Ouroboros Spine you are the moon

she could see it, and shikoba lets her shoulder carry the weight of her sister's grief. and even here she would press a tender kiss to her temple, one to offer her strength and compassion during this conversation. "we have nothing to fear, precious sister." shikoba's voice is nothing but a whisper.

for many years, shikoba wondered of what her death may be like. and the thought always remained so scary because it felt so unknown. but the years have given the old woman time to think, nights to ponder. and she's been slowly letting go of her fears as she sleeps better than she has in years.

"the Kinaaldá is a 4 day process, to welcome a girl becoming a woman," she tells her sister with a thrum of pride, "each day, she will run into the east, to ensure she grows strong and powerful. there are songs, and offerings to be made during the last evening to honor the spirits who watch over her, to help guide her."

it was a long process, and shikoba would be without some of the essential aspects of the tradition. but she would make do with what she could, and provide ajei with all the knowledge of her people and history so that she might always remember where she came from.

but as for shikoba's mortality?

"bury me with what has been in my ulaq, my people fear that ghosts become hostile to the living." shikoba could never see such a thing occur, she knew that whatever lay ahead, there would only be acceptance for the shedding of the mortal realm and flesh. "there is a spot in the grove, where our sister löte had buried my children who did not breathe when mojag was born." shikoba ponders. "i wish to be near them, so they might know my embrace at last."

she would show her, in time. she looks to her sister with a soft look. "i know that your people have your death songs," she tells her, "i welcome moonglow to practice what you have taught them, too. the spine has been my home, the cultures have shaped me of both my history and yours." shikoba would give the duck that sense of peace, and to let her grieve and process as any strong woman from her clan would.