Redsand Canyon on this earth we are all the same [m]

The talk she had with Ruenna, the Matrona, had left Malila with mixed emotions. She had been given a choice. But not one that she liked. The idea of being on display for a man, controlled and ruled by him, was not appealing to the young woman. Of course, there was more to being a wife than that. There was the baby making, too, of course, which Malila knew little of. Her idea of being a wife wasn't perfect, in that not all men would be controlling and domineering. Maybe it was what she expected, in a place like Mereo. Besides, who would want a woman who had no skills?

Hearing the call from the Plebian, Aquene, Malila was quick to heed it. Not only had she been instructed to apprentice her, but the very nature the dark woman emanated, drew Malila to her. She was the first to warmly welcome her here, and that warmth never seemed to fade. The scent of herbs radiating from her made the young wolfs skin prickle. A herbalist, reminding her so much of her very own mother.
Arriving to the outside entrance of her dwelling, she breathed in the scent of herbs deeply. Poking her snout in, she called out softly, waiting for further invitation like a proper guest.