Moonspear alianiilik ≡

sialuk was perceptive, thoughtful. kukutux had only time for a nod, a squeeze shut of her eyes at the kiss, before the growing raindrop turned and was gone. alone with jarilo now, for keres had watched over the duck so long she accepted the grey-sister as part of the watchful shadows, a sob at last clenched in her throat.

"i am sorry, husband. i —" a swallow. "to have left you in such a place with them." and now the truth of it threatening her eyes and ears and lips; she buried her crown against the side of his chest. "your brother is dead," she wept, not understanding why she felt so torn for a trader she had only known for a handful of seasons.

kukutux omitted having done magick upon the edge of moonspear. jarilo would not understand, and the duck did not wish to speak of the curse she was sure that she had laid. "i knew he must sleep there, and not come back to moonspear. his spirit would be angry. i stayed with him until i was sure it had gone."

a drawing of a trembled breath; secure in the warmth and regard of her husband, tiredness traversing into every part of her depleted body.