Emberwood abeo [m]

She regained her strength slowly, as she preened her pelt, as though with every lick of her tongue she sought to awaken her skin once more. The sensation did not return, and she continued to feel unusually cold. So she cleaned herself thoroughly, aware that he was standing guard. 

Once she was satisfied, she sat up. She gazed at him for a moment, wondering if the one act would suffice. She felt herself convinced that at the very least, that was all she would ask from him. If she did not conceive, then she would meet her fate with no chance of redemption. 

”You owe nothing else. Whatever spirit dwelled within you, it is now within me, to be bound with my own. Go. Live your life.” 

The great cask of Moss turned, then, to head back for the Creek.