Sun Mote Copse tophet

The silence threatened intimacy beyond what Ragna was prepared for, a sudden and harsh reminder of the last time she'd spoken with Asherah. Yet she did not shy away, she was far more in control this time. When their eyes met, her expression betrayed neither trepidation nor embarrassment. This was different. Eshamun was different.

Were Ragna one for overt expression of emotion, she'd have exploded into tail wagging joy. As it was she smiled shyly and ducked her head. She drank in every word Eshamun spoke, then nodded grimly. I will, she promised. Though she did not know how to teach, she would try. The responsibility of it all was a weight upon her shoulders, but one she was proud to bear. There is nothing to fear from the winter, said she. So long as we keep you- by which she meant all of the red wolves. Giana seemed to be of more northern stock, but most of the Malkaria were less adjusted to extreme cold- warm. Small game will be scarce, but we are better suited to the snow than large prey. I have been tracking our herds. We will not starve.