Three months after the boulder monster incident, Teva's Day
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She awoke early once more, feeling full of life. Mom told her growing up that it was thanks to their water blessing they both shared that she would always passively heal from fatigue even without sleep!
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She was scared to ever test it; she liked sleeping too much. It was still fun to dream of staying awake all night and day forever, though, But it was also nice knowing she will never know the struggle of a restless night.
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She dabbed a bit of her favorite flowery perfume, looking forward to making breakfast at her lover's place, when she entered the hall and a scent she knew well soured her good mood…
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It was her mom wearing a new perfume, and she looked all too happy to be wearing the smell that bothered her... a vanilla scent Mom was recently gifted. Mom was casual, dancing around full of sly smiles and tail swishes, which caused my tail to swish and flatten my ear before my retort,114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNI4rK8Q3r
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“What got you so happy? Also, you smell. Why do you always wear that perfume…?” She casually looks my way with passive boredom.114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTzmxZbc8H
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“Daughter, you know me well and why I wear it."
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"So why ask?”
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“I wear it because you wear that foul smell I had to suffer for months till now… I’m merely returning the favor with a scent I enjoy.”114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tPjeyeVDP
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“Thank you for helping me get it, by the way. Wolf is such a dear,“ she smiled while watching me from the side, waiting for my retort…
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I grunted, unamused, and went to the kitchen, ignoring her getting a meal ready for her, as she was way too pampered to feed herself, and I was too trained to spoil her to really stop. I knew she followed me by the scent that followed long before she spoke; her words did surprise me.
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“I will miss this daughter.” wtahcing her mother looking aloof but lost I felt compelled to respond
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“ I never said I would stop feeding you… just that you smell.” I replied, unsure of her point. “You could at least wait till I’m gone to wear it.” I wanted to smooth things a bit. I did love her…114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45MTatIBhV
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“Nonsense, child. I could say the same to you before you rush off to chase a mouse.“ mom retorted seeming to get her spirit back while her tail curled into a question.
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“How is he, by the way?” I looked to her, wondering if she really cared, but she looked to the side as if bored tail now swishing, so I was unsure how serious she was…114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HNQyKRSAt
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“Why?" I wondered moms intent "Wanting more free gifts?” I poked114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQiXyznG11
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I learned long ago she loved gifts more than people's feelings… She looked at me with wide eyes and then a calm demeanor that led to a sly smile.
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“Nonsense, daughter, I do care. He will one day be your husband, no?”
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That caused my tail to puff in panic, and I saw the relish in my mother's eyes seeing my panic. She then got a lost look before going on.114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuMYxelMzO
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“You will leave me, daughter; it’s just a matter of when. You never once, since he claimed your heart, stopped seeing him morning to night.”114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9H39iwJmH
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“Always returning lost and alone…” Her words held a finality that was hard to refute, yet I still did…114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uskDFlSBk
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“I work there.” my ear going flat I tried to take back control, not liking where this was going…114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycwFFchOo6
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“You do.” mom went on,
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“And you wish to live there and leave me.” once more it was said with such sadness, with drooping ears and a tail that held no life. I regret knowing it was true…114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjE4rrkG94
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“Mom, listen, no mat–”
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“Relax, child. I already found a man who can do what your man does and better."114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpsuELL2M6
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"I’ll be fine.” She turned away from me after saying that. Casually swishing her tail as if I was the one who brought up the leaving… and she felt nothing.
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“You still smell,” I said, the only thing coming to mind to her childish mood swings. as she hummed to herself in reply….
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I finished making her meal, which she was supposedly grateful for, and while I really wanted to know who that mystery man was she alluded to before, I did not want to get wrapped up in more of her games today. I had plans…
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So I gathered the small bag of supplies for cooking at Wolf's house and headed to the door.
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As I was leaving, I got a smug smile seeing her surprise that I wasn't chasing her story, wondering about her life. I really wanted to leave it at that and rub it in her smug face…
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But she was my mother, and I do love her, so I relented before I really left… “I’m having a girls day out with a few girlfriends, so I’m busy.”
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“I don’t want to be late, as I also want to cook for Wolf before I go.”
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Mom looked thoughtful at me, scaring me; she usually seems sly, always ready with wit, not thinking… That did cause me to pause once more to see what she would say before I departed.114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPTGPCGFKg
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“With whom?” Mom asked, tilting her head as if it helped with an answer.
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“You only spoke of Wolf, never others ?”
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“These, uh… girlfriends?” She was unsure, testing the words, as she was alone except for Auntie, so it was an odd word for her.
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I sighed, brushing my hair back, setting the bag down near the door, and felt sad now myself, near tears from the mental weight… Mom sensed the shift and leapt to my side and held me; her warmth was a memory of happier times.
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“What is it you seek, child? No games, I promise to listen,” Mom said calmly, almost a whisper.
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That did make me cry. It was rare that she saw anything in life beyond a game or an end goal to pamper her… So I confessed all my fears held back and buried deep within me.
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The fears beyond just living my life and love for Wolf, the desire for connections and friends.
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I told her about how I never really visited Wolf's family unless they stopped by the shop, how they all felt like strangers even when I tried to get close, how Nina was nicer to me but still distant, and how Wolf's real sister was off chasing battles or some such, leaving her feeling alone…
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After a bit of time, and I calmed some, Mom spoke plainly.
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“Child, I too ran from an elder who gave me their trust. I was fearing change,” Mom confessed to me slowly.
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“She wanted me to rule by her side as dual chiefs. Yet I wanted men and adventure.“
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“Neither would I get from blind worship…” She stroked my hair in random moments in silences as I was forced to smell her stupid vanilla perfume, but the story meant more than my discomfort. It was probably the same for her smelling mine as she held me…
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So I held her tighter and listened.
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“ She still writes from time to time,“ Mom went on… “I tell her I’m much too busy to bother visiting a tribe so far yonder.“
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“Yet at times when you are away and my sister does not visit? I feel isolated and alone.”
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“No games to play, no riddles to speak.”
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“A cat with no tail, something lost and never to be found…”
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“It is why you are my joy, child, and I have pride you held so strongly to your desire. It’s easy to lose it all and watch it fade away; it’s hard to find happiness in change.”
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“I don’t know who these…” She paused, testing the word once more. “Girlfriends you wish to meet But once they meet you, they will love you as I do, I promise.”
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I laughed at that, drying my eyes, already late to meet Wolf for his breakfast.
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“It’s fine, Mom. You brought it up, not me,“ I said meekly.
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“If nothing else … I will always have Wolf.” Fear stabbed at me at the thought of losing even that newfound desire, and I wasn’t sure what to do, but a gentle hand rubbed my head.
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“You already caught the mouse; don’t doubt it will stay,” she said playfully. “And if not? Catch him again.”
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I loved her play on words as I brushed her off, trying not to look like I was just crying like a baby. She also played coy as if she never cared what happened in my life, and as much as I hated leaving Wolf wondering what I was doing… I could see Mom's desire to tell me about her mystery man….
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“OK, Mom, who is this man who rivaled Wolf…”
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“She fixed her hair, pretending like it wasn't gossip she was dying to share, and tried dragging it out till I reached for the door, and she broke and spoke quickly, fearing I would leave…
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“He works for Wolf!” she said while reaching for me with excitement in her eyes, wishing for me to share the joy she found. Instead, I looked at her with confusion…
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“Wolf only hired a couple catkin guys and a wolfkin girl? Oh,” I gasped, figuring it out.
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“You’re dating Ben or Viper?!” I watched as she swirled her tail playfully, happily; she caught my attention…
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“Well, I would never play with both at once!” mom mused “That’s not my nature….” She went on, casually moving back a bit to feign disinterest.
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“But one of them does rival your lover with his tail and calm demeanor.He knows what he wants and doesn’t mind sharing potion gifts with me.”
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“So, daughter, now there’s no need for me to beg you and hope for scraps. Now I get real prizes," she beamed with pride shamelessly after confessing all that…
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“What?!” I glared, trying to show her my disapproval, but she was not even looking… “Wolf spoiled you to no end, and you beg for more like some random stray.“
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Gasp, “Daughter, why do you speak to me in such a way?” She did look at me with those words, but it's hard to say if she took anything I said to heart…
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“Oh please,“ I went on. “Don’t play victim, Mom! You were using Wolf for potions and went and grabbed the first man who could do the same…”
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I was shocked out of my anger when, instead of refuting it, she blushed as if I guessed her game…
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“You’re shameless, you know that?“ Shaking my head, wondering how many games she led…
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She looked away as if lost in thought, tail gently swishing, “I can play with other’s child, and if something comes of it? Great.”
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“If not?”
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“I get some gifts and fun… He knew me when he accepted my hand.” She fixed her hair as she said that, as if it was a simple fact…
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“I’ve got to go, Mom… I love you, but Wolf needs me.” Picking up the bag to move once more to leave, I was halfway out the door when she jabbed one last time, perhaps from her wounded pride of me spoiling her happy catch of a man.
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“You mock me, child, for how I live…”
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“Yet you run the first chance you get to a man yourself…”
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There was truth to her mother's words of wanting to run to a man for love and support, but she will never know it. She was walking her own path, and though she wanted her mother in her life, she wouldn’t let her control it…
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Later, outside Wolf's house
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She arrived, fearing being late. She never really promised to be there every day or even at a certain time… But they both just kind of expected it…
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She unlocked the door with the key he had long since given her, a promise she would always have a place by his side, helping her ignore her mother's earlier bite…
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She went to the kitchen hoping Wolf slept late, and he kind of did but was also already there in the kitchen….
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He looked disheveled and half awake, wearing a nice loose shirt and leather pants, making himself juice, and she froze in fright, trying to think how to explain why she was late and at the same time not wanting him to know that side of her life.
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She wanted him to only see her happy, free, and in love with him, not the lonely fear of wanting more and not just him in her life…
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As if sensing her doubt in his sleep stupor, he looked back and saw her near the door and smiled, washing away all her fears before he spoke.
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“Hey, I missed you. Is everything ok?”
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“Of course, dear~” I sang as I ran up to him, hugging and kissing his cheek.
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“Things ran a little late with Mom wanting to talk, but I’m here and ready for my big day with the girls!” I quickly started breakfast, not wanting him to see any doubts, when arms wrapped behind me, giving me warmth.
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I wondered what life would be like waking to that touch each morning, and I was sure he was thinking the same, nearly sleeping holding me.
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“ I would have started breakfast but belatedly realized I never keep any food to make,” he said, confusing her.
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“Are you trying to replace me?“ I teased.
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“Never,” he replied, warming her heart.
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“I just felt I needed to cook more to return the favor.” He said coolly. I turn in his embrace, staring at his smiling face, both of us happy in the moment.
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“Let me worry about the food, dear.” I assured him “Keep us fed running the shop; I’ll worry about the rest.“ He laughed, nuzzling my nose.
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“You help their too!”
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“You sure you’re not trying to replace me !” He spoke full of warmth and life as his hand wandered down my back, sending tingles where he touched, making me long for more…
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The banter and meal came and went all too quickly for both of us, as the shop did need tending and I did have a prior engagement versus staying only with him…
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Things settled a bit while we worked and waited at the shop. I was nervous, but there wasn't much I could do…
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Nina was there looking bored. Leena usually visited early before the start of the day, but today was different. Leena went to the blacksmith first to gather a friend, and Nina beguilingly gave us a bit of space while we waited to start our day.
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which I was grateful for because I needed some comfort, and Wolf gave it freely.
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As she thought about Nina, she noticed she'd been much nicer lately, almost distant, which worried her. She used to always fight her for wolf time; now she just gives it?
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It was an odd contrast, and I did not want to lose her anymore than she wanted to lose Wolf to me. I wanted us to kind of just be a bigger family…
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The day remained pleasant till Ziala showed up shortly after things started to unsettle me once more, wolf beside me or not…
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Ziala complained about her brother slowing her down as I and Nina went with her to the blacksmith shop to start our girls' day !
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The trip to the blacksmith shop was brief but terrifying. I never knew Leena was training! Much less with such a monster with red eyes. Even the daughter, Terra, was intimidating, and she had a funny speech that was hard to understand, but Nina and Leena seemed to hear every word clear as day…
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As we walked to the cake shop, Terra startled me by talking directly to me!
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“Su caut whut your stoury?” I looked past Nina's bored indifference to see both Leena and Ziala showing interest and those red eyes from Terra looking like judgment…
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I wasn’t sure what to say. They never mentioned me dating their brother? Lost and unsure how to address the question, I just stared…
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While it seemed those red eyes never stopped watching me, she started to frown as if I was challenging her, and she would answer that challenge…
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“She’s dating my brother.” Nina replied casually, never looking to break the moment's tension…
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“NU!” Terra replied with eyes going wide and a face full of amazement.
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“The bleussed chiuld ?”
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It was hard to follow her words, but she thought Wolf was a blessed child? I guess he was, so she nodded, hoping it was enough.
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“WUW lucky gurl “ Terra said, then laughed as if some joke was told. She then patted my back, a face full of mirth.
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“I’m Turra, luts be friunds!” Everyone seemed happy with that. I still felt lost, but assuming I heard her right…
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“I'm Teva. It's nice to meet you. I do want more friends !” I gave my most winning smile, and they just shifted away from me after that, dazing me a bit at how I went from the center of attention to just their own topics…
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Maybe that's what being friends was. Never the main focus. I never had a bunch of friends, so I wasn't sure, but listening to them talk, it felt like they all had a lot to share, so I would listen…
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Most of the talk was mundane and boring, and I now knew why Nina looked so indifferent and bored. This was a boring start; now the excitement has died down a bit.
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Zila went on about trivial guild affairs, supplies increasing, and prices being regulated.
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Leena, her training, and what she felt needed more work…
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Terra? I wasn't sure; she laughed a lot and got loud, but a lot of what she said was lost to me…
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Finally at the cake shop, we settled into a booth, and talks started to get more fun as topics shifted to boys as time went on.
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“Whut du you thunk of thut one? She was admiring one of the butlers, well dressed with a groomed beard.
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“I’m not into humans. I prefer a wolfkin, no offense,“ Ziala said, lacking interest in the butler. Nina also wasn't interested and focused on her drink; even Leena showed a lack of interest, surprising me, so I chimed in to show support.
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“He’s cute; you should try for him. You never know; he might say yes !”
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Terra laughed, full of mirth. Nina frowned, though Ziala and Leena still showed no interest…
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“The guds nu I triud mure thun once with ull of em “ she laughed at her own joke while I wasn’t sure I followed…
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“She said she tried more than once, no bites.” Leena said, Help me follow, and Terra, happy to be understood, grabbed Leena in a hug before speaking once more.
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“She nu whu I really wunt” She stared at me with those red eyes before boastfully saying a name. “Arlun, thut my pruze I wunt tu cutch”
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She was sure he heard her right, but Arlin? Why… I could not help but giggle and laugh at the thought, and thankfully Terra misunderstood it as happy support and beamed with pride, making me feel bad…
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“Dunno why you want to chase my brother; he's a degenerate.” Terra stared, unsure how to respond, not from lack of support but more from not knowing the word…
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“I think she means he no prize…” I chimed in. Terra nodded, though Ziala was passive, not saying more. As talk settled and mood sobered, it was then we got our sweet treat, and talks finally went more into random gossip and cake !
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It was when we were nearly done eating that I nearly choked when Terra asked very clearly….
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“So, Cat, did you have sex with the boy?”
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I wasn’t sure what shocked me more, how clearly she spoke or how bluntly she asked….
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Or maybe the intense stare with those eyes wondering my response… I also saw concern from Nina and Leena wondering how far I went… Surprising me was even Zaila seeming to want to know…
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Beyond my burning cheeks and shame of confessing intimate things so openly, I spoke when I finally could breathe….
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“HE—WE… We wanted to take things slow…It will be the first time for both of us, and we don’t want to ruin what we have…”
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I saw the relief from Nina and Leena, which bothered me a bit. They were happy I did not do more… But it was awkward enough without me worrying about that as Terra went on once more…
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“I wuld du hum every nught if it wus me !”
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“TERRA!” Leena chided Nina, like I was just embarrassed where these talks were going….
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“Whut? It just suex “
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“With my brother… It’s not talk I wish to hear…” Leena stated flatly, and I agreed I wasn't ready to share that much just yet…
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“Wull we could tulk about sux with arlun insteed!” Terra was relentless with this, and though embarrassing, it was exciting to see she was so full of life!
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“No, I don’t want her sex talk about my brother either…” Ziala nipped it in the bud, and once things calmed a bit, they returned back to mundane talks, which was nice…
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“Thanks for inviting me out. I have no real friends…” I confessed to wishing to get closer…
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“HEYA,“ Nina shouted, her ears going flat. “What about me? We literally work together every day!”
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“Please, you fight me every day…. That's not friends…”
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“I did not like you taking my brother, but I never said you could not talk to me…”
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That stung. I assume she put a barrier between us. Maybe it was me…. Everyone remained quiet, not wanting to add fuel to any flame, so I doused it.
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“Sorry, Nina, that was mean. Thank you for still being there and supporting me. I meant I want more friends closer to me. Our past makes you feel distant, and I don’t have anybody near me…”
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“You have my brother…” Nina said coolly, not agreeing…
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“I have him to love, yes…”
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“But I want friends to gossip, share, and be free…” Maybe I was overreaching and assumed too much, trying to throw myself into their life…
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“I understand “ it was Leena surprising me with support. It happened to me while training. I found Terra and Ziala to help me.”
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“ME TUU” Terra chimes in. “I unly wunted arlun but I found freends instud!”
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“I was happy alone least I thought I was." Ziala chimed in with her view. "At till Leena visited me more, then I wanted more in my life, so we do know how you feel… Uh, Teva?” Ziala asked, unsure.
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I nodded, happy she remembered my name, though I did not mind Terra calling me Cat. Nina was the only one remaining quiet, and I wasn't sure if another fight was brewing till she spoke.
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“Like you said long ago to me, we were always friends, just not best friends….’
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“Maybe in time we can change that,” Nina said while she gave me a sad smile, which made me cry, overcome with emotions, and she gave me a hug, as did Terra, which did make me feel loved.
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“I promise I’ll be a better friend…” I said to Nina, though all listened.
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“Thus is nuce all gurl puwer!”
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“What?” I could not help but blurt out, making all of them laugh as we finally did feel like girlfriends, no outsiders, real friends.
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We all agreed to do this more often so we wouldn’t feel like strangers but real friends, cementing my new life, changing it for the better. Once things calmed down from those major moments, talks wound down. As we left for the day.
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We dropped Terra off, and she was a little less scary now. I saw her less like a beast.
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Ziala went her own way to the guild hall.
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Leena guided me and Nina back to Wolf's place, and surprisingly, he went out, according to Misty, to hang out with the boys. Guess he needed time away too…
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Leena wished me and Nina well and left. Though the shop was in good hands with Misty, I wanted to wait for Wolf. Nina felt the same.
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I was tempted to confront the Catkins to find out which one was dating my mom, but that felt like crossing a line I did not want to. I just hope they really were happy and it wasn't more sinister…
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Between randomly stocking shelves, Nina surprised me by making more of an effort to talk to me and be less distant. It was nice... I still did not trust her and could not stop myself from asking,
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“So what’s the catch?”
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She shook her head and spoke clearly and calmly, kind of scaring me… “You know me, Teva. From day one, all I wanted was friends and family and to be loved.”
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“I never tried to change you or anyone else.True, I did not like losing what I have … or sharing.But I never did anything to ruin others lives."
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" I Just found my own peace with things…. Like I had to do with my family…Before I met Wolf and made a new family,” she finishing saying.
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I vaguely remembered her having issues with her brother and how distant he was…. “How is he, by the way? He never visits, does he?” I asked, unsure.
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“I see him at dinner. He is happy; he loves working with Dad and traveling. I think that’s what he always wanted, really.” Her tail was wagging. I guess she really was trying and changing….
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“I’m happy things got better for you. I do want you as family, not an enemy.” It felt awkward saying that, but I did feel it was true…
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“Yea, yea, we’ll see,“ she replied, dismissing me…
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“Oh, please, you’ll be begging me in time to talk with you, you'll see.” I was annoyed at how casually she was ignoring me…
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“Dunno I’m very petty…” She replied full of mirth, and I could not help but laugh, drawing eyes from a few customers browsing.
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“Whatever, if you’re not careful, I’ll steal Leena next! Terra too!” I poke, knowing there's no malice in Nina from her birth to now.
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“Hah, go ahead, keep Terra; she’s too much,” Nina replied easily when I mentioned Terra, and it felt like I had my old friend back for real this time. It was nice…
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Wolf got home near closing. He was sorry his unexpected adventure went so long, but nobody minded; we all were happy he was safe and he had fun.
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He was worried I'd be upset he was eating out at an inn without him telling me, but I told him he was precious and it was fine. The day with the girls went long, and I could use the rest.
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With that said, I promised to be there bright and early tomorrow to repeat our routine as Leena arrived to take Nina home, both wishing me well and treating me a little less as a prop while they went on their adventure.
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I myself made more of an effort not to just focus on their brother and tried to be more friend and family.
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The cool air from the walk home was sobering after the day's swirling events, learning just a little more about the girls that were always there but seemingly distant.
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Ziala was an interesting girl who loved talking about the guild and the politics of how the stuff runs. Stuff I mostly ignore as it was boring stuff…
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Terra was hard to understand but full of life. I felt bad wishing it was her I made friends with first; her pushy demeanor would have been a spark I needed to always go forward…. But that's probably wishful thinking, as I made my choices and ruined my own life with those I ignored….
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Like Nina, who never stopped loving her friends even the times she was distant, it was out of hurt, not spite; she was always the good one… I hope she never leaves….
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With all that reflecting, that just left Leena, who was still an enigma to me… I did not think we would be best friends in a day, but she also felt the most distance and never once pushed me away… She seems that way with everyone… Where was she trying to go, I wonder, or does she even know…?
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She reminded me of me in that instance—free and searching for more even with the life she had… I hope she finds her peace.
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Then again, I’m literally judging them all on one date we all rushed, stopping our lives for. I doubt I won any heart with my attitude. Maybe next time we can go to the lake? Have a nice picnic; we'll see.
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As I left those thoughts on a happier note, I entered my home, now back to face my mother's games once more. I found her in the living room, leaning over, sleeping on the table. I grabbed her empty cup, smelling alcohol. She was always a lightweight…
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I wasn't really hungry but did want a light meal and to feed Mom something light, maybe get her something to help before she got a hangover and complained to me….
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“Do you hate me, daughter?” A quiet voice spoke to me from the living room while I was in the kitchen…
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“And why do you say that…” I was waiting for her next riddle or game; even drunk, she was good at that.
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“For taking everything away from you,” that was surprisingly blunt and unlike her…
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“I talked to your, aunt… my sister.”
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“Told her how you were disappointed in me and how I took everything from you just to see if she would agree and defend me…” Mom rambled on, and even if I did not completely agree, it was interesting to hear her side.
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“She did not agree with me; it was a pity. Yet she told me I was free to live my life the same as you…It was why she is happy in the church and not with you or me.”114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkS6ozuVTr
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“I drank in self-pity when talks did not favor me, but it did give me time to think…I don’t want to be alone despite what you may think, but I want you to be free. So no matter what you choose, daughter, don’t worry about me.”
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Well, it was a touching speech and did move me. I also knew she was drunk and just wanting attention… She could be so dramatic when nothing was going to change for her or me…
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I finished the simple meal, a salad with little meat, and brought it to her as well as a drink with medicine to prevent hangovers. I set the meal down near her and tried to take away some of her fears…
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“Maybe I will be like Auntie and move away and start a family, but you will always be part of my life, Mom… and no, I don’t hate you.”
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“I was just as happy as you being free.It was only after losing everything and being alone that I appreciated things more… Even then, like you, I still only thought of me.”
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Mom smiled at that. “You are indeed my daughter.Cats who love to play and be free, yet wonder where an owner is to feed and need us.”
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It annoyed me it had to be ownership. Why not love and equality? But guess she was going for a simple metaphor, and she was drunk…
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We both ate in silence for a bit. The vanilla perfume wasn't as strong to me, so I did not mind being near her as much. It was funny how she seemed to be the child compared to me… Yet how was I compared to a mother to her?
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“I’m happy you found love, Mom. Sorry I said everything you do is a game before…I like your nature of riddles and games; it makes things interesting.”
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“Nonsense, child. I’m getting old and tend to forget that. I still love chasing tails and forget I already have a kitten at home. Even if just one, you should be the focus, and I leave it at that…”
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She smiled and brushed my hair as I sat beside her at the table enjoying the simple meal.
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“You know I can always make another daughter so you can chase your wolf, dear. I think we both would enjoy that.”
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“Me a new daughter who needs me and you a new little sister!” Mom said smoothly,
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“Gods, please no, Mom… You just make me raise them and you!”
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We both laughed and enjoyed the moment, easing fears neither of us really wanted to address—the fear of change and losing what we had…
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“Promise me, daughter, even as you become a mother, you will remember me. I fear our family got too used to wandering from tribes; we never had a real family… I think it’s why my sister stays so deep in the church; she found a home to keep, and me with you, daughter…”
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“So if…when… you have children with Wolf, please let me be a part of that life.”
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Despite the awkward talks, I held her as she once held me.
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“Ok, Mom… I promise. Nothing else changes… And if it does? You will be with me.”
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I wasn't sure how much time passed, but hearing her snore alerted me time was still passing, so I gently set her aside to clean up and then woke her to shoo her to bed…
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She wasn't happy. I woke her, and she snip at me as if I offended her pride, which made me smile, and I told her I'd see her in the morning, where we'd do it all again.
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and then Add to home screen.