Shadewood quam beningna

she nodded, pleased by the other's interest. "oh, yes. women. and men. but we are ruled by our own sex," eshamun revealed loftily, smiling at the other. "we are the warriors and bringers of meat. the men remain at home and tend our young." here her tongue lolled; to turn the hierarchy of things upon its ear. those who heard of the malkaria were either impressed or disdainful. there was rarely middle ground when it came to the ways of her people.

the talk of motherhood rose again, and the canaanite braced herself for it. how could she explain their ways to this woman? that the malkaria killed their firstborn was not understood, though their reasoning was sound and whole in the sight of molech. but still - -she could not help herself. "does ... will there be much pain?" she blurted, viridian eyes flying wide. "during the birth, i mean."