The morning left the forest quiet, never silent though, leaves whispered overhead as a breeze moved through the branches and a woodpecker in the distance tapped against old bark. Nokomis fluttered down from a pine branch overhead, landing on a low boulder with an indignant chirp before puffing out her feathers. Sheauga smiled softly at the sight of her, the blue jay had been another constant in her ever changing world. You think too much she hummed, to which the Jay answered with another sharp chirp, Fair enough, she said tail sweeping through the grass as she continued forward.

Walosi had offered her not only safety, but a sense of community and home, something she had never felt in the years she spent in Northfall. And now the question came — where exactly she belonged among them. She had spent many nights considering it, learning what she could about the clans and the wolves who called them home. She knew she could not remain standing between paths forever. So she sought the one who could help her choose; Nate

Nokomis launched from her perch and settled briefly upon her shoulders before taking flight once more, circling ahead as though determined to scout the way, pulling a small laugh from her Always in such a hurry, we're going, we're going she said this though she followed at a slower pace as she searched for the Walosi Chief.

 Sheauga slowed as Nate approached, her pace unhurried and easy despite the purpose that had brought her here. The scent of freshly turned earth reached her before he did, mingling with the sharp medicinal fragrance of yarrow scattered around the disturbed ground. Her violet eyes drifted briefly between the uprooted flowers before focusing back on Nate, who's legs were covered in dirt so thoroughly she suspected the earth might claim him as one of its own before the day was done. "Morning, Miss. And you as well "

The blue jay swooped down from overhead, settling upon a low branch nearby and tilting her head toward Nate a sharp chatter following, sounding suspiciously like commentary on his appearance. Nokomis says good morning, she translated with all the solemnity she could manage. Though I suspect she also has thoughts on how much dirt one can wear before becoming part of the garden the corner of her mouth twitched upward as Noko chirped triumphantly.

I was hoping I'd find you, she mused then, I understand that eventually I must choose where I belong among the clans, in her homeland, belonging had not been something chosen she was born into community, into family, and responsibility, but Walosi was not the people of her birth.

 Sheauga fell quiet for a moment, considering the question carefully for it was not one she wished to answer too quickly. Nokomis shifted above her, hopping along the branch with a rustle of blue feathers, while Sheauga's gaze wandered through the surrounding trees. I've never been much of a hunter, she admitted with a soft laugh. Nor a warrior... there was not disappointment, the flash of Wardruna's and before that Sreda's teeth still sent a shiver through her spine.

My strengths have always been... elsewhere purple eyes drifted upward, following the movement of leaves dancing in the breeze. Where I come from, I spent much of my time listening. To my people, yes...but also to the world around me her voice came softer The stories carried by places, the meaning hidden in dreams, the lessons found in things others might overlook she smiled softly as she pondered aloud.

I have always felt closest to helping others find understanding. Whether that means guiding them toward a choice they already know they must make... or simply reminding them they are not alone. the forest had always spoken to her in subtle ways, through intuition, symbolism, and quiet truths that revealed themselves when one slowed enough to notice.

... if there is a clan that values wisdom, guidance, faith or the unseen, I suspect that is where my path would eventually lead

 Something changed in Sheauga's expression as Nate spoke, it was subtle at first the quiet lifting of her ears and the gradual stillness that settled over her. Even Nokomis seemed to sense the shift and the blue jay ceased her restless hopping and remained perched above them, dark eyes fixed upon the wolves below. Guides for the soul... she echoed.

Of all the paths Nate might have described, it was difficult not to find meaning in this one. Her gaze lifted toward Nokomis and the jay tilted her head in return. Sheauga had never believed every moment required interpretation. Sometimes a bird was merely a bird, a breeze merely a breeze, and a dream nothing more than the mind sorting through the troubles of waking life. But sometimes...

I think Nokomis may have chosen before I did, in response the jay gave a sharp call. Sheauga laughed beneath her breath before returning her attention to Nate, his willingness to speak so openly of differing spirits had not gone unnoticed. And she had wondered whether the beliefs she carried would be expected to bend beneath those already rooted here.

I would never expect your spirits to wear the same faces as mine, she mused gently. Perhaps they do, perhaps they do not. I have always thought it more important to listen before deciding we understand such things her gaze would soften.

Where I come from much can be learned from what exists around us, like dreams and animals — the seasons and the changes they bring...and our ancestors she would pause, searching for the right words. I do not claim to know everything the spirits intend, I think anyone who does is likely listening more to themselves than anything beyond them

she paused, gaze flickering back to her jay,

But I have always felt called to help others make sense of what they carry, her gaze returned to Nate. If Tsiskwa offers a place for that, then I believe I would be honored to walk among them, if I could