Sunset Valley It might've been the neighbor's kid, but I have my suspicions.

She writhed, fighting the pressure of his weight and his will, and Tulimaq wanted to laugh. He did not, as he did not want to crush the fire from her spirit and being mocked would only worsen how her loss felt. He knew this well.

She stopped her fighting long enough to give him the win, and at that point he eased off of her. The look on her face was one he would think of often; for one so young, her will was iron-clad. Perhaps in time she would have the power to back that up.

He gave her distance and shook the snow from his shoulders, but otherwise seemed unphased by the one-sided spar. He did not gloat, nor attack again.