Padding through the snow I walk around in a large circle. Each time I slowly make the circle smaller and smaller. The sound of breathing and the small mound of snow moves ever so slightly. The feeling of excitement runs through the mindlinks as my presence gets closer and closer.

A head pops up and sneezes, shaking his fluffy ashy-brown head. His tail wags as he pounces forward.

'Got'chu, Red!' He shakes his head back and forth, dragging my tail through the air. Playing along I pretend to stumble back.

'Oh no! The fierce warrior and Alpha tail chomper Everett has taken me down.' I flop on my side, slowly drawing Everett closer. Just as he comes into paws reach, batting around my tail, I catch him in my front two paws. Nuzzling into him, I smother him into the snow grinning.

'Lemme go! Iz A'pha Ev!" He squirms, trying to get away from my hold. Setting my head down, I effectively stop him, with the dead weight.

'Not so fast Alpha Ev. Have you forgotten we have to stop by Frayler? The hides should be done today.' Licking his ears affectionately, I remind him about what we have to get done today.

'But we saw her last moonrise.'

'True. But there were short visits. Besides, you enjoy seeing her, and she is making us lunch.' The spirit deer hide should be done, for it seemed almost ready when I checked it last sunrise. I had to catch some extra rabbits, but the kitchen was thankful for the extra meat. Everett and Crylle both loved the early morning strolls when the snow was untread upon and the rabbits were foraging for food. Crylle has been giving an Everett an easier time and they seem to be getting along.

'Food.' His tongue sticks out of his mouth as he tilts his head to the side.

***

Closing the door to our room and locking it, I test the knob to be sure. When I think about it the locks are very flimsy and almost any shifter could break-in. They don't really do anything but provide a minor sense of security. Slipping the key into my pocket we make out way out to Frayler's cabin.

Everett runs up to the door and holds up his hand to knock. Just as he holds up his hand the door bursts open.

"I've been waiting for you guys!" She ushers us in, taking our cloaks and hanging them up on a hook.

Wiping my boots off, I help Everett do the same. We don't want to track too much dirt in. "Thank you for inviting us again. Do you mind if I go and check the pelt?"

"Of course not. Everett can stay with me and help me get everything on the table. Isn't that right, Everett?" She smiles and claps her hands as she races to gather things. I can hear clanking and clattering as I walk through the hall.

Lily confirms that the fur is where it was before and I push the tapestry curtain away. Going to the far wall I undo the pelt from the frame. Turning it over in my hands, the skin side feels soft. Running my fingers through the fur it's smooth and a bit coarse. It could use a wash due to the tanning though; I'll ask if I can use Frayler's washbasin after we eat. Throwing it over my arm I take it with me.

Heading back, I grin as I hear Everett giggling like wild. It's nice to see him interacting with someone other than me.

"Red!" Everett jumps off his chair and hugs my leg. Wrapping his legs and arms around me, I look down with a raised eyebrow. "Come, food. Eat."

"I'm coming, Ev. Go sit down." I motion to his abandoned chair. "I'm just going to get some food."

Frayler jumps up and hands me a plate and cup. "There's some tea in the pot and on the counter, you can find the food." Shaking one of her hands absentmindedly her eyes seem to dart around the room. Twirling her hair she takes a seat across from Everett.

"Thank you, Frayler." Following her directions, I pour myself some tea. Taking two slices of bread I use the knife to cover them in the spread, then place a slice of meat to eat. It looks white with green specks, though it smells familiar I can't place it.

Setting down in the chair beside Everett, I start to eat. " After, may I use your washbasin?"

"Of course you may! And do you like it? It's a cheese, wild gander, and xonle." Her fingers tap the table, fidgeting with her plate. "How was your fur anyways? Is it ready?"

"Very nice. I really like the mild sweetness the gander adds. And yes, I'll grab it before we leave. Thanks for helping me get it ready." Taking another bite, I turn to Everett and ask, "How are you liking this?"

"Yum, yummy." Everett takes a huge mouthful of bread. He finishes it off pretty quickly, only slowing when he has to lick his fingers. "Can I go play?"

"Sure Everett! If you go down the hall, in one of the drawers you can find some old toys."

Frayler gathers our plates and I follow her into the kitchen. I use a bucket to fill the basin with snow. Pouring some hot water in I mix it to speed up the melting process. I start to scrub the fur with my hands, washing it thoroughly.

More than ever, everything seems to remind me of my old pack; taking me back to the past. My sister Nya'dein and I used to do the dishes at home and sometimes we had to wash the clothing and clean. We had regular tasks, though when we were younger we teamed up to get them done. I once made the mistake of asking Father why we had to do all these chores. His face molded into a scowl and I can hear him this very moment telling me that I'd better get used to it because this would probably be my life.

Bitter resentment rises as the words echo. It's not fair. But when does life play fairly? When was the world fair?

My defiance towards my mother and father wasn't taken kindly. I wish Nya'dein had the chance to unleash her full potential, but she became what she needed to in order to live in our home. It was painfully clear ever since we were young, she was the smarter one between us. Even after Seliek was born she help onto that role, however, our circumstances compelled her to hide it away deep inside. Father would never have let her become apprenticed, even if someone would take her.

I scrub harder, pushing the pelt to the bottom of the basin. Kneading out the dirt, I let out a growl—a deep rumbling sound.

The one time I had managed to get Nya'dein to talk about what she wanted to do she said she wouldn't mind being a trader or a teacher. Our father heard what she said but he told her not to be silly. He said she would find her mate and depending on his rank she would either help him with the work but most likely stay at home. I never got her to her to talk about it again, though I could see the longing in her eyes to achieve her dream.

None of us wanted to be where we were. Nya'dein wanted to teach, but her intelligence was hidden. I wanted freedom but was told it would never be. And Seliek. Seliek may have had the Beta bloodline, but truthfully, it wasn't enough to give him the boost he needed.

Nya'dein and I were constantly reminded how we were lucky to be alive. Mother wanted to keep us and fought tooth and nail so we wouldn't be killed; father couldn't have cared less.

"Are you okay?" I start, dropping the fur from my hands. The ache in my bones fades, as I try and shake it out. Lily is close to bursting through from the high emotions.

"Sorry Frayler, just got caught up in my thoughts." The water drips off my hands, one droplet at a time.

"Give me that." She pulls the pelt from my hands. "You're going to ruin it if you're so close to shifting. Now tell me what you were thinking about. You didn't seem to happy."

I sigh, placing my hand over my eyes. Pinching the bridge of my nose, a snarl comes out. I grit my teeth to stop it.

"It's okay, Frayler. You've done enough." I try and force a smile, though it's more of a grimace than anything.

"Common Redaliya. I can feel your desire to spill it all. We can call it a Seer's duty, upon my blood oaths it will remain a secret." Blood oaths are dangerous, they are a bond that cannot be broken by anything. They are normally made by seers or healers, it helps protect the secrets they know of. They swear them to the Moon, while she ties them to it. I don't know anything about what's involved since they are so closely kept.

"This matter has passed, thank you. Truly. However, I would like to know..." I trail off not knowing if I should continue. Biting my lip, I steal my nerves. Talking in a quiet voice, I make sure it's at a level that Everett can't pick up. "I have a feel Frayler. I don't think I'm going to be here much longer."

"Yeah... Shifters leave the pack as soon as they are healed. Everett seems like he doesn't need us much anymore." She pauses in her washing, her eyes meeting mine.

Casting my gaze down I feel a lump forms in my throat. "You know what I mean. I don't think my curse is going to let me live for much longer." I force the thick saliva down, my tongue dry. "I haven't had any news on my curse from the pack. I don't think they can help. Lua Lupa gave it to me, she wouldn't just take it away."

"I understand Redaliya. I've seen things as a Seer. So many things other shifters couldn't dream of." We both understand the trials of knowing what others don't. But her time isn't coming like mine is, and her end won't be who own doing.

"Everett like you. Would you ever consider taking him?" It hurts Lily and me to ask. A sharp pain strikes my heart as the words leave my mouth.

"He is a lovely pup. But honestly," she looks at me seriously. "I'm not right to take care of him. I'm still learning from my mentor even if I'm not in training. I'm a Seer. Each time I scry I risk the chance of not coming back."

"I understand Frayler. I just don't know what to do." I look in the direction of Everett. I can hear the tiles of a game clicking against the stone floor. "I don't know anyone that can take him."

Frayler rests a hand on my shoulder. "There is a pack a few hours away from here. They run very similarly to us here, however they aren't a pure healing pack. I have a relative who lives there and they are unable to bear any pups. If you are sure about it, just give me the word, and I can bring you to meet them."

"Thank you. I'll think about it."

"On another note. You were right about the ship and the storm. That vision was correct, and Healer Lou got the message to them just in time." Pulling out the fur she starts to ring it out. "They were very thankful. The storm was huge according to them."

"That's great! I didn't hear anything around the pack so I assumed it either was yet to happen or it was wrong." I'm glad we were able to help someone.

"Alpha Lou and the other healers wanted to keep it quiet as not to freak out the pack members. They plan on releasing the story when the crew arrives back. I thought you should know since afterall you were just as involved as me." Walking over to a rope, she hangs the for to dry.

"Do you have any parchment?" My nails scratch against my palm.

"Sure!" Frayler dries her hands on her apron and opens a draws bringing out a quill and a piece of parchment.

"Perfect, thank you so much." I set it on the counter and start to carefully inscribe a letter. Each letter I draw is carefully placed, drawn clearly, and neatly. One word after another I can't seem to write enough—there is always something more to say. Time flies, for the sun is lower when I finally set the quill down. Folding the letter into thirds, I undo the red ribbon in my hair and tie it closed.

Frayler comes in with Everett who waves enthusiastically. "Red! Crylle iz realllyyyyy good at memory gamez." He claps cheerily, an amber ring around his normally pure green eyes.

"Frayler. Will you keep this letter safe? If it is to be, when he is older I'd like for him to have it." I ruffle Everett's hair as he grins.

"Can I's see it?" He reaches for the letter, but I hold it out of his reach and give it to Frayler.

"Not now, Ev." I give him a bittersweet smile. "Perhaps someday."

"Sure thing, Redaliya!" Frayler plucks the letter from my fingers, tucking it into her apron pocket.

Frayler helps Everett get his cloak on, as I get our boots. Slipping mine on, I carefully fasten my cloak. Taking Everett's hand we wave goodbye and head out.

As we walk along the path, Everett jumps on the side where the snow has been less touched. He hops along, making boot prints each time. The crunch beneath him seems to be one of the things he enjoys about it.

Before we do anything else I need an answer. I need to know if the healers can or can't help me. I practically know the answer, but I need it for certain. I need to hear it with my own ears.

I trudge along, each step bringing us closer to the inevitable.

The trees sparkle with snow, icicles hanging from the branches. The bows are heavy with weight and the last leaves left are brown and dead. The few trees that are still green grown high, showing their durability as the cold season is at a full go.

I want to prolong what is to come for as long as I can. I don't even know how I'll explain it to Everett. He'll be devastated, I can just imagine how he'll react. He'll enjoy his new family... I'll have to break it to him when we start travelling after I tell Frayler to send word to her family. I'll stay to see if they are right for him and then just long enough to get a for him to get settled. If a cure magically appears I will happily go back and settle down near Everett.

The pressure in the back of my mind never really goes away. It's constantly reminding me of what is to come.

"Red! Help me, pleeeaase." He draws out the word, pointing to a tree. "Wanna climb it."

Surveying the tree, it seems sturdy enough. "Okay, Everett. I'll help you up to the first branch."

Lifting him up, the first branch is at my shoulder level. Gripping the wood in his hands he pulls himself up—with a bit of help. Everett stands up, gripping on the tree's trunk. I watch him carefully as he reaches up.

"Look at me! I wanna touch the skyz!" Carefully taking one hand off and then the other, he balances. Clapping his hands, he wobbles. Lily rises quickly, however, he catches himself, clinging onto a branch. He isn't that high, but it's high enough to cause a small injury if he fell. Either way, injury or not it sets Lily and me on edge.

"Everett, hold the tree. You don't want to fall." I look up, watching as he climbs a bit higher.

"Red..." he calls down. "Can't get down."

"One foot at a time. Slowly Ev, that's it, just move over, grab that branch and put your foot in the notch." Directing him, I guide him down until he's on the same branch I left edge him up onto.

"Jump?" He tilts his head, crouching.

"On the count of three, okay?" He nods as I start to count. "One, two, three."

Everett slides off the branch into my arms. Tossing him up, I swing him around, and place him on the ground. He teeters dizzily, giggling like mad.

"Everett, I have an idea. Come, let's climb up again, we can watch the sun go to sleep." I wonder if the lights will dance tonight.

Helping Everett up again, he scrambles along the same path. Calling on Lily, we scale up to the first branch. I don't risk jumping from branch to branch like I have seen others do. One hand gripping a branch, I lift myself up higher and higher.

Sitting down, I dangle my legs swinging them slowly. Everett moves over to join me and I help him sit. The wind is colder up here, but our wolves and cloaks keep us toasty warm. Everett leans against me, resting his head on my shoulder. A serene peacefulness falls as the hum of the pack slows. Everyone is going to eat before it becomes nightfall.

The light dims, as the light blue sky turns a . pale pink, streaks of purple mixing in. The mountains in the distance are silhouettes, their tall peaks look to be touching the purple clouds. The snow and ice on the bows contrast the dark wood.

The sun gets lower and lower until it's completely gone.

I pull my cloak closer and Everett copies my motion. The heat our wolves provide is more than enough, however, it does nothing if it isn't trapped.

"Look!" Everett points at the horizon. He stares up in complete and utter awe.

"Frayler says they are commonly known as the spirit lights." The lights wave and dance, weaving a complex pattern. Hues of purple, blue, and greens spread across the darkening sky, the stars glittering beneath. The waves of colour explode, now a pink making its way in.

Everett grins widely, and I can't help but smile as well. The show in the sky is entrancing.

Perhaps I'd dance among them one day.