Ouroboros Spine alaĝux̂

As the women’s circle dispersed, Nantahala searched for @Kukutux in the crowd and quickly sought to grab her attention. Rushing to her side, she grabbed her grandmother’s arm, and pulled herself close to share words for only them.

I have spoken to my anaa of my desire to go to Moontide and learn to fish under Rodyn’s guidance and she has agreed that I can go, she said in a whisper with shining eyes that implied more between the lines—things that only they had spoken about regarding her future. What do you think?

from among them, nantahala came close, and kukutux wrapped an arm gently around the golden shoulders.

surprise came before a look of seeing; she thought back to the seal hunter's words and slowly a smile came to her face.

"this is good. go and live among the lodges," the duck said, though her embrace tightened. "but it will be a hard thing, that you are not here."

nantahala's portion of the hunting-trade would bring her even more status among moontide.

Truthfully, Nantahala had not considered everything in full when devising her plan, and she felt her heart drop as Kukutux mentioned how she’d be missed. She held on tighter, pushing the bad thoughts aside, closed her eyes, and inhaled deeply to steady herself.

I will think of you every day, Nantahala promised as she pulled back and looked at her grandmother’s face, studying it as she took another deep breath. and every night, too! She hadn’t anticipated how difficult this’d actually be, but she was determined to do as she’d set out to; for now, she wouldn’t linger on these thoughts. Especially now that she had Kukutux’s approval.

I wish to leave as soon as possible. Who should go with me to Moontide? she asked.

"bring to moontide one of your sisters," kukutux decided at last. "you will not leave my mind."

"and you will bring with you sticks of dried elk and our lake-fish. you will not be without the taste of moonglow, sweet one."

Nantahala grew unexpectedly emotional, and she nodded and held Kukutux close.

You will not leave my mind, either, she whispered. But I will be back—hopefully with an ugi. While she was excited to embark on this new adventure, the reality of leaving everything and everyone behind was beginning to hit her. She tried to push these feelings aside, focusing on the exciting aspects of this move.

Will you visit? she asked, pulling back to look at her grandmother’s face.