Ouroboros Spine Hung like the pelt of some prey you had worn

He had not forgotten the arrival of Sialuk's friends. Their numbers were growing.

Raimo was not the type to think a woman was weaker than their counterpart and so he saw each of them as a potential threat to his position; except that he had never met the majority of them. Of those named he knew Meerkat was aligned to the glen, and they had spoken of seeking shelter at the Caldera, which could have been anywhere.

For now they would help provide where Raimo's concentrated efforts waned. By Sialuk's own admission it was a set-up she preferred; no debts owed, no threat of strange trades or dealings to handle down the line.

You asked me why I helped and that is my answer. If I had not, you would have struggled and possibly failed on your own. His tone was clipped, himself growing impatient. Sialuk could not have known that her friends would come to help her.

Decided in that moment he was done trying to justify himself to her, Raimo feigned interest in the shadows among the trees. Pivoting his ears as if he's heard something, looking around with an alert expression.

The wind picked up in time to whistle a low note, but that was all. I do not know what it will take to earn your trust, but I find I do not need it. Trust me or not, I am at home on this mountain. He mentions with a glance to Sialuk, then back to the shadows. As a sense of disquiet settles between them Raimo begins to stalk away again.