Ouroboros Spine katjanik ⋖

he moved closer and she did not move to dissuade him. adrastus had pleased her with his caution and soothed some of her starting threats away with his willingness to recognize her as moon over this ring of mountains. she looked at his kill again, considered it with a tip of her muzzle and a careful musing over what he had said.

she was not sure what sort of legacy moonglow would have, simply that it must include the teachings that had forever kept her upon a focused path. it would be well for everyone, she felt, if she placed them into her way of how things existed within her mind. this comforted her, and moreso that adrastus had formed his great frame to adapt. "many things," and her mouth lifted into a small and gentle smile, though one that remained closed. "but you will learn over the moons that you are here." language seeking not to bind but to invite; a nuance that must be taken with men who wished to build things of their own.

"in my home there were two circles. the women's, and that of the hunters. the heads of both may come together to consult, but first-hunter leads the men, and wise-woman leads the others. " she blinked, remembering, feeling how good it was to untangle her tongue and let memories of her radiant birthland guide her words. "if there is a dispute among hunters, the first among them settles it. he is recognized by the women as first so long as he does not lose a challenge to his title. it is better for there to be peace among the ones who hunt. that is why sivullik is respected as long as he is fair."

raimo had made himself that. kukutux and sialuk had come first, and he had hunted first for them. she was reluctant to accept this, for she did not trust him in her spirit, but it was not her place to deny the role he had cut for himself in their village. "but even the first needs a brother," and she leveled green eyes upon adrastus, feeling strangely compelled as she explained what it was to be man of the frigid island-home.

kukutux was silent. a breeze whispered through the fur upon her spine. "there is much i will teach, to all of you."