The morning brought with it the scent of damp earth, Sheauga wandered beneath the canopy she had begun to grow accustomed to without much urgency, the blue jay however darted through the branches overhead. Hurry up, Nokomis called from above. At this rate we'll find her by next winter. her tan ears flicked with amusement. Ever since Nokomis had entered her life, the world had become a little louder. The bird seemed to possess an endless supply of opinions and a deep conviction that all of them deserved to be heard.

Still, Sheauga wouldn't have traded her company for anything. When Tamaska's scent finally drifted upon the breeze, warmth immediately brightened her expression. There she is.

About time, Nokomis declared before launching herself from her branch, soaring ahead through the trees, the action was immediately followed by a very dramatic, TAMASKA! Nokomis! Sheauga called back, quickening her steps. I'm helping! by the time she stepped through the undergrowth, Noko had already perched herself upon a low branch nearby looking entirely pleased with her efforts.

It took some time for Tamaska to get used to her new home. But with Sheauga now with her every step of the way, things got a bit easier. The soft hearted woman had taken to the flowers blooming in the meadows, gathering up a small bouquet of blues and violets for her sweetheart. Then took to the forests once more in search of her. But it wasn't Sheauga that Tamaska had found first. Above her, far off in the distance, a loud voice was calling her name. What on earth was that?

She tried to peer hard into the canopy, confusion clearly written all over her face. That's when she saw it. A fluttering blue jay coming straight for her, with Sheauga following closely behind them. The bird had perched itself high above her on a tree branch, looking particularly proud of themselves.

A smile spread on the woman's face at the sight. Well then, seems like someone has a lot to say. Who might you be? Tamaska was grinning at the bird, then looked to her beloved as the woman covered in racoon patterns made her way right on over. Hey there, Sheauga! Everything alright?

Sheauga couldn't help the sheepish laugh that escaped her as she caught up, slightly out of breath from following the much faster bird through the trees. Her eyes found Tamaska immediately, warm as sunlight breaking through leaves, and any embarrassment over Nokomis' dramatic arrival melted away into simple happiness. I'm alright, she answered, her tail giving an eager sweep behind her. She just... her gaze flicked upward, Doesn't believe in making quiet entrances

Her attention returned to Tamaska, the warmth in her expression softening further. It was still a little strange in the best way, to know she could simply seek her out whenever she wished. I was hoping I'd find you today, she hummed. Only then did she glance back toward the branch, I wanted the two of you to meet, Nokomis puffed out her chest.

This is Nokomis, Sheauga said fondly. She found me not long ago... or maybe I found her. I'm still not entirely sure which happened first

I rescued her, Nokomis interjected confidently, and a quiet laugh escaped the girl.

Sheauga caught up to the very loud sounding blue jay, still holding on to that sweetness she carried with her where ever she went. When the pair locked eyes with one another, the warmth had quickly returned. There truly was no one quite like Sheauga to warm up Tamaska's days. Oh this is a new friend? The more the merrier. She beamed lightly at the blue jay standing overhead on a tree branch.

The loudness is quite alright. I like a bit of spirit in my friends. It keeps things interesting for the rest of us, so I would not dare dampen her exuberance. Tamaska looked up at the blue jay, smiling right up at her with a wagging tail. It is a pleasure to meet you, Nokomis. Thank you for taking care of my Sheauga. I can tell that you will not lead her astray. A great friend indeed is one that will always have your back, even if the one that is watching it tends to be a little more of a fire starter then most.