The trap-maker gave up on trying to sketch more designs, and was already too sore in the fingers from having her daydreaming distract her from the physical side of her work. She sighed and sat back, trying to draw portraits of her sweetheart again, despite not really feeling like she was capturing what mattered. At least it was sort of an excuse that almost justified thinking of her so much.
Something had drawn her to Raven even when they first met, almost by accident from just sitting together at the moot. But the time they'd spent together since, taking the time to go buy the farming tools and arrange for the plough to be made, and all the talking and getting to know one another… that had made it so much more to her. I was sure I was just being a silly girl, for all I'm a little old for that. And I was, but only in not seeing that she was feeling much the same, telling myself I had to just be seeing things. And now, in so short a time, just a week or two it's been! I already want to spend the rest of my life with her, and don't care if that takes me away from what was once my home!
She shook her head at herself, knowing how that would sound to most other people, and especially what her Pa and aunt would have to say about it. But ever since the Battle, as they were calling it, she'd felt so out of place with her family and her old life, she could barely stand to try to live back in Combe. And so she'd determined that yes, she was still welcome at the Woodmen's lodge, and now…. Now, just as Marney told me, time has helped some. This is home now, like Combe never will be again. I've changed too much to go back there that way. I can still work with the other trappers so long as the clan stays here.
She blew out a soft sigh as she examined yet another attempted portrait. Maybe it doesn't work because the drawing can't look at me the way she does. I guess that's what's missing. I think I'm otherwise getting a lot better at capturing her likeness. Though I'd better keep this sketchbook hidden! She blushed as she thought of what someone else would think of the images, and shook her head. Maybe Tree-Walker would understand – or at least think she did. I was awfully surprised when I went to give her some pages to work with until I get to town and get more of these. But given what she told me, it makes a lot of sense for her to want not to wear clothes at home.
A giggle escaped as her thoughts shifted, even while she started yet another drawing of her darling Raven. And how quickly even Home-Wright switched to calling me by a "use-name" once she learned Tree-Walker had already given me one. And she's so sweet! Already treating me fully like a clan-sister. She was all set to build me a hut of my own already, even though the clan hasn't adopted me yet! And with her pledge of support later, too!
She paused to wipe a tear from her eye and sniffle, smiling at the happy memories. I'm not sure yet how Wood-Sculptor will feel about it, and she's the one I've had the least chance to talk with at all. But I saw from Leohna's – no, Pie-Maker's! – adoption, it has to be unanimous. But this is my home now, especially Raven now that she's shared her secret name with me! Even if I don't get adopted in, Home-Wright is still planning a cabin for my love and me to share, and I'm sure enough I'll still belong here. These are my people now, either way.
