Chapter Type: Slice of Life
"I thought we were supposed to learn this tale while walking to camp?" I asked.
"Shush." Caeso said.
Igrun let her eyes go unfocused. "Uncle, I see no enemies within range. Have you extended yours since we last met?"
"Listen. What do you hear?"
"Ah." Kismet said.
Madonna snorted. "I hear nothing… Oh. I hear nothing."
I rubbed my eyes. I had grown up noticing when the forest sounds stopped. When had I stopped paying attention?
<Here I am! You may scratch my ears now.> Puffball said, pouncing out of a bush.
<Well done, Puffball! I didn't know you were there until just now.> I sat down to better be able to do so.
<Really? > Her tail wagged wildly, and clansfolk looked at each other, their weapons still pointed where Puffball had emerged from the woods.
Kismet closed her eyes to focus. <White Mask?>
He emerged from shadow to butt his head against her ankle.