[minifun990]

It was odd, thought Deva, this whole growing up business. Each day she grew older and closer to adulthood. Each day she ate, slept and worked as hard as she could under Pulins guidance. He was a good Paleophyte, Deva thought. He made sure to keep Deva busy and always pushed her to her limits but was always so understanding when something went wrong.

She could understand now why he was Agan’s mate. He was very caring, even if he hid it behind a gruff exterior. It was because of this that, even though Kinaaz and Deva had to hunt together he made sure the two didn't get into many spats. He kept the peace and tried to get the two to get along. And surprisingly, though slowly it was working.

Bit by bit the two slowly were gaining respect for each other. It wasn't just Pulin’s intervention either, it was watching each other hunt, helping each other take down large prey. It was bonding over reassuring Arilyn when one of her traps broke in a way that didn't look right, or taking the blame when a hunt went wrong.

One day as Deva took down a flying gazelle, its wings only just stretching to take off she turned back to see not just pride in Pulin’s eyes but in Kinaaz’s too. It surprised her so much her prey almost got away. It didn't, as she was too good a hunter for that but it was close.

So one day she finally decided to ask Kinaaz about the necklace she always had around her neck. Deva expected her to just brush the question off or perhaps spin an elaborate farce but her reaction surprised Deva and Pulin both. Kinaaz stopped suddenly and span around on Deva with such an odd look on her face. It had so many emotions on it that Deva could hardly identify just one.

“What's wrong? I just wanted to know the story behind the necklace,” Deva said, trying hard not to take a step back, she would not show weakness. Kinaaz’s mouth moved silently, and Pulin looked concerned too.

“Y-your mother doesn't have one? Doesn’t brag about it constantly?” Deva shook her head, she would have seen something like that, Kira was quite open to Deva.
“No. She never mentioned anything like it.”

“Sha’s Beak! Oh gods and goddesses, Omi’s du-” Kinaaz started spouting almost every swear word while the other two just gaped at her, she bowed down tugging and her mane.

“Kinaaz! Watch your mouth.” Pulin exclaimed, he looked at Deva for a moment then back at Kinaaz.

“What is up with you?” He asked, Kinaaz bolted up

“I have made a grave and terrible mistake.” She said, staring straight at Deva.

“You said that when you put a single fire berry on your portion of the prey.” Pulin helpfully pointed out. Deva just stared Kinaaz down, she had never seen her act like this. Almost grovelling at Devas feet. It shouldn't give her the satisfaction it did, but after how Kinaaz had treated her? It felt amazing.

“Deva, I- Swiftfoots not your mother is she?” Kinaaz asked, Deva just tilted her head.

“Whose swiftfoot?” Kinaaz took a big gasp and lay her head against the earth. Deva could just hear her mumbling again about her terrible mistake, as well as a few more curses.

“W-what?” Deva asked, completely confused, she nudged Kinaaz with her foot. “Explain.”

“I thought you were a traitors daughter, I treated you terribly, and now it turns out I was wrong. I am very sorry Deva, to you and your mother Kira.”

(604/500, not claimed)