Cedar Sweep From Whence You Came

asherah did not know it, but the ekar-aji followed her. eshamun did not think herself graceful in this advanced state of pregnancy, but the acolyte did not turn to see her. lost in a reverie, eshamun decided, ears cupped forward with worry that the girl was deserting them. the canaanite could not force those to stay who did not wish to be among them, but it would go harshly for asherah indeed if that was what she intended to do. 

the young wolfess led her to the place where they had first met, and eshamun's lips curved in a smile at the memory. so fervent asherah had been! so devoted to the eight-armed one, even when she did not know molech's very name. her zeal had been a boon to them, a light to the copse, and eshamun knew she must turn asherah's path back to the malkaria if she was able.

the scent of salt tears hung in the air suddenly, and the tophet-dweller realized that the young one wept. she held back only a moment before moving toward asherah, reaching out to touch the other's cheek with a gentle sound of affection.