Lost Creek Hollow of the men

She called to him, and even named him. The sound wasn't so fragile in her mouth and Kigipigak was pleased. He moved to intercept and heard her question, to which he had little answer. He did not want to seem odd for being so far from home, and did not think to twist the question back to her; no doubt she was scouting, as he was. Perhaps hunting for something to share among the village.

I needed time to think, he explained earnestly.

Mahler's offer to me is still hard to process. I needed to get away from Rivenwood to really digest it, which was half a truth. Kigipigak did not know what to do with himself in that place, not really. He did not want to confront the other women and be shot down again and again, and he was not sure he was ready for any other result.

When I found your scent I thought, perhaps, you might have found a trail. Which was not true either, but it was easier than asking her questions outright. If she wanted to be alone instead, she could still turn him away.