Blacktail Deer Plateau west memphis is on fire in the light of day

Gone is the shy girl, as someone new seeks him out.

Boldly playing at the edge of his jaw, brushing a cold nose against his neck. Her breath is warm there. Warm everywhere —! Kigipigak feels himself melting against her and is struck by how apt Kukutux' names have become for the two of them; but in thinking of his kin, he tenses.

It is a confusing time for Kigipigak as he separates himself from thoughts of the outside world.

"Your mother wants a warrior for you to marry?"
Kukutux' knowing look surfaces in his mind.

Kigipigak's jaw tightens and he draws back from Sakhmet — meaning only to draw himself away from the memory and unaware of what he is doing. Water drips from his shoulders as he finds purchase on the creek bottom again and rises partway, stepping on to the bank.