Ouroboros Spine katjanik ⋖

men had their silent thoughts. but few were expressive as adrastus. and it was not an overmuch sort; kukutux had simply become sharply vigilant upon any way the face of a man might chance, for it suggested several things. a family. a legacy. she was pleased that he had raised himself in her regard. he had spoken directly, and sought her approval.

the jade-gaze smoothed into something that was briefly curious, the expression lifting from behind the ice she felt surely lurked within her features. but perhaps it was not coolness, not sadness; she feared it might only be a void.

"in moonglow we will keep the ways of my people," she said softly, surprised at the subtle firmness that had crept into her tones. but too many taboos had she broken. if the old ones sought to place into her care the shimmering shell-flake of wise-mother, then this is what the duck must become. "it is different from the things that are done here," kukutux cautioned gently, wondering what adrastus might take of this pushing-back upon perhaps what his vision of the future could be.

for she must know the truth of things before she proceeded.