Sun Mote Copse Keep Moving Forward

With Eshamun's approval, she stepped forth, sitting now beside the Ekar-aji. When given her task Ragna nodded, stepping forth. Secretly, this thrilled her, for it was a chance to impress Eshamun. She circled the female, keenly taking stock of what she saw. Infection clung to her as a weary malaise, and it was this combined with her skeletal emaciation that made Ragna fear that death dogged her. Though the scent was old, Ragna knew infection could spring up again in a wolf so weak. And Giana looked so very weak. Upon finishing her circuit, Ragna came to sit beside Eshamun again.

She will be a burden before she will be an asset, Ragna surmised. Giana would not recover her full strength in time to help prepare for winter. She wouldn't be able to help fill their caches and defend their borders. Winter comes, and she may not survive. She is a risk, one I would not take. But it would be a kind thing to do, if kindness moves your heart. Were it spring, Ragna's assessment might have been different. But they were small, still, and could not afford a burden.