A few months have now passed since that magic exam. Her brother never stopped pursuing the books, and she had never felt closer to him since he spoke so long ago about wanting to grow up. Though taller, he still resembles her.
Her hair grew long, obscuring her height difference - unlike her brother's cold eyes, hard eye like stone, hers were soft, like soil. Yet his absence made her feel disconnected.
She did not like sleeping in as much anymore, and feeling lonely, she started her day. She knew her brother was off studying, and her only responsibility was to sit and listen or train magic…
She really did not want to sit and do nothing. The elder was nice and chatted with her, but just the random coming of people bowing bothered her.
It also made the kids more distant, seeing her always with the elder, like she was more special and not like them…
She went past the food tent, looking for the clearing where she could practice. If she was going to be an elder, she wanted to at least be good at the magic they kept praising her for, and maybe they would be her friend after that.
The clearing was empty sometimes, and other kids came and played or practiced with her at least a little, but it seemed today she was alone, not that it mattered; they avoided her either way more than not…
She focused on the feeling of the earth since before she awakened; she had never really felt anything. It surprised her when, with no effort, the earth listened…
It was as if it wanted to be part of her. She wasn’t sure she agreed, so she focused instead on trying to make blocks.
It was fun and simple, and she stacked them up and even made random steps out of them and skipped along.
The stone never faded; it was… just a normal stone, which surprised her.
She thought since it was magic, it would fade.
So she tried willing it away, and like water to the earth, it faded away as if nothing she did was ever there.
She had fun but was quickly losing interest in making stones alone, and making blocks while amazing was also…dull.
Once again, she did not see the appeal of magic and just plopped down by herself, and started making small pebbles smash into other little pebbles.
A shadow loomed, breaking her boredom.
" What are you doing? " She tilted her head up to see Teva’s face inches from her vivid blue eyes, staring into hers with a smile.
“Making stones, but it's boring. “
“Maybe it’s the way you’re doing it, that's why? Water is fun.”
Water spiraled around her as she ran past; it peaked and crashed down.
She covered her head, not wanting to get wet, but Teva laughed, and the spiral pulled around her body once more and faded away. The control and skill amazed her.
Still smiling, she flicked her hand at her, and a small spray of water splashed her. “Hey!” she protested, wiping her face while Teva laughed
“Got to catch me!” She ran away, forcing her to get up. She felt clumsy, so she willed the stone to help push her up, which was too much as she flew forward and hit most of her face in the dirt. It seemed she lacked control of the earth, even if it would listen…
Teva, seeing her friend not only not chasing but face-first in the dirt, ran back. “You ok?”
"I'm fine, just a little embarrassed. " Looking up, she saw Teva looking around.
“Nobody was nearby to see, so you’re fine.”
"Here, "she clasped her hands, and water appeared. " Wash your face; it has a lot of dirt."
That gave her an idea she could feel the dirt now that she knew what earth felt like... with just a thought, it effortlessly made it disappear, just like she wished. “Teva exclaimed, " Wow, nice trick!" as she made the water fade from her hands. Not a drop hitting the ground. “Perhaps we should practice more before we play."
Nina now felt like she had a reason to care about magic agreed, so they spent much of their free days after that improving their skills. It was fun.
***
Nebo watched his sister in the distance near the tent he liked to study in; she was practicing her earth skills with that cat girl. They’d been coming to this area of the plains doing daily training, which was fine for him. It gave him more time to study.
His sister's constant nagging to play like a child left him exhausted. He remembered what his parent sacrificed to give them. He also knew what the tribe gave freely after their deaths.
He heard adults talk, and knew what happened in other tribes that were not as loving, not really for the tribe…
Their laughter echoed in the distance along with other random kids. he technically knew he was also a child and hated it. Just give me work already…. He knew he was learning, and that had value; he wanted to travel too…. But that was selfish. No, I will do as I'm told. He would not be carefree like his sister; he had a purpose.
While studying, the elder surprised him! She never left her tent. Why was she here? As she made her way in, she smiled when she noticed him watching her.
“I asked around and heard you were here.”
“And wanted to see how the kids were doing.” He flinched at that, being reminded he was a child. Child.
“If you mean my sister and her friend,”
“They’re fine and making progress …”
“I, too, am studying.” She glanced around the room, not seeming to mind the gloom he felt, or she did not notice.
“You know you’re not required to do anything, child. She brushed her hand against a wooden support beam. What we all want is for you children to be free. “
“And wanting to choose a path, never forced.” He wasn’t sure what she was getting at.
“I made my choice. My sister did as well.–“For now,” the elder interjected mid-speech
But there may be a time when you choose otherwise.
“Or she does,”
“I hope you will still follow and protect her.”
“She alone, you know.”
“She has the tribe. “
"And you want her to be an elder? How is she alone? " The elder smiled sadly at that, as if pitying him, which annoyed him.
“When the time comes, if it ever does. "
“Just guide her the best you can.”
“An elder in the making can take a while,”
" And if not? That's fine, too. "
The way she spoke made no sense, and it annoyed him.
She was saying everything he was doing could be for nothing. He would be angry if she did not embrace being an elder.
Why was anything else even an option? The Gods blessed her, so she should lead…
Leaving silently, he figured why she rarely left her tent—unable to communicate.
Nina and her friend Teva came bursting in, laughing a few minutes later when he could finally focus on studying again. “What? "He was not in the mood...
“Let's go eat, brother!”
“I’m busy.”
“Why do you always try to include me? “
"You already have a friend; bug her." Dejected, Nina nodded and left Teva looking confused. He didn't follow.
“Why are you so mean?”
“She just wants to spend time with her brother…” he sighed
“I want to learn…”
“I need to study.”
“While you are off playing,”
Work needs to be done, and I'm trying to do it. She glared at him before finally leaving. He wondered why he was being cast as the villain for attempting maturity.
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Years later
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF1Q2LHlaH
Her brother was grown, tall, and distant.
She sighed, having long accepted him for who he was. He attempted to show her more love and support, but it felt more like a duty than love.
Even after all this time, she never got closer to any of the kids. The time that passed only cemented their view that she wasn’t just different; she was one day to be an elder, and you respect them, not play.
Even when they saw her playing, they tried as an awkward game vs. real fun and adventure. She craved something more like a proper family, not this duty and distance.
She would visit the elder later and listen to the troubles of others. For now, she wanted to see her friend.
She made her way to Teva’s tent and was going to surprise her.
When she came out, her sadness palpable, Nina noticed how beautiful she had become—a young woman with short, snow-white hair.
The once proud sweep of her tail drooped, a heavy weight, while her lowered ears reflected a deep, aching loneliness.
Her slender body had stayed the same, except for her chest, which had grown much larger than hers...
A sigh escaped Nina's lips, causing Teva's ears to twitch. Meeting Nina's intense gaze, Teva managed a weak, sad smile.
"Nice timing," she murmured, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. "I was planning on visiting you."
Nina felt that nothing about this was going to be nice.
"What is wrong? "Nina asked, hopeful. Teva shrugged and stretched, as if indifferent.
“family wanting to be closer to auntie and hates traveling, so I’m going to.”
“Why?”
“Hah, what do you mean why? It's my family…”
“But we are friends?”
“So?” That stung. She wasn’t sure why she was acting like this, like her brother… distance. Teva scowled.
“Don’t give me that look. You knew this day was coming years ago…”
“What? “
“You were always going to stay here.”
“I never planned to, even as a kid.”
“This was just to pass the time. “
“You knew I had family elsewhere, so why surprised we’re moving closer? “
“Why can’t I go too?” she knew it wasn’t logical, but she didn’t want to lose her friend…
“I don’t want to carry you, sorry…”
“Besides, you have a chance to be an elder. Take that,”
“If you follow. I don’t want to raise you.”
“Yeah, we’re friends, but I got a life too, and things I want.”
“So, just like that, it’s over?”
Teva sighed. “We can still be friends,”
“But remember, I told you years ago. "
“We can’t be best friends…”
“I knew this would happen.”
“It’s why I always stayed distant… You just never noticed.”
“So, when are you leaving?”
“Today…”
“GODS and you’re just telling me? “
“Easier if it's quicker, less pain for us both…”
“Whatever. I’m glad it ended like this.”
“I’ll probably do better with whoever I meet later than you…” Teva said nothing to that, but her tail was swishing.
She wasn’t sure what it meant, nor did she care; she left there nothing here for her …
It hurt Teva to lose her best friend, but she also knew she couldn’t decide her fate if she became an elder.
This was for the best, and if not? They could work it out later in life, or she just accepts that this is part of life…
Days passed into weeks. Before she did little, before deciding. She refused to mope. She desired a change;
Her footsteps dragged as she walked towards Nebo's tent, the silence heavy with years of unspoken anxieties and missed connections.
He was engrossed in writing some notes when she entered; he then looked up from his writing, stopped to take a drink from something on his desk, placed the drink back down, and turned to face her.
“Ok, are you ready to talk about it? " She felt confused. She gave her brother the space like he always wanted.
So how would he know she had issues? Was her face that easy to read?
“Yes, it is,”
“No, I can’t read minds.”
“But it’s easy to see what you’re thinking…”
“That, and Teva told me you guys fought before she left. “
“I’m more surprised it took this long for you to want to talk.”
“You wouldn’t have listened anyway…” she retorted
“I know I have always been distant, but it was to grow, not out of malice.”
“If you need me, I will listen. Calmly, he said, "With nothing to lose, she took a chance and trusted him; otherwise, she would have gone alone.”
“I want to leave…”
“Why?”
“I hate it here, always have,”
“… Even after what they gave us?”
“Yes… “
“even more so because of that.”
“I am an object of worship. “
“and sat on a pedestal to listen to everyone else while nobody, not even my brother, is close to me. "
“So I want to go somewhere else, a place I can find… maybe… more.”
“And if it fails?”
"I shall behave as a proper doll, remaining seated upon my pedestal, ready to begin…"
He sighed, "You are likely the sole member of the tribe who considers leadership and power to be undesirable."
“I knew this day would come in a sense, so I studied where I could while you played.”
“I think I can get us by as a merchant. “
I'm also selling my knowledge as a tutor.
“I read about it. Churches and families pay well for teaching. Beyond that, we can gather herbs.”
Her brother's planning for them surprised her. She got happy and grasped him, but he gently pulled her off, still not caring to be touched. It soured her mood a little, but she was happy he cared, even if he did not like showing it.
Now that she had more time to think, she knew how impulsive she had been. “Would the elder even let us go? “He laughed at that, shocking her; he never laughed.
“Do you think she doesn’t know? It’s why she fed me as much knowledge as I could stomach.”
“So I could take care of you. “
“I just did not understand back then…” She wasn’t sure what to say to that
“Will work out the details tomorrow, get some rest …”
She tried to do as her brother asked, but it was a restless night filled with the unknown. The visit with the elder was surprisingly pleasant.
She said they are always welcome, and if not, they would always have them as allies in whatever adventure they traverse.
Nina cried, feeling like she was losing someone who dearly loved her, but the elder assured her this was just part of growing up.
And if she ever came back as an elder, it would be real-world wisdom to teach the next generation.
The trip was overly long; days passed just reaching the city, which was a wonder in itself,
So many people and so few beastkin! It was the opposite of the tribes and was an adventure in itself.
They tried settling there at first, but everything felt too overstimulating for both of them, so they left for the next place.
Crossroads was a town much better and a decent mix of humans and beastkins. It seemed her kind did favor fewer cities than more. Nebo was doing minor trades to keep their funds going, and she gathered herbs to help with trades.
Despite the town's charm, it didn't feel like home, dashing her hopes for a change. She remembered Teva saying that where she lived was where her aunt lived. Maybe she could reunite there?
So they left for one last chance for a place to call home and hopefully find that which she felt was missing.
The biggest change that she loved was all the trees. She was used to opening plains and the city. While different, there were too many crowds, this felt like a pleasant mix of different but not overcrowded.
Nebo offered his service to whoever would listen, the church welcomed his teaching, and there were many herbs scattered everywhere, which worried her they had little value,
Though they could stay at the inn here, they were tired from being. Closed in from the city, they chose to camp in the forest instead.
There seemed to be one major shop that was the focus of trade, so they went inside. At the counter was a lovely young girl with long black hair.
She was jealous of her. She liked the color more than her red she was wearing, a simple dress, and that when she looked at them.
“Hello, how can I help you?” she wasn’t sure, but Nebo was.
“Where looking for work. We can gather herbs, do manual labor, or help with trades. Slowly, she nodded in response before speaking.
“We always could use more help, but that’s more my father’s expertise. I’m more here for handling deliveries or buying and selling.” Nebo nodded.
“Is there a time we can meet? I don’t mind working out details with him. I’m very knowledgeable about many things and will be a great asset. “She smiled and nodded.
“He should be back within the hour. He was meeting with the mayor for drinks. “
Nebo was happy about that and went to look around while they waited. Nina felt out of place and started pulling on her tail, debating what to do when the shopkeeper spoke, breaking her thoughts.
“I like your hair,” she beamed while watching her. “And your tail, “she added when she noticed she had her attention.
“Thanks, I brush them both daily. I like your hair too, it has a lovely color. I’m jealous. “
‘You don’t like your red color? “
"No, I thought about dyeing it, but worried it would stand out too much, so I left it red," she said, disheartened. She watched the shop girl watch her with a keen eye.
“Maybe, but I still like red." Nervous about the attention he ignored, she looked for her brother, her gaze drifting over the random shelves.
She wasn’t sure why this time was different. She always was very bold and forward, so why was this time different?
As she thought about it, she knew why. She wanted a new friend and did not want to lose it, not when they seemed so genuine and nice. Once more breaking her from her musing, the girl spoke.
“What’s your name? mine Leena,”
“Though you can call me Len for short. "
“My name is Nina! And that guy over there, my brother Nebo!” she pointed excitedly to show off her brother. He curtly nodded, but went back to studying the shelves.
“Well, Nina, can I get you a drink while you wait? “The conversation went well after that. With random gossip and girl talk, she felt like she was home and back with Teva before she grew distant.
A short time later, the dad came back in good spirits, greeting his daughter.
‘Len, everything well? “He reached over, kissing her forehead before heading to the back.
“It’s good, Dad. Remember how you were looking for more help? We have some here, I think.” The dad paused from leaving the room at that and noticed the two foxkin for the first time.
They had to be siblings with matching red hair and similar features. He was debating how he could use them when the male spoke.
"Hello, sir, my name is Nebo. My training includes gathering, trading, and tutoring in many subjects."
“My sister Nina, while not as skilled, is diligent and knows gathering. “
It was a lot for the dad to take in. The dad's impression grew, making their travels more understandable given their expertise.
“Well, there is no shortage of work.”
“The town is growing, and I handle the major trade.”
“I would like more time with the family.”
“If I had someone I could trust to do longer trades to the city…”
“I traded with the best tribes and cities. Before coming here, we thought about staying in Crossroads.”
"We hoped to visit friends and try our luck. "
"So you have someone to stay with then? That's good," Dad said while listening
“Uh… we know they live here,”
“But nothing official,” Nebo finished, not liking to have to say that.
Nina fidgeted. "We recently arrived in town and saved money camping in the forest." She was used to living on the plains, but saying it here felt like admitting they ran away.
The dad nodded slowly, “Well, we do have space near our house for you to camp.”
“While we work out the details. "
“And give you time to see how things are with your friends.”
"We're fine, just looking for long-term work," Nebo replied, shaking his head. Nina felt hesitant about asking for more from her new friend.
“Ok, let’s meet tomorrow and work out some details. Saying goodbye to their potential new employee and her new friend, Nina, waited for tomorrow's exploration of the new lands.
They camped simply near the lake. She was questioning Teva's tribe's methods.
But Nebo informed her that those who left the tribes lived in houses, not pitch tents, like they were now.
It was an early morning when they woke. She disliked the early morning, but understood its necessity for the shop meeting.
They made it there early, and surprisingly, it was open with Leena and her dad already working
Nebo impressed them with his trade knowledge, so Leena's father took him on a city trip as a test, and to learn more about him, Nina could stay and help with the shop, which made her happy.
It felt less like work and more like girl talk, which she loved. The shop ran itself to a point.
They did some barter and trade or even credit, since most people were trustworthy, and they always worked for trades if they could not pay.
It was an interesting system that reminded her of the tribe, though the city was much different.
It was coins or nothing for most Crossroads village; it was the same, though some bartering happened there.
"How do you like the village?" Leena randomly broke the moment of reflection, she had
replied with a joyous “LOVE IT!”, Nina's tail wagged furiously, her jump causing Leena to flinch.
“Sorry, I get excited sometimes; my brother hates it," she said. Her ears drooped, her tail stopped wagging, and Leena put her hand on her.
“That's fine; I'm glad you're happy. You should express yourself. It reminds me of my brother. He also gets happy exploring “
“Really?” she wagged her tail and perked up, hearing that. " Is he cute? "Leena laughed at that.
"I love my brother; I think he's cute, but I'm not sure if he's your type." Nina pondered her type.
"It's okay; I'd rather have a family, anyway." Leena appeared confused.
"You have your brother, don't you? "Nina flinched at that; her ears deflated.
“I do…but he is always distant, and my parents…”
"It's okay," Leena said, trying to console Nina, "I was worried–But Nina shook her head, denying that she was offended.
“No really, I’m happy. It’s just I wish I had a more…um normal family like you.”
Leena felt sad hearing that she knew they had just met, but the girl desired to be part of something. She knew that feeling.
"Perhaps you'll meet my brother, and we can become better friends. "
“Ok!” she wagged her tail at that.
The days went on much like that, bringing her joy as she wondered when she would get to meet the missing brother.
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***
It was a good day. Well, every day was a good day, and he was happy. Life was…. Simple.
He had a family who always shared with him and told him of the amazing adventure of a world beyond the trees.
Only their dad knew much of the outside world; however, he eagerly expected to explore it.
Why he could not join them on their travels, he was too young…. how old did he have to be to explore or adventure with them! Sigh Soon, though, maybe even today!
He knew it was a long shot, but if you ask enough, they've got to give in! It was the rule: whenever his mom wanted him to do something, she just kept telling him to do it and he did!
Same with his sister, though he did not mind. There wasn't any reason not to help, it was just not his adventure he really wanted, and it was such a boring thing they wanted.
Clean up the messes, help bring the items to the house, organize the items, and help check the stock!
The only chore he loved and his sister barely let him help was gathering herbs; it was the closest he ever really got to adventure, and he always treasured it.
“Mom. Len is late, “he cried, as he kept pacing near the door. It was too late for him to go out. Mother, who was cooking in the kitchen, looked up out the window and Calmy replied,
“She still has time. It’s not that late.”
“YES, IT IS!”
“She is always home before the sunset,” and it was going down now. He knew what he was talking about.
Mom only smirked, then smiled. “Perhaps you’re right, but do you want me to punish her?”
That surprised him; he was used to being treated like a child, but deciding his sister's fate felt awkward. After a little thought, she finally spoke. "Perhaps give her some more time. "
“She was probably bus–” his mom tried saying.
“But if I were with her, this would not have happened!” Mother relented by saying she would talk to Father, but only if he helped in the kitchen
He knew it was about to distract him, but he wanted help since it was Mom who asked, and she never once denied ever trying to help him when he asked.
He was not sure how much time passed, as his mother was an expert in keeping him busy and distracted. When Leena came in noisily through the door, she was carrying a basket full of clothes.
“I brought the laundry in, and Mrs. Crow, thank us for the extra food,” before she could get far, he shouted.
“You’re late,” and rushed into the living room to confront her, trying to intimidate her into confessing.
She smiled when she saw him putting down the basket and went and grabbed and held him before he could blink.
"You know I missed you too, little brother. " Blushing and annoyed, he spoke.
“You know that’s not what I meant,”
“You always get to go out and play.”
“and I have to stay unless I’m with you…”
“It's not fair, and when you come home late,”
“I never get to explore.” She released him with those words, stared at eye level and spoke with a serious face.
“You know I would never leave you, brother. “
“When I go and you can’t make it, it to work, not play. “
“I was watching the shop today for Dad and helped deliver some items for Mrs. Crow. Coby was there and asked about you.”
“said he wanted to go hunting with you and show what he had been learning from his dad. "
That surprised him. Not only was his sister not playing but working, she also brought him a message from his only other friend…
"I'm sorry, Len," I mumbled, feeling ashamed. "I didn't mean to get you into trouble."
“It's ok,”
“Mom knew I might be a little late.”
Dad had to stock some inventory.
“And with my other delivery, it took some time. “he was not sure where to go from there and was spared by his sister.
“The basket little heavy.”
“But can you put away the clothes while I talk to Mom? “
“ok. “Thankful he had something to do besides thinking of his selfishness, the basket was not heavy, just awkward for his reach.
Leena found her mother washing a few dishes as she approached. Her mother spoke first.
"His impatience grows daily."
Leena spoke up to defend her brother.
“I agree.”
“he doesn't understand it’s not playing.”
“Yet I think it would do him some good to go out more with me.”
“he can help with little things.”
“And I will help him understand life beyond the home.” Mother frowned at that. She knew he was growing up, but did not want him getting hurt, despite his age.
He still was small and still was her little child; she did not want him trying to rush to be an adult. Leena knew her mother’s thoughts, smiled, and said.
“He's not growing up yet.”
“Well, I mean, he is still young.”
“He just wants to play more outside.” Mother gave a sad smile at that.
“The opposite of you, it seems.”
“You never cared much for anything other than helping.”
“I fear you’re also growing up too fast…”
"Mom," she groaned. I was already a kid and had my fun. “
“I want to help, and for me,”
“It is also for the family, for my brother.”
“I don’t think it is the same.”
“he just doesn’t know it yet.”
“And that’s why I stand by. We should let him go out more.”
“The few times I went to the Crow’s house with him, it meant the world, so why not add going to the shop too?” Mom replied. “He has been there plenty of times.”
“Yes,” Leena said, “when he was a baby,”
“Once he started knocking over inventory,”
"He has not been back since. “
“I doubt he even remembers, “Mother thought about it. Perhaps they forced Wolf too much into things for his own good.
Kids learn best with failures. She sighed, “ok, I’ll talk to your father. He never seems to mind. “
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