Ouroboros Spine Last fire will rise behind those eyes

A glint of appreciation flashed in her eye. He was smart to ask first, rather than to come without her blessing—the mountain's blessing. Aya, she affirmed. The mountain will welcome those who wish to learn, but be warned: she is a cruel teacher. She has sharp slopes and treacherous paths Those who learned to navigate them would be rewarded.

A less-traveled Sialuk would have laughed at his suggestion of a wife; been shocked, even. But she was older and worldly, not unused to the many arrangements of making babes. A strong one, she said. Sialuk found herself more drawn to men, but if the right women wished to court her, the raindrop could not say that she would refuse.