Dawnlark Plains Set this dump ablaze

@Riqtajinaq - @Bane for visibility ♥

[table width=80%][tr][td]The only light present was that of the moon as it lit up the night sky and the Scythe's dark coat. She heard her daughter behind her, felt comfortable with her there, and knew naught where they were going. The others she had ordered to go back and seek home - this mission was nothing for their malnourished bodies and the prisoners would've slowed them down too much. With Riq at her side, the mother felt better - and she knew her daughter to be happy to serve both Patience and Camazotz. This land had been dying to be explored, so said Camazotz, and K'atik would do just that. She would do whatever was needed to get to know as many places, wolves and religions as she could - even though theirs was the one and only. Her and her family were all that really mattered, for they followed the Great Black and he knew best.

It was in the midst of a step that Judgement looked back at her daughter to check if she was okay and keeping up. K'atik had not slept much, at all, but the lioness could take that. Her daughter; she wasn't so sure of.[/td][/tr][/table]

Fear is foreign to the priestess.

She is not afraid. Camazotz watches her family and Riq is sure that the Great Bat is pleased. They are devout group.

Her sisters and brother have returned home with their slaves. Riqtajinaq is both surprised to have been chosen for K'atik's quest, and with anything that serves Camazotz's will; she is pleased.

Mother glances back at her. Riq dips her blood-painted head slightly in deference of the Solz' chuchuxel. She will not falter.

[table width=80%][tr][td]The wind played with the lioness' mane as it seemed they were frozen in time. It did not help that the world around them was covered in a dusting of snow as well - even though K'atik doubted anyone was near. Camazotz would've warned them about threats, for they were his devoted followers that did his dirty work with a butcher's smile. The mother did not smile at her daughter found so long ago; instead, she raised her brows tiredly and then softly sighed. Her breath could be seen - the white of it fading into the dark of night.

We are going toward those mountains. She announced with a nudge to the air - pointing at the row of dangerous peaks in front of them. She left no room for debate, even though she doubted Riqtajinaq would complain. What they would find there had not been revealed by the Great Black, putting the Scythe on edge more than usual. Camazotz worked in mysterious ways, she knew, and she trusted him with her soul.[/td][/tr][/table]

Mother does not smile. Riq would not expect her to. The idea is alien to her; smiles are rare for the Oyowal family. The priestess nods her head in understanding. Her paws ache and her bones creak in the cold. 

Riqtajinaq finds little reason to say anything. There are no words needed, none that wouldn't express what Mother no doubt understands already. Her nod is sufficient enough in answer. 

They will cross the mountains. Riqtajinaq will follow her mother, she will not complain. They will fufill Camazotz's will.

[table width=80%][tr][td]No complaints, no words. All the lioness was given was a nod - a simple gesture of understanding. It was all she needed, all she really asked for when the simple statement had fallen from her bloodied lips. She was glad she did not have to follow the Great Black all by herself - it was strange when her own, biological daughters were not preferred over an adopted one. It was as if Yubyutik and Imuch' did not carry the same fire, the same desire, as the little Lostling. Adopting her had been one of the best, most respectable thing the Scythe had ever done - and in return, she had gotten a loyal follower of the Bat.

Are you tired? She asked with mild concern. While she'd rather follow Camazotz wherever he went, she was still a mother and had to care for her subjects. Without them, both she and the Great Black were nothing.[/td][/tr][/table]

It is as strange to the daughter as it is to the mother to think that she may in some may be preferential to Yubyutik or Imuch'. 

Riqtajinaq is not truly borne of the Solz' chuchuxel. She was a lost one; a child orphaned by the Great Bat's rage and left to fend alone. K'atik could have easily raised her to be a slave than to be one of Camazotz's chosen. 

Mother recognized her potential. Mother saw what she would become: a priestess worthy of the Sotz'. 

"A bit," she answers. Molten eyes watch K'atik carefully for signs of fatigue. Should her mother need to, Riq will stop to rest.

[table width=80%][tr][td]Head held high, chin slightly pointed up, did she wait for an answer. She knew Camazotz would not allow them to go on this journey if they were incapable; he had faith in them, and that was what kept the lioness going. She also knew The Great Black was a creature of patience, she had gotten that from him, and he would allow them to rest. Her fiery eyes danced across the moonlit land as an answer was given, already scouting a place to rest. They had come far already.

We have travelled enough for tonight - rest. She called, making a turn for a nearby tree that would certainly provide shade for whenever the sun would rise. There, she stopped, looking over her back. K'atik was not a big fan of cuddling, but it was cold and becoming sick was not very good for their schedule - and so, she settled at the base, paws invitingly open so her daughter could settle against her.[/td][/tr][/table]

Riqtajinaq does not protest, her head dips in acquiescence. If Mother wishes to rest, they will rest. She is K'atik's loyal follower through and through, perhaps a slave of a different fashion in the eyes of another.

The priestess lies alongside her mother, curling up with back against K'atik's side to sleep. She has not slept with her mother since childhood and it's disconcerting but at the same time, Riqtajinaq is grateful for the warmth.

[table width=80%][tr][td]It felt slightly weird - feeling her daughter this close to her again. She remembered her as a tiny girl, lost and taken in by the Bats of the night. K'atik had given birth around the same time little Riq had been brought to her. Perhaps, if the group had been big enough around that time, she would've been killed. The lioness was glad it had not come to such extremes and grateful for her presence.

The scythe's lanky body wrapped slightly around that of Riqtajinaq's, her back rubbing against the toughness of the tree - satisfying an itch. She then lay her head atop her paws, nose sniffling in the frost before she truly settled. Rest softly. She murmured, feeling that it was appropriate to wish her daughter goodnight. She dearly hoped they would sleep all throughout the day, so they could travel further at dusk or even at night.[/td][/tr][/table]

It is a foreign sensation, to be cuddling with her mother again.

K'atik is not the coddling type and Riq cannot say that she was ever lovingly touched by the woman as a young child. That is not to say that she does not love Riqta but rather that K'atik is rather cold even in regards of her children. It suits her; a Solz' chuchuxel should not be soft.

K'atik curls around her and Riqtajinaq allows herself for once to slightly lean back. The priestess lies with her, secretly enjoying the warmth of the embrace and the love she feels for the woman she calls Mother. 

Riqtajinaq grunts softly in answer to K'atik's words. She waits until the Sotz' matriarch's breaths are deep and even, and then waits some more to be sure. 

When the priestess is sure that K'atik sleeps, she whispers softly to her before slipping into a deep sleep. 

"Goodnight...Mama."

slight pp, I think this is the last from me! You can archive or respond if you'd like. :)