Dessert is Best Planned

Io looked on with approval as Skorgek dug the holes and placed the berries. Once that was finished, the old woman stepped forward, took one nimble paw, and pushed the dirt back into the hole, covering the berries. "Then we just cover them again," she instructed, allowing the younger wolf to finish the rest.

Within her pack was a little clay dish and she gave this to the girl as well. "There's a little stream just over there. Each berry needs a sip of water, but not too much. The soil here is very rich and moist." Now to give the kid the bad news.

"Elderberries, blackberries, raspberries... they all take years to fully fruit." The old woman chuckled. "I'll be long gone by then, but you won't." Io gave Skorgek a pat on the paw. "You just remember old Iolaire when you come to collect these berries, eh?"

"Iolaire"