Redsand Canyon I'm a woman, Mary. I can be as contrary as I choose.

Malila had in fact, been meaning to speak with the Matrona very soon. She had planned to seek her out when the soreness riddling her muscles had subsided. That was still a day or two off yet. Groaning, she shifted uncomfortably on the ruddy floor of her den. She had acquired any pelts to line it with, but she did manage to make due with a thin layer of dry grass, yellowed from the cold.

As she got up to move about in a circle, curling for the twentieth time to try and reposition herself, she heard Ruenna's voice outside. It surprised her, blue and yellow eyes darting to the entrance in a flash. She barely hesitated. "Yes, please come in." Her voice was tired but not strained. Gingerly she laid down, towards the back of her dwelling. She had never worked her body so hard like that in her life.