Sun Mote Copse The Fruit of the Spirit Is Love

Asherah epitomized the reason that Ragna did not discount religion. It found the lost, the hurt, the hopeless, and the weary and give them reason, gave them purpose, hope, a place to belong. Was that not why Ragna was here? The Malkaria were her new purpose, and it was their religion that had given her the relief of a label. There was no denying Ashera's happiness, not for Ragna. A shrewder wolf might wonder how much of the red wolf's cheerfulness was forced, but Ragna merely saw it for what it appeared to be. I am glad happiness found you, she said, since Ashera had laid bare part of her soul, and that required some response.

Most of Ashera's questions made sense and seemed well-meaning, but her questions about Ar-Khalba confused Ragna. She had a feeling that she was missing something, but sex and sexuality were so far from her mind that she assumed it was for everyone else. The wry twist to Ashera's words threw Ragna off. She had not spent any time with Ar-Khalba, for she was unsure of how to behave around him. If he wished to meet her, he would have to seek her out. I like it here, she said simply, to answer the first of Ashera's questions. I have not met Ar-Khalba. What teachings does he offer? Each wolf of the Malkaria seemed to offer her some new teaching. Perhaps he would be able to teach her how she was meant to behave towards him and other future males of the pack.