Moonspear And the chickens how they rattle chicken chains

a slow nod as the woman drank in all the structure that bronco provided. it did not sound so different from the practice of finding an ugi. "we have a similar arrangement where i was born at," the duck ventured hesitantly. "the mother chooses a boy, and if the father agrees, the boy comes to live with the girl and her family." she let her eyes linger upon the water. "if they are old enough when this happens, and children result, she will be his wife. but if there are no children, or if they quarrel all through childhood, he will go back to his home."

kukutux had never seen what might happen if a girl never liked her ugi, or refused to have one. perhaps she would end like fish-aunt ukiak, a woman who collected shells all her life and never bore children. the thought chilled her seawife heart; sialuk would never become that. "well, also, there a boy might have a wife chosen for him, if he likes her well enough." how was it with young men? she had only known the seal-hunter from childhood, and then later when he had brought his dowry to her father's ulaq. "it is easier than deciding yourself. and perhaps it is less pain for the strings of your heart."

deciding to leave off it, she smiled brightly. "you explained it very well." what familial name might she give him? he was unrelated to the ostregas, but not so young she might call him her nephew. some thought to be given it, for bronco had earned his title this day. "bones can be mended if they are not broken so far they come out of the skin." she had seen it happen; a warrior, two limbs crushed by a round, heavy piece of ice from a glacier where the clan had hunted. the ivories had thrust splintered edges through his skin; he had died before sundown.

"if a bone can be kept still, it can be mended. good medicines to give strength to the bone spirit, to your heart, and to your stomach." in the end however, it was time which was the great healer. "do you have interest in knowing this skill, bronco?"