Morningside Cuesta down to a sunless sea

there is no hiding her irritation at enx's absence. he best be away for good reason. but everyone else arrives--quiet kuyuk, lovely isleña, faithful mengu. she stares at all of them in turn, her eyes with a different message for each one. when everyone has settled, she speaks.

we have not had much luck here, she says, regret tinging her tone. the wolves here are stronger than i anticipated. they will not be worn down easily. she bristles, thinking of the blitheness of the girl, the obstinate treason. but we will not give up. i will go to the mountains, to see if anywhere of use can be found there.

she lifts her chin, gaze blazing seafoam fire. we will have victory, or we will die, tashkent declares. the luks are not worn down easily, either. we will take it all, and leave naught but scraps for the rest. she howls into the air once more, this call more fierce than the last. like a bolt of lightning, it sears the sky and strikes fear into the heart of anyone who hears it.