Ouroboros Spine bewitched, bothered and bewildered

She pulled the leg of ram toward her with her teeth, placing a paw upon it out of instinct. When he requested to stay, Sialuk realized with sudden clarity why Raimo bothered her so. The dark fur had inserted himself into their lives. He had not asked permission, had not asked for their blessing, and had forced himself into a role of providing. The white fur, Adrastus, instead gently suggested such things, requiring consent before assuming what Sialuk and Kukutux might want or need from him.

This is most generous of you, Sialuk said. It will be blessing for you to stay until summertime. Whether or not he remained a part of their village when the days were longest, she did not know, but Sialuk found herself hopeful that the white fur might make a buffer between Raimo and herself. Perhaps Raimo could be taught how to be more pleasant as Adrastus was.