Ouroboros Spine i loved you like the sun

her face was wet with salt.

"i wish this. i will teach you all i have learned."

it felt that sun and moon looked down upon them.

kukutux felt a deep and slashing loss; one of daughter who had not been given this moment with mother. her own had been head of women's circle, influential to every male leader.

she had perished.

tooteega raised her head. old woman. old woman.

you are not yet an old woman, daughter.

but i feel that i am.

but you are not. there is life still in you to be born.

fear; welling.

tooteega nodded in solemn knowingness.

ten children you have borne. fourteen you have suckled. moonwoman stands before you.

a breath;

kukutux returned to vairë.

and her mind gave one thought: kilgitsuk. and she did not like it, but held it uncomfortably in her mind.

"your dowry is moonglow. no man could hope to pay it." small worn teeth glittering, teeth that often ached more now.

"instead you seek a companion, as i have in sun man. you will have all the time you want, moondoe."