Ouroboros Spine pharmaka

kukutux watched with a billowing sort of quiet joy as the boy accepted her gift. she sensed a desperation in him all the same; she wanted to ask how long he had been alone, but he did not use his voice. so she would keep hers quiet as well. 

folding paws beneath her chest, she took her eyes from him as not to stare, and set her mind upon the tasks she had yet to do. a yawn split her jaws impolitely, and she glanced to see if he watched.

but he did not. the boy lay half-upon the fur and even now put his strength toward sleep, in the manner of a baby who has become drowsy with milk but refuses to slumber. yet he fell beneath it all the same, and kukutux felt warmth upon her cheek and salt upon her lip. her son had not left her heart.

the duck kept watch over the forest-child as he slept.