Teva watched them from a distance near the garden entrance.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSEc9ShfQt
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9Tkp0EgsE
Maybe it was the church. Her lack of freedom.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4ZbYGOrui
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaW07iV3he
She thought she heard them saying something about being brothers. Then she watched Coby leave.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuOqpEXAyU
Wolf looked around, still smiling. He was young—around her age. Dressed nicely but in simple clothes. Much better than her grey robe.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMYnEJDqrZ
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLGM2mhiVl
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1xejcNt0N
"It's not like you to just watch, niece. Why not go to your friend?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETlUkVZIZj
Teva's tail puffed out. A chill ran down her spine.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPvTcerjV2
The only person more sneaky than her was her aunt.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYYjrhDVwd
She said nothing, though she knew her aunt knew she'd been spooked.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcwtymIncD
"He's charming," her aunt continued. "I thought you wanted friends. Yet you're letting him go?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡio9PVIHRV2
Teva couldn't stay quiet under the constant badgering. "He already has friends."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BHkSuZXZR
She knew she sounded defiant. But she didn't care.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOP47vuUJC
Her aunt placed a hand on her head, petting her gently. "He can't have more? Did he tell you that?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnudAVpEJ41
Teva moved away from the touch, but still kept herself hidden. Even as she watched Wolf start to leave.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnj7QIZJb7u
"No..."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOIwdEb9rK
"Then follow him."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbUVTMdSzz
Teva scoffed at her aunt's words. "It's not that easy."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvepnTmJHrL
Her aunt giggled. "Since when did that ever stop you?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgwNJdqnod
That did inspire her. Since when was she afraid to make friends?441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi6ZKC1yrX
But still, she couldn't move. It wasn't making friends that scared her. It was losing them.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwA8E9xgjbk
Her aunt suddenly pushed her out into the hallway.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJJwj2KIUS
Teva panicked. If Wolf wasn't already halfway gone, he would have seen her stumble out!441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WpTxrF1Pu
"If you do nothing," her aunt said calmly, "all you have is me and the grey robe."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cLKAAfJnk
THAT lit a fire in her. No, no, no!441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4ZA2ZcGln
She didn't look back. She didn't hesitate.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyw052ii74m
She stalked her goal. She would win this battle and keep her friend.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4eE4yJpxQ
She was off—chasing Wolf from the side passages and shadows, stalking him all the way to wherever he was going.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjUNff3aDU
Her aunt laughed, watching her go.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlr9iLf1Z0
She was happy for her niece. Teva was growing up. So bold and brave in everything.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DQ0S6k8k9
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMXfgsZJ5I
A childish view. But one her aunt adored all the same.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaLG6zGH0I
Wolf moved slowly but with purpose. Teva wasn't sure where he was going.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXNTSuskLm
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDKs5zM4Ti
The chase didn't last long. It ended at the general shop—the one Wolf had mentioned. Where he worked and his family owned.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaCea5l18D
The robe had a hood she usually kept down. But now she raised it to sneak inside.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayqTJiZueh
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2mcsKPmEF
"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?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMiCN5MuYz
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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpZA7JzfDb
He stopped speaking, smiling in a way that seemed to make Wolf worried.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmurGHiUn7m
"Besides, the tutor I got is someone who's already a friend of the family."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Mhvb7NYJe
Wolf still looked confused.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDgDOLOLGy
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..."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QdSUM2sES
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...441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFFCrkuvRB
"Nebo?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LKhnWJLJe
As if summoned by his name, Nebo emerged from the back room carrying a box. He saw Wolf standing near his father and nodded.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbVqws55Bl
"I take it you told him?" His expression remained impassive.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡne69TgXhdl
Dad grinned. "Yeah. He's a little slow, but he'll learn."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXsuRNgzd3
"Hey!" Wolf wasn't happy about being openly mocked.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS12a3oxRD
His sister came out soon after, Nina trailing behind her. They'd heard the conversation.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Rd93Vw7bG
"Relax, brother," Len said, smiling reassuringly. "The lessons tend to be easy."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc1NwIaAeE
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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZvCc6OMoh
Nina's ears went flat. "Hey!" She was surprised to be attacked just for being there.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhrgBVwYyA
Nebo ignored her, already focusing on a new task.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHNaxbWPuf
Nina fumed for a moment, ears staying flat. But then something caught her attention. Her ears perked up, becoming alert.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gNuKMScIl
She'd spotted someone in a grey robe hiding nearby. The swaying of a white tail had caught her eye.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNy6BzeZuX
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILDQCEwqNI
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyvFHgQI1B
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj0qsfqc5u
"Do you need help? Or are you okay?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXxdisk3cl
The voice was gentle. Concerned.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YNNeCM7BF
"You're a grey robe. Does the church need something specific?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s6e1H5ZFZ
Teva panicked. She turned to face the voice.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sj7cNJCJW
Her hood fell back.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvdiaGLaFb
She saw a puzzled, concerned face watching her with gentle patience. A girl with kind eyes.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXqBuqQ6wh
Then she heard a gasp in the distance. Made her look.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyjFCFykZw
She knew that person.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EyMVj3Uoc
Nina.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSsdwYKm5g
Her old friend from the tribe.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctqfBrCPsM
Why was she here? Working at Wolf's shop?441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm46GDanDz9
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRpbY0yD1q
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—"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7647eHUcv0
"HEY, TEVA!"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBz5wlx4hAF
Wolf ran up and hugged her.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0KErtM9u9
Teva was still too stunned to move. To react.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gM9Wcysai
Both his sister and Nina spoke at the same time: "You know her?!"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlol9lYEo0k
"Yeah! She's my friend from church." Wolf was surprised and happy to see her. And out of the church, no less!441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP73yCg6up4
Teva finally found her voice. It came out meekly. "Hey."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMcg8f5ISH
Nina frowned, clearly conflicted about how to feel.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5czaL7GAo
Nebo didn't seem to care one way or the other.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnJW1coeiV
Wolf's dad smiled and nodded in greeting.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdjxIak2VU
And Len—Wolf's sister—was clearly happy her brother had made new friends. She welcomed Teva first.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nd1qkj6Xm
"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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi95xcWR8C
"Um... I'm Teva."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XgDfGVXof
She felt lame introducing herself. Out of place.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYMJ3SSZq8
But Wolf beside her just beamed with pride that she was there. It eased some of her anxiety.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGIqPGSq6S
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvU8bpCADt
He looked at where Teva was focused.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvitluCMmux
Nina was also frowning.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygNVJMZMWW
"You know Nina?" he asked.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7cbBEMkxL
"She's... an old friend." Teva's voice was careful. "We grew up together before I moved."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFam9rlUabI
She wasn't sure how to address the complicated feelings swirling inside her.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdlR84x8vv
But Wolf surprised her by saying something completely unexpected.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PUzObqNtp
"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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscu4mplIVi
He looked to his father expectantly.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrNYRCcg1L
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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnruDubDmKB
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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXWZgvndLh
He glanced at Teva, but his expression remained mostly indifferent. "But enjoy yourselves. She was my sister's friend, if I remember correctly."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jlicEKKTC
He headed to the back without waiting for a response. Dad followed to handle something himself, clearly not too interested in their social affairs.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x4OXVwCbS
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI8AOE94yY
She was here to see Wolf. And she did want to stay friends with him.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1NQViZOF8
"I would like that," she said, smiling. Putting on an air of confidence she didn't actually feel. "It could be fun."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj69EEJU7p
Nina still looked sour.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXINcCtniPm
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...441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsNMeqRQux
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?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw637lrH1zZ
Nina's ears went down. Then up. Then down again. She did a weird little twirl before finally saying, "Okay. Include me."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTj94UGQj9
Teva wasn't sure how to take that reaction.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8h1ddWxGb
But she did want to spend time with Wolf. So if that meant facing her past, so be it.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDzAuCUNAT
She didn't hate Nina. They were... well, they are... friends.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqEYgLg8Lg
At least, they had been once.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9nxWEetOy
The conversation remained calm but pointed as they walked. Like one wrong word could shatter the fragile peace.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstw6pYeYWe
But entering the tavern made things better.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1CoYl9ZIc
It was full of life. People everywhere—the noise and energy almost overwhelming. So different from the quiet, tense walk.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2xQ3P31DU
They found a table easily enough despite the crowd.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkbAQeTSlO
Wolf suddenly panicked. "Wait, I don't have any money—"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKzemkNvMJ
Len laughed. "Don't worry, brother. This was always going to be my treat. A way to celebrate your new friend."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWHWvw0ula
"Thanks, Len."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrb9hfYga3
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcU3akZZrc
Nina spoke up, her voice smug. "I would've paid too. You just had to ask."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyGWnA4sWz
Her expression looked haughty.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSzFbKyDqZ
Teva couldn't help but laugh, which made Nina pout immediately.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxUYirFNNZ
"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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYiBIRZ7mI
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCjS0QnVv1
Nina sighed. "Whatever. It's not like I can't afford to treat you too."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YDilM6uOu
Teva laughed at that. "I plan on working here one day. Then I'll treat you. So there."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXR5HUagXA
Wolf and Len exchanged glances. They weren't sure if this was friendly banter or the start of a fight.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4U528oSqBx
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaQrSeWKIW
It was nice.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYuvTxj2Me
But she couldn't help feeling it was only temporary. That scared her even now.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SsXtMLTr2
Wolf saw her expression shift and asked, "The food not good?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1qAyhJkhC
"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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnOTxJctKr
She was lying a little. But he didn't need to know that.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVR3oeH4m4
The day ended shortly after that.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W1YV8yekt
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0efZwxWOM
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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwscicDsNug
Nina and Len both wished her well and started going inside easily enough.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvwqrMdeUd
But Wolf didn't move.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlBeQngf0L
"I'm going to walk her home," he announced. "Since she came here to see me, it's only fair I return the favor."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEZI9Swc4L
Teva's heart skipped a beat. She waved her hands quickly. "No need! I won't get lost."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwkAdsq66W
Wolf laughed. "What kind of friend would I be if I just left you to walk alone?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwoIeQbhlV
Nina narrowed her eyes, watching them.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9naqqgMAc
Teva wasn't sure if Wolf meant anything special by that. But she accepted. "Okay."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbjADt910y
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmTT2OSP47
Teva chimed in that the church had already taught her those things.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJVVB3cKHV
"But even though I'll be busy," Wolf said, his voice sincere, "I'll make time to see you when I can."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4YaOeXMrd
That made Teva happy. Really happy.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslijAtnmnP
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRGQ8unTcM
Wolf laughed, clearly looking forward to it.
The next day, Teva felt drained.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gISxbmEjR
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQhKaFh8oR
She needed a refresher.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvvXLpGxCp
Her mom made her a nice meal—berry jam bread and tea. Simple but comforting.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH4cufAUtA
Teva was happy to finally be throwing away the grey robes.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxsqroA9Br
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJxdevttvZ
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4QsO8DjQz
The keeper wasn't watching the door. He was polishing the bar, focused on his work.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEh5LVipIX
But he stopped when she moved closer. Sniffed the air.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoYsmPBF07
"You lost, kid?" His voice was gruff. "Or just need a drink?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqNYn2tTCR
Teva frowned. She wasn't a child, even if she was a little young. "Neither. I want to work."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqhqju0I8Y
He stopped what he was doing and set the rag down. Really looked at her for the first time.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe40FRw7zx6
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKTQscTOWf
"You don't look like much," he said bluntly. "Sure you won't fall over the moment someone walks near you?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOq73BAegy
Teva didn't like the snark. But she figured it was probably part of the job. So she returned the bite.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXcnDJeWLV
"Maybe if it was you? Yeah, you'd probably run me over." She lifted her chin. "Anyone else? I can manage."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkggfC6flA8
He looked surprised for a moment.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lKwECRbIy
Then he laughed. A big, booming laugh that filled the entire tavern.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtf97pKT3P
The few guests scattered around at this early hour looked up from their drinks, mildly startled. Then went back to what they were doing.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuX43ZRESV3
"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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyMKqByQqK
He leaned against the bar. "You can work whenever you want. Till you get bored and leave, I suppose."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5V9YzoCQab
Teva blinked, surprised.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDndvWgClCO
"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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTYOP7v4mO
Teva was surprised it was that easy. She'd thought she'd have to fight harder. Prove herself more.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXSNxZrjxa
"That's it?" she asked. "Just show up and leave whenever?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRxM9OrrwK
He laughed again, then scratched his broad chest. "Ah, youth. Everything's an adventure. A quest that must be won."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPoQgdOcgT
His expression became more serious. "Sorry, kid. No quests or heroes here. Just people looking for food and drinks."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIRRk5hStr
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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1W4fpEs0B
Teva still wasn't entirely sure what to make of the offer.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L70LxlVlM
But this was what she wanted. And she knew she could do it.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgO3Qwu0qDM
She nodded. "When do I start?"
*****441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa74Ip11tY
It wasn't long before Wolf had his first tutoring session with Nebo.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFZoDoWwof
They sat in his room at his small desk. It made Wolf feel trapped in his own home.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4HrhORlux
"Hello, Wolf. It's been a while," Nebo said formally.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM2bERsfxR
Not really, Wolf thought. I saw you at the shop yesterday. And at meals. But he didn't voice that.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgefAUHersR
"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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIH9RgZ4IwO
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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdFx168dRA
Wolf frowned. "I can already read some words from Dad's ledgers. Why would I need to read more books about that?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdebdeP6cHJ
Nebo paused briefly, then spoke carefully. "Books are a collection of knowledge and power. Much like magic."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9laU9KKuT
"It's like magic?" Wolf perked up immediately. "So I can learn magic from books then!"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNms6CyYDWH
Nebo frowned. He needed to word this better so as not to mislead Wolf.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDrhLNjRsM
"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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVKbv1nVp7
He paused. "Magic can do amazing things. But it's limited in what can be done by one person. Books have no such limit."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyljqq7sqoH
Wolf lost interest after that.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwdnxY9gp4
He was not happy with the way things were going.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfvlykn5Vj
The lessons were boring.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigQDP7KBEw
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98GwZUa9cT
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOenZTk8C1
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WMUSzc0a7
Nebo praised his commitment. Len agreed, saying Wolf learned fast. Faster than she had.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP1oeEjKoF
Wolf didn't feel like it.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaYtVK5bf7
He'd wasted spring and most of summer with nothing to show for it.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpCHadzZoC
But Nebo disagreed. He asked Wolf to name three things he truly desired.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03K9WUMIj3
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?441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4AcJNTxcT
He thought for a moment. "I guess... magic. Alchemy. Herbs?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ956gbLaD4e
The last one came out more as a question than a statement. But those were the main things he wanted.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UsjY0h1Du
"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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UNS25B958
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?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDTug6CrEk
Wolf was surprised. He hadn't known such books even existed.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2u5lCXNRP
All this time, he'd misunderstood what reading was for. He'd thought it was just boring ledgers and plain signs.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1kbSV30O4
Now he understood why his dad had wanted him to learn.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TIfWWxUWY
It really was a gift.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3vwe2C5pZ
"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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEJjlcQPPj
"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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA82y6wA7fw
"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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFGlWL5jie
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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xkYb5WMXM
Len came from the kitchen at that moment, carrying snacks for them. She overheard and voiced her own perspective.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5MZQGoc1G
"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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWSzhzZJU3
She shrugged. "She wasn't happy about it. But she accepted it."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAGAnkXCNT
Nebo sighed at that. "Guess I praised her maturity too soon."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡch0PmnCWpD
Wolf laughed, relieved and happy that all the boring lessons were finally in the past.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4GK1ZOcZG
Wolf tried to visit Coby first thing after his lessons ended.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMf4fLmPSC
But Mrs. Crow apologized—Coby was out hunting with his father.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHoIcmUFJ5
Wolf felt a little dejected. But not too upset. He thanked her for letting him know.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrslXjL2T5
As he walked away, he realized something. He hadn't seen Teva in a very long time.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlQmwfwQNG
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3HYjpnF9i
Wolf wasn't entirely sure he remembered where she lived.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMumuAlXPOC
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48XA9keUgG
When he knocked, a slender catkin woman answered. She had a charming smile and tilted her head sideways before speaking.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlLJbROcyg
"I remember you, child." Her voice was warm and teasing. "You're my daughter's friend, yes?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi58UR8DXY
She paused, studying him. "It's been a while. Where have you been?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQclEcq1HoX
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?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75SB9d833G
The mother laughed freely at that.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxjxCaPACD
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Zp0oz8bKL
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFXetwZ2ol
"No, child," she said, still smiling. "She's been busy too. I see to that—even as she complained, wanting to look for you."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspqYjBhe9K
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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRuGxPSFzx
Wolf felt bad knowing so much time had passed. He needed to at least try to find her.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsIzt1BQuE
"Um... is she busy? Or will she be back soon?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWu2TtaiwY
Teva's mother loved watching him squirm. She could see exactly why her daughter had become attached to him.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVccIoTBj1H
"You're no fun," she pouted suddenly, which confused Wolf completely.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYilrKkW1mB
"Since you must find her and spoil the milk..." She sighed dramatically. "She started working at the inn. Randomly, whenever she feels like it."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCzWE4XsVt
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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuc1Jwo3sy
But when she looked back at Wolf, her eyes shone with something predatory. A desire to pounce.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL5BFKeIMz
Wolf felt like a mouse that cats toyed with.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi8z16kEgE
He wasn't sure the thought was wrong.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJS4bmmDpe
"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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmOtNbg5FX
Wolf wasn't entirely sure what that meant. He was always nice to everyone. But he bowed respectfully.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQe91rxstQ
"Thank you for telling me," he said. "I'll go find her now."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8LFX8DCh9
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQDwKAzOVM
But she shrugged to herself. That was part of growing up, she supposed.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfCIM0Vdp0
She went back inside, already planning how to tease Teva about missing her young friend.
The trip to the inn was brisk.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwrvetc2jg
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CEn8NwB3A
He entered the tavern.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMZQo4wweD
It seemed like he'd gotten lucky with a lull in business. The place was clean and quiet.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCZQVv6nUM
Too quiet.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHFw44DIXD
Wolf started to worry something bad had happened. He didn't see the big bearkin anywhere. And there were no customers at all.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0XDzqZnQ0
What had seemed like good fortune now felt ominous.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzudWiy4jhx
He was wondering where everyone was when he heard banging from the back. Then voices shouting.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOho50oF0ql
"I told you to put that away!"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6wBAomwmZ
"Whatever, you big oaf! You're not the only cook—I said I'd help move it!"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpIyjwJV6r
"You're lucky you remind me of my kid, or I would've fired you day one!"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMdfsXDcya
"Oh, please! You couldn't keep this place open if it wasn't for me. The people love me!"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqkdlKQK9s
"You're barely even here working, little cat. Don't think you're that special."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAnjgItzrB
"Um... hello?" Wolf tried calling toward the back, hoping everything was okay.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkbhLzlgNi
Silence.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbF71xjioT
Then banging. Followed by shouting.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0T6Daoopu
Teva burst from the back room with a surprised, happy face. "Wolf! Where have you been?!"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1ENj4ENEE
She ran around the bar and hugged him.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqv4qOEaN5
Wolf was still trying to recover from the sudden hug when the bearkin appeared from the back.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn8YHaRvDe
He looked annoyed, wiping his massive hands on a rag. He stared at Wolf for a moment, then spoke.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfLTKiFQ7Z
"Hmmm. I remember you, kid." His voice was gruff. "Been a while. You grew a bit."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAwF0dIuZQ
"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!"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuBWEq3o8C
The bearkin just nodded. "I remember. You wouldn't shut up about it."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbM3GJq9IfJ
He looked at Wolf directly. "You here to eat, kid? Or just stare?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeh105I9ZME
Wolf wasn't sure how to respond to that.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3xBT4hEFp
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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMWErMwvXQ
The bearkin crossed his arms. "Celebrate what? Meeting someone who lives here?" He snorted. "That's stupid."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG7YW0ZwN3
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!"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUSJRbt6XS
The bearkin looked uncomfortable. "Wish I hadn't told you that."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsqkoPYSiW
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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyULjSm1pTV
Though his words sounded harsh, Wolf didn't feel any malice from them.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Uwolguf79
The bearkin turned and headed back to the kitchen. Soon Wolf heard the sizzle of food being made.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gwcwh5Nug
Teva stared after the bearkin for a moment, then turned back to Wolf.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKnxZzZfZN
"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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeZhDIEd3X
Her attention snapped fully to Wolf. "How have you been?!"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRbAyLlvxJ
The words came so fast it took Wolf a minute to process them.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aklQEJnVy
"Um... good," he managed. "I've been doing studies. That's what kept me busy." He looked down, embarrassed. "Sorry I never visited."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUu7WE5SNn
Teva waved her hand dismissively. "It's okay! I had to study too, so I was busy myself."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRa3d3YLLr
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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wfbIV2bbs
"What?!" Wolf's eyes went wide. "He was teaching me too! We could've studied together!"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaavFsY84Pv
"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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkxRdsNjqi
She paused, thinking. "He never did. Just focused on the studies."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HGWEwfQU7
Then she smiled mischievously. "Bet it ruffled her tail knowing her plan failed."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi31FGNtKVj
They caught up for a bit longer, talking about their respective tutoring experiences and what they'd learned.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4hV1L2Kge
After a while, Icarus came back out and served them both a meal. Then he left them in peace.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuD4erMnKC
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNP3fMAb3UN
"Um... sorry," Wolf said, raising his voice slightly toward the kitchen. "I forgot your name, sir."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHDsmiMp6W
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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuK57kFRAQ2
The grin made him look more vicious than friendly.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRVZnsbbM8
"You left out 'grumpy,'" Teva added, her tail swishing slowly as she smiled.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWL0ffJC41
Icarus just frowned at her. He got them both drinks, then said he'd be cleaning in the back if they needed anything.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1tMtmEnR3
Wolf enjoyed the rest of the visit with Teva. The food was good, the conversation even better.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpT8aT5jVEl
When it was time to leave, he promised to visit more often. He meant it this time.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WnJzcQdhn
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuR3kwXT7E
Even if that wasn't entirely true, it felt like the right thing to do.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JZePSayfv
But when he arrived, he only found his dad behind the counter.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17jh1LKubK
"Nina's out running an errand for me," Dad explained when Wolf asked.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UiERBgPJY
Wolf felt a little disappointed. But also a little relieved, if he was being honest.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnX6S7oyyX
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPcYSYFSaO
He grabbed the biggest basket his dad had and set off.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N8K0dgpxM
Finally free to explore again.
****441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHmwWlZZTJ
Nina returned to the shop a short time later.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8dIKwkcDN
She was bored. And annoyed.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOCqdQic1G
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9H1eFaA6i
But never Wolf.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNPf18mbha
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.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7tXkgCoSP
That hurt a bit.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZIkI76nmb
"What's wrong? Did the delivery go bad?"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHbroOujZ2
Nina looked up, surprised to see Wolf's dad showing genuine concern.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVhySo5jwo
"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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLJgYrDKdY
Dad nodded, then looked away into the distance. "Then I hate to tell you this—he came to see you today."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrllzE8EfZ
"WHAT?!" Nina's ears shot up. "When? Why? How?!"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHtFfyg9br
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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MivHKBPof
Nina wanted to run home right away and find Wolf there.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡou5BEqCuZd
But she was still working. Dad saw her mood shift and relented.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT7B24XHba
"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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTNHzRbVCv
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."441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3h80wXMv5
No sooner said than Nina was out the door.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOn2BDeYlcD
"Okay-thanks-bye!"441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBq9oV1bFrG
Dad wasn't entirely sure he'd heard her correctly, but he shook his head with a smile.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RrYd6fclP
His family was growing. And they were all looking out for each other.441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLUqkkWKHu
Even if it meant chasing each other through the forest.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlj6XitAhtB
and then Add to home screen.