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.

The words my Sheauga settled warmly in her chest and despite herself, she felt the heat rise beneath her fur. Her ears tipped back as a shy smile found its way onto her face. You make me sound much more interesting than I really am, she admitted quietly, Nokomis gave a knowing little chirp from her branch. I think she undersells herself. that earned an affectionate glance from Sheauga.

The blue jay hopped a little closer tilting her head toward Tamaska. It's nice to finally meet you. there was a bright sincerity beneath her usual confidence. I've heard your name often enough that it already felt familiar. Sheauga blinked and her expression turned sheepish.

I... may have mentioned you once or twice, she mused ducking her head, unable to hide her smile. I wanted you to meet because... you're both important to me, the admission came simply, it was the truth and Sheauga had never believed truth needed embellishment. For a moment the breeze stirred the branches overhead, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers through the clearing.

I've watched her long enough to know she gives pieces of her heart away carefully, the birds bright eyes returned to Tamaska. So anyone she speaks of this fondly must be worth knowing, a gentle laugh escaped Sheauga, touched more than embarrassed but regardless Sheauga stepped a little closer to Tamaska letting their shoulders brush for just a heartbeat.

I'm just glad you're both here, for once, Nokomis didn't have another clever remark and instead, the blue jay simply fluffed her feathers against the breeze content to watch the two wolves with quiet approval.

---

notes if any

Tamaska grew to like Nokomis rather quickly, enjoying her playful energy and how perceptive she was. It made seeing the bashfulness in Sheauga a little easier, her ears tipped back and a sweet smile to her face. She just doesn't know how special she is yet. Guess we have to show her. A smile was shot in her direction, hoping that Sheauga would start appreciating herself a bit more as time went on. But at the same token, she could understand to a certain degree how hard it must be to move on from both an old relationship and an old life. That was where Tamaska would come in, to pick up the pieces of where she had left off. And now she had Nokomis to help her as well.

Surprise came to her face, hearing that Sheauga has been talking about her to the blue jay. A sense of honor and affection came to her heart, though also bringing out her more shy side. I am honored that you think highly of me. I feel the same way. I am also glad that you have Nokomis as well. We shall be fast friends, this I know for a fact. Another smile shown on Tamaska's face, her cheeks burning ever so slightly with a heat she hadn't felt in quite some time. Not since the pink flames back in that horrible Winter. A time now long gone, thank goodness.