where he worked and his family owned.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhbi06xzTv
The robe had a hood she usually kept down. But now she raised it to sneak inside.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjZHaJxGYT
And was shocked at what she saw.
The shop wasn't busy. Teva crept in quietly, watching from behind shelves and listening where she could.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlM3gfm5Q8
"Is it really needed?" Wolf was complaining to someone. "I already know how to cook from Mom. How to work at the shop. How to identify herbs and berries." His voice grew more frustrated. "Plus you made me go to church. And I know about magic and the gods now. What more do I need?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUQ4Xq0bYH
A man's voice—his father, Teva assumed—replied with amusement. "Son, you need this knowledge. You know how to read a few signs and do very basic math. There's much more to life than that."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHvVH3ATYk
He stopped speaking, smiling in a way that seemed to make Wolf worried.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBmZwMbkAc
"Besides, the tutor I got is someone who's already a friend of the family."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uWSxswXPg
Wolf still looked confused.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVdx4utC7e
His father sighed, trying to make the hint clearer. "They've been helping with the shop. They've been here for a while." He paused meaningfully. "Come on, son..."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qCCmRrvN1
Wolf thought about it. It had to be one of the foxkin. Nina was the first one who came to mind, but she was way too carefree. So that left...415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxzhnVxUj7
"Nebo?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMub1wIBM5j
As if summoned by his name, Nebo emerged from the back room carrying a box. He saw Wolf standing near his father and nodded.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oL9saQtpi
"I take it you told him?" His expression remained impassive.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VUIZuWS4S
Dad grinned. "Yeah. He's a little slow, but he'll learn."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxmgsViSRK
"Hey!" Wolf wasn't happy about being openly mocked.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ox4VvEntJ
His sister came out soon after, Nina trailing behind her. They'd heard the conversation.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnz4gF6H6s
"Relax, brother," Len said, smiling reassuringly. "The lessons tend to be easy."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazJzFE1WQQ
Nebo nodded. "I'm self-taught, but I can impart knowledge very well." He glanced at his sister. "Despite my sister's looks, I even taught her the basics. When she wasn't goofing off."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8FXpi3dNI
Nina's ears went flat. "Hey!" She was surprised to be attacked just for being there.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebDmdYKUj0
Nebo ignored her, already focusing on a new task.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XM4yvHuPt
Nina fumed for a moment, ears staying flat. But then something caught her attention. Her ears perked up, becoming alert.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6EfxvNxlX
She'd spotted someone in a grey robe hiding nearby. The swaying of a white tail had caught her eye.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3VGMwjOoi
The person wasn't aware they'd been spotted—hood pulled over their head, listening intently from their hiding spot.
Teva was amazed. Wolf had such a large shop with so many random items. She remembered her mother talking about trade goods before, but she'd never paid much attention.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHLGvgwR1R
It was hard to see clearly with the hood up, but she was trying to remain low-profile. So she looked around slowly, tilting her head to peek at different things.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3l0ceGLe0
She heard them talking about a tutor. And voices—voices she remembered from long ago. But as she tried to place them, a female voice spoke up nearby.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtANZ8ePnwl
"Do you need help? Or are you okay?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5N32UaiVE
The voice was gentle. Concerned.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4skhYm0WDR
"You're a grey robe. Does the church need something specific?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGEVhljkLT
Teva panicked. She turned to face the voice.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcy8uSkouv
Her hood fell back.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksae3ykivh
She saw a puzzled, concerned face watching her with gentle patience. A girl with kind eyes.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt48oV1Thg
Then she heard a gasp in the distance. Made her look.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y93S85xPr
She knew that person.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHoyXYsx8a
Nina.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdOHQzQMpf
Her old friend from the tribe.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcQRieVA9p
Why was she here? Working at Wolf's shop?415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAiFsRPhjZ
Teva felt overwhelmed. She'd come here to find her friend—not confront her past. She wasn't sure what to do or how to address this. It was too much, too fast.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rFqP1psKO
The girl in front of her saw her panic and tried to ease her mind. "Would you like a drink? We have tea or fruit juices—"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMo7WAHPShD
"HEY, TEVA!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DSkxz6tCp
Wolf ran up and hugged her.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQHFCfCj4V
Teva was still too stunned to move. To react.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB82Jf1AH0
Both his sister and Nina spoke at the same time: "You know her?!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGZMd5uKrw
"Yeah! She's my friend from church." Wolf was surprised and happy to see her. And out of the church, no less!415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhUlXFeOLY
Teva finally found her voice. It came out meekly. "Hey."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxFogj0iZJ
Nina frowned, clearly conflicted about how to feel.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJTDDigqDQ
Nebo didn't seem to care one way or the other.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXofgo0E6eG
Wolf's dad smiled and nodded in greeting.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENmZ7CYXBB
And Len—Wolf's sister—was clearly happy her brother had made new friends. She welcomed Teva first.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKADgn3Kt9
"This is our family shop. If you're a friend of my brother, you're a friend to me." She smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you. I'm Len."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIIDk3r3vO
"Um... I'm Teva."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLOjKxEZNq
She felt lame introducing herself. Out of place.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMAjI3Bmd0
But Wolf beside her just beamed with pride that she was there. It eased some of her anxiety.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYN2sUKsCk
Wolf slowly became confused as he glanced between Teva and the room. Her smile seemed to shift to a frown, and he was unsure what was wrong.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OAsw48L71
He looked at where Teva was focused.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XFy5Qon9U
Nina was also frowning.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1Dzt4eIxM
"You know Nina?" he asked.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkAlzIQh8M
"She's... an old friend." Teva's voice was careful. "We grew up together before I moved."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7srTHyngj
She wasn't sure how to address the complicated feelings swirling inside her.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80eGec2k2H
But Wolf surprised her by saying something completely unexpected.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKNVOBZ1XO
"That's great! We should all hang out together!" His face lit up. "Maybe get something to eat! The tavern has really good food. Or maybe we could explore if Dad lets us."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd98wrOaU6C
He looked to his father expectantly.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM0IgtfZ3k
Dad just shrugged. "We're not busy. And I don't see why not—it's why I hired more help. To give you all more freedom."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3BxVwWPs0
Nebo spoke up first. "Assuming I was included—I prefer to focus on his schooling or working here. I'm not one for casual socializing."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIotXWheAV
He glanced at Teva, but his expression remained mostly indifferent. "But enjoy yourselves. She was my sister's friend, if I remember correctly."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkYXdv9LID
He headed to the back without waiting for a response. Dad followed to handle something himself, clearly not too interested in their social affairs.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgCNFgN0x0
Teva looked down at her drab grey robe, wishing she'd changed first. But she pushed the thought away. She had pride. She wouldn't be meek now.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0bgWsFhLB
She was here to see Wolf. And she did want to stay friends with him.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZeghi1kmB
"I would like that," she said, smiling. Putting on an air of confidence she didn't actually feel. "It could be fun."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgUu59zPER
Nina still looked sour.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVYz1Ws8uI
Teva knew it was from their unresolved past. But then why was Nina here? In this village? Was she looking for her? She was supposed to become an elder back at the tribe...415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwxEBU1HD5
Len spoke up, breaking through her thoughts. "It's been a while since we just went out for fun." She smiled at her brother, then looked at Nina. "I'll go too. Brother and Nina?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfVOjgqaAT
Nina's ears went down. Then up. Then down again. She did a weird little twirl before finally saying, "Okay. Include me."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRNDFkS8zm
Teva wasn't sure how to take that reaction.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrJshKbHDN
But she did want to spend time with Wolf. So if that meant facing her past, so be it.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeshe3knN5
She didn't hate Nina. They were... well, they are... friends.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKI06kJTYl
At least, they had been once.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkusunCQPTo
The conversation remained calm but pointed as they walked. Like one wrong word could shatter the fragile peace.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVpttcZeKf
But entering the tavern made things better.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVmOQyVEwk
It was full of life. People everywhere—the noise and energy almost overwhelming. So different from the quiet, tense walk.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF77liiWkO
They found a table easily enough despite the crowd.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIa9zc8b4T
Wolf suddenly panicked. "Wait, I don't have any money—"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMAqW8iokE
Len laughed. "Don't worry, brother. This was always going to be my treat. A way to celebrate your new friend."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FCIyR6MTe
"Thanks, Len."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboQSdk3liv
Teva felt happy to be included. To be looked at fondly by Wolf's sister. Though part of her still felt like an outsider trying to worm her way in.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXteo1awEHC
Nina spoke up, her voice smug. "I would've paid too. You just had to ask."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEt83zt0h0
Her expression looked haughty.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnsGNQ7vh5
Teva couldn't help but laugh, which made Nina pout immediately.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFY71OFoA6
"Oh, calm down," Teva said, still smiling. "We can't change our past. But we both found Wolf." She looked at him, then back at Nina. "Let me be happy about that."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2KVhwg1To
She didn't entirely feel that way internally. But she knew if she wanted Wolf as a friend—or even her old friend back—they needed to move on.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiVlBr7ZJj
Nina sighed. "Whatever. It's not like I can't afford to treat you too."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKcht6LLrU
Teva laughed at that. "I plan on working here one day. Then I'll treat you. So there."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVCqE3AVla
Wolf and Len exchanged glances. They weren't sure if this was friendly banter or the start of a fight.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8J2oN2jn3o
But they ordered drinks soon after, and the conversation remained calm. Almost friendly.
When the food came, it really did feel like old times to Teva. Just with new friends mixed in with the old.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTi9kt2u9SW
It was nice.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPkaJzoN3r
But she couldn't help feeling it was only temporary. That scared her even now.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakqo7rYFxc
Wolf saw her expression shift and asked, "The food not good?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz61mrlMnw
"No, it's fine." She smiled quickly. "It's good. And I'm having a wonderful time." She paused. "Just a little tired. Long day at the church and all."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7B0ssk5hz
She was lying a little. But he didn't need to know that.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PTbWjRTgU
The day ended shortly after that.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVg3OTaZ47
Teva didn't feel any closer to Nina, even though they'd tried awkwardly to work things out. She found it odd how easy it had been to break their friendship. But now it was so hard to mend it.
When they made it back to the shop, everyone started heading inside.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH056dBoHCN
But Teva shook her head. Her ears went down, tail slightly aloof. "I'm going to head home." She smiled politely. "It was nice to meet you all. And thank you for the meal."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CehDFl76h
Nina and Len both wished her well and started going inside easily enough.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94znehZOEu
But Wolf didn't move.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4ic905WMx
"I'm going to walk her home," he announced. "Since she came here to see me, it's only fair I return the favor."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRO4JsBAqq
Teva's heart skipped a beat. She waved her hands quickly. "No need! I won't get lost."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1TqzQ4TuR
Wolf laughed. "What kind of friend would I be if I just left you to walk alone?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6diRYSt6h8
Nina narrowed her eyes, watching them.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS6DPwH4XA
Teva wasn't sure if Wolf meant anything special by that. But she accepted. "Okay."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOup3ftAya
She saw Nina looking conflicted as she headed back inside with Len.
As they walked, Wolf told her how his dad was making him have a tutor. He wouldn't have much free time anymore.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFApEAX6Fiq
Teva chimed in that the church had already taught her those things.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRheFE2FHoI
"But even though I'll be busy," Wolf said, his voice sincere, "I'll make time to see you when I can."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkb23bYRZg6
That made Teva happy. Really happy.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKe03qYycr
She told him to look for her at the tavern. She didn't have the job yet—but she promised she would get it. And when she did, she'd serve him herself.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzEllZqvt3
Wolf laughed, clearly looking forward to it.
The next day, Teva felt drained.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGyoeaQOGL
It had been too much in too short a time. She'd gone from literally nothing happening for weeks at the church to so much in one day.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNtJVoS7b8
She needed a refresher.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFC6lrKueTU
Her mom made her a nice meal—berry jam bread and tea. Simple but comforting.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWzCgDTwaJ
Teva was happy to finally be throwing away the grey robes.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaYAppGRIz
Not only did they hide her figure, but they made her feel old and weird wearing them. What she did like was her loose-fitting leather outfit. It showed off her curves and let her tail move freely. She felt so much better out of that drab robe.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTU7hjoznR
She told her mom about her plans to get work at the tavern. Her mom already knew from past conversations, but today Teva was going to push for it. Actually make it happen.
The walk to the inn was easy and brisk. She arrived early, so it was still fairly calm inside.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3498fpxmP
The keeper wasn't watching the door. He was polishing the bar, focused on his work.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TkygPfcvR
But he stopped when she moved closer. Sniffed the air.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsX7tOp0Fk
"You lost, kid?" His voice was gruff. "Or just need a drink?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6dhps0Hlh
Teva frowned. She wasn't a child, even if she was a little young. "Neither. I want to work."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZ7CNPd0zd
He stopped what he was doing and set the rag down. Really looked at her for the first time.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfA19VZi8Sl
He was definitely a big bear. Bearkin through and through. He had a lot of body that took up space behind that bar. Teva wasn't sure how he even moved around back there.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiYQJMKaxB
"You don't look like much," he said bluntly. "Sure you won't fall over the moment someone walks near you?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0wbDwg0lw
Teva didn't like the snark. But she figured it was probably part of the job. So she returned the bite.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMPbITjlik
"Maybe if it was you? Yeah, you'd probably run me over." She lifted her chin. "Anyone else? I can manage."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxS1jv3DEKD
He looked surprised for a moment.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwisOLmUo0
Then he laughed. A big, booming laugh that filled the entire tavern.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmgSXamcci
The few guests scattered around at this early hour looked up from their drinks, mildly startled. Then went back to what they were doing.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27IuiAzAfV
"I like you, kid." He grinned, showing teeth. "Don't matter to me if you're small. There's always more work to do. And more hands tend to make things easier."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqf7G58XiD
He leaned against the bar. "You can work whenever you want. Till you get bored and leave, I suppose."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJwZkDAeVW
Teva blinked, surprised.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGEdfmAELT
"I already got my main staff," he continued. "But I like the option to give them time off when there's more help around. So you're owed nothing, but everybody lives better lives that way."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjD9XpJsRC
Teva was surprised it was that easy. She'd thought she'd have to fight harder. Prove herself more.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73kxXL9cs0
"That's it?" she asked. "Just show up and leave whenever?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPG6xZU0v3
He laughed again, then scratched his broad chest. "Ah, youth. Everything's an adventure. A quest that must be won."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKJESfkU2b
His expression became more serious. "Sorry, kid. No quests or heroes here. Just people looking for food and drinks."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWGbO1pI95
He gestured around the tavern. "You want to help? Great, done. You're helping. Get tired or find a new job?" He shrugged his massive shoulders. "Great. So long, and thanks for serving the dishes."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqmyJbKBPK
Teva still wasn't entirely sure what to make of the offer.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yFs159EtW
But this was what she wanted. And she knew she could do it.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxM3yZTnXS
She nodded. "When do I start?"
*****415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYybpS7pEZK
It wasn't long before Wolf had his first tutoring session with Nebo.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡib0hf2RZaE
They sat in his room at his small desk. It made Wolf feel trapped in his own home.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotZIcn3Mci
"Hello, Wolf. It's been a while," Nebo said formally.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzzrukJohU
Not really, Wolf thought. I saw you at the shop yesterday. And at meals. But he didn't voice that.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnR7E32lMP
"Hello. You're a teacher?" Wolf figured that was a better thing to say. "I thought you only did trades with Dad. This seems like a major job."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWh89Pa1Ki
Nebo nodded, listening patiently. "I was trained at a young age to oversee many things and retain knowledge well. I'm confident I can teach you the fundamentals—enough so that you can pick up any advanced books and succeed on your own. In whatever you wish to pursue."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc25cohh4PR
Wolf frowned. "I can already read some words from Dad's ledgers. Why would I need to read more books about that?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPz7bwr1vW
Nebo paused briefly, then spoke carefully. "Books are a collection of knowledge and power. Much like magic."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxzv89qp1a
"It's like magic?" Wolf perked up immediately. "So I can learn magic from books then!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5hZVvJSNL
Nebo frowned. He needed to word this better so as not to mislead Wolf.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy7SvNp4VT
"Books, like magic, teach power," he said slowly. "But unlike magic—which is bound and finite—books can be shared endlessly. They spread knowledge and power without limit."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA19xgZQzWi
He paused. "Magic can do amazing things. But it's limited in what can be done by one person. Books have no such limit."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHas4SXgQHv
Wolf lost interest after that.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1nkZUFPQP
He was not happy with the way things were going.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6J9aJJnja
The lessons were boring.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Cnth7bQRk
The only joy was when his sister visited with food. She even joined in sometimes and helped guide him through the harder parts. That helped a lot.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IVLlZPO2p
Coby stopped by a few times. But the teaching was every day—unlike church lessons, which were only once a week. It frustrated Wolf that he never had time to play anymore.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡremlrs3nbQ
Coby said it was okay. He was focusing more on hunting while Wolf was busy anyway.
After a few frustrating months of basic math he mostly already knew, and endless repetition of words to learn spelling, Wolf finally moved on to more advanced reading.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAsSBwJMw6
Nebo praised his commitment. Len agreed, saying Wolf learned fast. Faster than she had.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxUQTe1Lyj
Wolf didn't feel like it.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiniqtFoPm4
He'd wasted spring and most of summer with nothing to show for it.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUghHKRkyG9
But Nebo disagreed. He asked Wolf to name three things he truly desired.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg8y05vdvb
Wolf wasn't sure if it was a trick question. But he figured he'd already dealt with months of this nonsense. What was one more test?415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8RjD1lZis
He thought for a moment. "I guess... magic. Alchemy. Herbs?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRROC6n3Gh7
The last one came out more as a question than a statement. But those were the main things he wanted.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz57eISOD9y
"Okay," Nebo said, nodding. "As a parting gift—I'm heading to the city on your father's next shipment. I'll get you books on magic and herbs."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzfp6vb0le
He paused. "I can't get alchemy books. That's not something I think your father will approve of. But perhaps books on magical creatures instead?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJeB0iQlNF
Wolf was surprised. He hadn't known such books even existed.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOwpawXiam
All this time, he'd misunderstood what reading was for. He'd thought it was just boring ledgers and plain signs.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYblzrXFX7
Now he understood why his dad had wanted him to learn.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1dyDICmXr
It really was a gift.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfPQ32f3BU
"Make sure you visit the shop more when you can," Nebo said as he gathered his teaching materials. "I'll be doing more long-trip deliveries for your father. But my sister is always happy to see you there."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWyYYFgIBe
"What does she do?" Wolf asked. He'd always known Nina was working at the shop, but she seemed to spend most of her time talking with Len.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaNqTJCrpE
"Odd jobs, mostly. She gets bored easily." Nebo said the words casually, but Wolf noticed the annoyance in the slight turning of his ears. His tail twitched as he stared ahead.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6imksgzOM
Then Nebo spoke again, musing. "I'm surprised she never tried visiting you here during lessons. Maybe she was respecting me as a teacher. Giving me space to work."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcGCu55oKd
Len came from the kitchen at that moment, carrying snacks for them. She overheard and voiced her own perspective.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaHjVfEUIe
"No, she almost fought me a few times to come here." Len set the tray down. "I stopped her. Told her my brother needed to learn, not play. I felt she was too much of a distraction."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveULblZBkB
She shrugged. "She wasn't happy about it. But she accepted it."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzhif345vL
Nebo sighed at that. "Guess I praised her maturity too soon."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxdnL7BJv0
Wolf laughed, relieved and happy that all the boring lessons were finally in the past.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYY7EFlOKC
Wolf tried to visit Coby first thing after his lessons ended.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XZgkwxpBT
But Mrs. Crow apologized—Coby was out hunting with his father.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqpmHpRjWt
Wolf felt a little dejected. But not too upset. He thanked her for letting him know.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtMtptXveA
As he walked away, he realized something. He hadn't seen Teva in a very long time.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFyI4d5OL4
Months, probably.
He tried the church first. But the priests said she hadn't been working there in a while. Though she did visit from time to time.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwC9wSYek4
Wolf wasn't entirely sure he remembered where she lived.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcSF0CoDiV
So he wandered the area, searching. Eventually he found her house—he remembered it had a small flower garden in front. He felt happy when he recognized it.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8a8S19OvUv
When he knocked, a slender catkin woman answered. She had a charming smile and tilted her head sideways before speaking.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXL3ZTL1E3
"I remember you, child." Her voice was warm and teasing. "You're my daughter's friend, yes?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwBsWIYXJk
She paused, studying him. "It's been a while. Where have you been?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3QbJAdGaf
Wolf bowed, ashamed he hadn't tried harder to see Teva. "Sorry. I've been busy with studies and... stuff." He looked up hesitantly. "Um... she's not mad, is she?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKMKl3HTTZ
The mother laughed freely at that.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwpQdLomiB
Wolf got a better look at her now that he wasn't so flustered. She was just a bigger version of Teva, he thought. Well, older too. But still a pretty woman.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFmKmMqNHI
She was wearing a simple but well-made dress. She had long white hair, whereas he remembered Teva keeping hers very short. But beyond that, the resemblance was unmistakable.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTx3syemDb
"No, child," she said, still smiling. "She's been busy too. I see to that—even as she complained, wanting to look for you."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbYaXWtglq
Her smile remained, but her eyes held a mischievous look. "She won't be happy to hear she missed you." She laughed to herself. "I can't wait to tell her."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboa42CMLhN
Wolf felt bad knowing so much time had passed. He needed to at least try to find her.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKv03n0kI8
"Um... is she busy? Or will she be back soon?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDJ19tPQzj
Teva's mother loved watching him squirm. She could see exactly why her daughter had become attached to him.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SoDiLwZUe
"You're no fun," she pouted suddenly, which confused Wolf completely.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9or2OvQS2J
"Since you must find her and spoil the milk..." She sighed dramatically. "She started working at the inn. Randomly, whenever she feels like it."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtitDIV21mm
She looked away as she said it, sounding only mildly invested. "I usually let her go once a week or so. Gets her out of the house."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXsxgz93vB
But when she looked back at Wolf, her eyes shone with something predatory. A desire to pounce.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UdtE8tfzR
Wolf felt like a mouse that cats toyed with.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYYNcxCxsY
He wasn't sure the thought was wrong.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGBmXXdZU4
"Do be kind to my daughter," she said, her voice shifting to something more serious. More maternal. "Fierce she may be, she still has a lady's heart."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2buwzLuesn
Wolf wasn't entirely sure what that meant. He was always nice to everyone. But he bowed respectfully.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2wtTPdkOn
"Thank you for telling me," he said. "I'll go find her now."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMi8Mlcs3D
He left quickly, feeling those predatory eyes watching him the entire way down the path.
Teva's mother watched him go, thinking to herself: Careful, daughter. You may have caught a fish that's more trouble than he's worth.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJtZfuDD5x
But she shrugged to herself. That was part of growing up, she supposed.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAUXhUaqfi
She went back inside, already planning how to tease Teva about missing her young friend.
The trip to the inn was brisk.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGVEEKPPAz
Wolf was worried that even if Teva was there, she might be upset with him. But he'd cross that bridge when he came to it.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsakU9d0y2b
He entered the tavern.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvHas3XInc
It seemed like he'd gotten lucky with a lull in business. The place was clean and quiet.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOijjZn2vCJ
Too quiet.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAebwSbcERV
Wolf started to worry something bad had happened. He didn't see the big bearkin anywhere. And there were no customers at all.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5l8uHukHd
What had seemed like good fortune now felt ominous.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTSvdr9l6c
He was wondering where everyone was when he heard banging from the back. Then voices shouting.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoRFOnJMlU
"I told you to put that away!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpge64pDVvH
"Whatever, you big oaf! You're not the only cook—I said I'd help move it!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMTPLyr7v6
"You're lucky you remind me of my kid, or I would've fired you day one!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv5vClvLHl
"Oh, please! You couldn't keep this place open if it wasn't for me. The people love me!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK4VdaMfFk
"You're barely even here working, little cat. Don't think you're that special."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJLejnYMtN
"Um... hello?" Wolf tried calling toward the back, hoping everything was okay.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI2lEn4Z50
Silence.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFkNiWPi5t
Then banging. Followed by shouting.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVG9wiWQM0
Teva burst from the back room with a surprised, happy face. "Wolf! Where have you been?!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQWatjL23w
She ran around the bar and hugged him.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXa4KEgMYn
Wolf was still trying to recover from the sudden hug when the bearkin appeared from the back.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKM2DMr6xui
He looked annoyed, wiping his massive hands on a rag. He stared at Wolf for a moment, then spoke.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehJAOOugUw
"Hmmm. I remember you, kid." His voice was gruff. "Been a while. You grew a bit."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYUUgNIHJE
"This is the Wolf I told you about!" Teva said excitedly, still holding onto him. "I kept hoping he'd stop by, and he finally did!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMpkZwItQO
The bearkin just nodded. "I remember. You wouldn't shut up about it."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVUG8TstJa
He looked at Wolf directly. "You here to eat, kid? Or just stare?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwJSULL1hg
Wolf wasn't sure how to respond to that.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PdjEfVXmP
But Teva did. "He's my friend, and I want to treat him. As a celebration!" She finally let go of Wolf. "To catch up. We're not busy anyway, and you gave the others time off. Let me have this."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6IqY5Pwxr
The bearkin crossed his arms. "Celebrate what? Meeting someone who lives here?" He snorted. "That's stupid."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXby9j5DWLt
Teva's tail started swishing. Her ears went flat. "Just 'cause you miss your wife doesn't mean you get to be mean to Wolf!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡye6qYBa8DA
The bearkin looked uncomfortable. "Wish I hadn't told you that."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PNncShUxv
He sighed, then shrugged his massive shoulders. "Whatever. I like the kid too." His voice became more stern. "But this isn't a church where things are free. So remember—come back and pay next time."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCa81YCHKw
Though his words sounded harsh, Wolf didn't feel any malice from them.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhAruDXotx
The bearkin turned and headed back to the kitchen. Soon Wolf heard the sizzle of food being made.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzr91o9oik
Teva stared after the bearkin for a moment, then turned back to Wolf.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTm00y8Tk8y
"He's a grump," she said affectionately. "But really nice. He always tells me how he misses his wife and kid in the city. He's trying to help them move here." She shrugged. "I think they're trying to save more money first or something. I dunno."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2phiUnBr9
Her attention snapped fully to Wolf. "How have you been?!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gvosQl2qO
The words came so fast it took Wolf a minute to process them.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExnNmxwdsW
"Um... good," he managed. "I've been doing studies. That's what kept me busy." He looked down, embarrassed. "Sorry I never visited."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkzr9IEMaR
Teva waved her hand dismissively. "It's okay! I had to study too, so I was busy myself."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSLgj2BQoo
She leaned forward. "Mom insisted I get more learning. So she found a friend from the past who knew Nebo and Nina. Was able to arrange to have Nebo train me." She smiled. "He's smart."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHhqfks56e
"What?!" Wolf's eyes went wide. "He was teaching me too! We could've studied together!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0aLMlWGo0
"Aw!" Teva pouted immediately. "I bet Mom knew that too. She probably did it to antagonize me—thinking Nebo would tell me he was also teaching you."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBJGmTKG9c
She paused, thinking. "He never did. Just focused on the studies."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3ZW5PYKBG
Then she smiled mischievously. "Bet it ruffled her tail knowing her plan failed."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBIBwTTdqU
They caught up for a bit longer, talking about their respective tutoring experiences and what they'd learned.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ezCoNgtrO
After a while, Icarus came back out and served them both a meal. Then he left them in peace.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDY3KP7gwu
But Wolf felt bad. He didn't remember the bearkin's name. And though he could secretly ask Teva, he felt he owed the man a direct response.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡij8vWI1xvz
"Um... sorry," Wolf said, raising his voice slightly toward the kitchen. "I forgot your name, sir."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n4Ad23RaN
The bearkin appeared in the doorway and laughed. "No worries, kid. I get called keeper, bearman, buddy, pal, and probably a few names I can't repeat." He grinned, showing teeth. "But rarely my actual name. It's Icarus, by the way."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWVQ6pgtRN
The grin made him look more vicious than friendly.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcucTj1FHOU
"You left out 'grumpy,'" Teva added, her tail swishing slowly as she smiled.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3vfy9x19g
Icarus just frowned at her. He got them both drinks, then said he'd be cleaning in the back if they needed anything.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHdNdlb4HO
Wolf enjoyed the rest of the visit with Teva. The food was good, the conversation even better.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLG9fB7CTU
When it was time to leave, he promised to visit more often. He meant it this time.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpcspEYF2q
Teva smiled, clearly happy to hear it.
Wolf headed to the shop next. He wanted to see Nina and let her know she'd been missed too.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kxnv9dRNo
Even if that wasn't entirely true, it felt like the right thing to do.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9l9cgvAHl
But when he arrived, he only found his dad behind the counter.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDUFfiHL21
"Nina's out running an errand for me," Dad explained when Wolf asked.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5SdIymT1e
Wolf felt a little disappointed. But also a little relieved, if he was being honest.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6vM50SkRD
So, bored and with nothing else planned, he figured he'd gather some berries in the forest. A mini adventure. It had been so long since his last one.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VXnQ020IP
He grabbed the biggest basket his dad had and set off.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7RQddlCeR
Finally free to explore again.
****415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWZ8OMHKNv
Nina returned to the shop a short time later.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAX7Mk8dzuS
She was bored. And annoyed.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgifJe4eNS
She'd wanted for a while now to get closer to Wolf. As family. She felt a kinship with his dad, mom, and even his sister. They always came to the shop.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdcPHgPFK7
But never Wolf.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClanGyPlfv
He felt like a potential little brother she'd always wanted. But he was never there. Much like her real brother, who was always gone on deliveries.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJsev6nD6e
That hurt a bit.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56pO4i737M
"What's wrong? Did the delivery go bad?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSqJAqF7FX
Nina looked up, surprised to see Wolf's dad showing genuine concern.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHIlAG6EE1
"No, nothing like that." She hesitated, then admitted: "Just missing... um... not being able to see Wolf. I wanted to see him for a while, but Len said it was best to stay away during his studies."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6CarGbLwf
Dad nodded, then looked away into the distance. "Then I hate to tell you this—he came to see you today."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20hBlfsxyo
"WHAT?!" Nina's ears shot up. "When? Why? How?!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCiqbvIXLD
Dad laughed. "His studies are over. So he stopped by to visit you." He smiled gently. "I think Len told him she kept you away. He felt bad about it."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66F3WV1qNx
Nina wanted to run home right away and find Wolf there.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Am2P2GE56
But she was still working. Dad saw her mood shift and relented.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTx0Unve0G
"He's not home—before you try to run off there." He watched her panic, knowing she'd been seen through. "He probably went to the lake. He loves going there to think."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGIb4rhbYP
He paused. "Though now he's trying to gather a bunch of berries. And before you ask—yes, we're slow. I don't mind you going."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhLFQ7xAE7
No sooner said than Nina was out the door.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcPz5rkFQJ
"Okay-thanks-bye!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtBTRiry7N
Dad wasn't entirely sure he'd heard her correctly, but he shook his head with a smile.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuh0cajX55b
His family was growing. And they were all looking out for each other.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwggTyKOjD9
Even if it meant chasing each other through the forest.
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWglx5NUEHW
and then Add to home screen.