Bearclaw Valley devotion

He found it strange how Averna remained rooted, not coming after him like others would’ve done if he snatched something he wasn’t meant to have. His steps faltered, body still curved away from his aunt, as she spoke instead, conjuring strange sounds with her tongue and still not reaching for the length of intestine he’d taken. This behaviour was quite unexpected. He was certain she would chase after him.

He was so puzzled, not by her words but by her lack of reaction, that he dropped the intestine. Sssssss, he repeated, knowing nothing of Sithis or the greater punishment he might face for displeasing Averna’s god. He assumed it was the name of another wolf, maybe a frightening wolf like Merrick, who was as close to God as Aventus could imagine. Even the great bears were something of an unknown to him, still.

Seeing as Averna wasn’t scolding him or reacting beyond offering that strange name forth, Aventus bent to grab the intestine again and gave his head a wild shake, flinging them around so they became a macabre streamer.