Ouroboros Spine I'm flying like a bird to you now

The way she looks at him is strange. She does not train her eyes on him for long periods of time, but steals glances when he feigns interest elsewhere. It is like he is being studied by someone from another planet; indeed he feels like an alien walking among the terrestrial, a feeling that has always clung to his skin and made it crawl.

When Kukutux answers the question it is Raimo's turn to look up from where he has let his eyes wander, watching her carefully. She is playing with the foxfur again. Make a sleeping place, she says, one that does not change.

Raimo finds himself grateful for asking the question after all. It sounds as though this mountain will become the permanent home for Kukutux and he wonders if the daughter will linger with them too, or go on to the Caldera, or any number of places. He does not want to see them separated.

I am glad to stay, Raimo admits. He would not have left without good reason regardless of how Kukutux felt on the subject, but he does not voice this. Perhaps it is known already; he has a way about him. There is good hunting on the mountain. As if that is his only reason.