Ouroboros Spine pharmaka

the boy did not relax as they moved. the sound of his steps were not consistent. kukutux did not turn as they walked, only filled herself with the strength of moonglow and the awareness that her wolves were close.

but more than that, her curiosity about the boy grew and grew, until the forested paths gave way to the soft spring grass, emerald and yellowvine. the stone face of her ulaq, draped over with slices of dried fish and strips of venison. a small heap of berries, fragrantly vibrant.

kukutux turned to face the young hunter, and then set herself to serving him, keeping the desired space between them both as she found the best-kept fats and sweetmeats from her cache.

setting it all upon a strip of paperbirch, the woman settled herself near the den-mouth, motioning that he should take the food. the birds trilling nearby did not move her gaze from him. "you do not have to stay if it is not your want," she told him. "only give to me the name that you have, so i will tell it to the others, and you may be given a free path when you come back."

would he speak now to her? or had his voice been taken? or did he only guard it, as he did the rest of himself?