Bearclaw Valley kashikoi kawa

Keiko led the hunter through the mossy gardens she had begun to tend towards the humble shrine made of cedar. The wood was arranged in perpendicular slabs and at the top was a red-stained gatepiece from the mother, Akai-Ki. Beneath it, a flat stone of empty river rock waited.

Keiko took the fish to the side. Quickly, she worked to filet it. Upon a broad, evergreen leaf she placed a square of fishmeat. She picked up the parcel, with formal gestures, and put it beneath the shrine.

She looked over to Ancelin and gave a small gesture to let him sit at her side.

Keiko turned her attention to their offering. She bowed deeply twice, clapped her paws together twice, and then fell into a silent prayer.

She gave her thanks to Hokkyokusei-sama and the many Kami of the forest for their protection. For this food. For the life in their bodies. Then, she said a prayer for this hunter and the new wolves in the valley.