Mount Apikuni nascent discoveries

If the stranger intended to frighten Kaertok, he was going to be disappointed. The boy did not startle, nor did he quiver at the bellow or starlings that whisked themselves away. Kaertok made no move to leave, nor did he attempt to approach more closely. Instead, the boy observed, watching the silvery-eyed stranger. Kaertok's ear twitched, and his peets flexed against the rocky ground below him.

Considering neither of them was above the other in a social stance, Kaertok did not lower himself to the ground, nor did he attempt to assert authority. The to-be Tartok stood and waited.