Ouroboros Spine pharmaka

someone had hurt him.

kukutux was reminded of how open the children of her birth-island had been, how they played without fear and came to any ulaq for food. this boy did not wear their carelessness, nor did he wear the unpolished delight of a young hunter. 

when he drew closer on hesitant steps, a conflicted expression crossing his face, kukutux was still. she watched him thrumming with corded wariness, but still again she saw her son in his youth, in the boyish aspect of his figure below the rest of it.

"come," kukutux said gently, standing slowly to her own paws. the line of her back turned to him now; if the wild going hunter meant to attack, it would be in this moment.

the duck found a path toward her ulaq, holding the fur before her as she went, ear tipped backward to hear the boy's step.