Verdigris Ravine skin

among the clan, a man and a woman might become mates, but exclusivity was unnecessary. all pups borne to the clan were raised between the families. paternity did not have an emphasis.

zoug knew what candle asked, and would have accepted with his usual grunting had not he paused.

did she want a sire for cubs or a mate? zoug had never been sought out for either. a man of the spirits might provide affected or sickly children. it was reason enough for him to have always kept his distance.

but this was not the clan. he was tribe now, and candle wanted him for this.

and so zoug gestured: yes.