Bitterroot Valley subterranean homesick blues

surya was not ignorant of the young woman's attitude. okay, he responded to her assertion, feeling his own temper climb and trying to keep it down. he stared at her, eyes drifting over her face, her frame. a sister, huh? he wondered if she were kavik's or grezig's—or both? no. . .she didn't resemble the burly warrioress in the least.

still, even if she were alsek's sister— i am just trying to bring him home, okay? surya said in some exasperation, watching the boy wander off to look at the flowers. his voice pitched lower. he doesn't belong out here. he's young; he's soft. even if you're able to protect him, to care for him, he needs a home and a family. he needs structure.

as do you, he added silently. what did the pale yearling have to offer her younger brother?