Fox's Glade As if your soul were on fire from within, the moon lives in the lining of your skin.

Tahani gave Uki a nod, brusque but kind. she was all ears at the woman's brief description of the altercation, frowning as she processed the situation. she would be on the lookout for any strangers, particularly ones that appeared recently battered. and as for Siarut. . .

"i'll leave it to you to give the details to my brother," she said, not wanting to intervene in any way beyond offering first aid. her job, after all, was just about done. "in the meantime, rest up, get something to eat, and don't strain yourself unless absolutely necessary. your body needs time to heal. you can wash the poultices off in a day or so."

wanting suddenly to get back to the children, Tahani shot Uki a smile of farewell before retreating into the trees, looking for Shiv and the babes. if there was one thing she appreciated about the dark woods, it was that they were relatively safe there. now, on the road, they faced dangers on all sides.

the glacier couldn't come soon enough.