Deepwood Weald arctocephalus

she learned of this flesh and blood thing and understood it. many times her brothers had bruised or bled from one another, and sometimes ice mother bled when she returned from her rendezvous with the hungry men.

the man dutch said that the words would travel; he was a talkative man, a loud one, so of this sulukinak held no doubts. she was glad that the mists had brought them together and knew her brothers would return to her, one day.

we have never been apart. she thought of nukilik and her pace slowed a touch, and she felt her mouth become dry. we-- never, never... why was her voice so heavy? mother would go away to trade with visitors, and keep us hidden. she said we would be safe. we always listened, and we stayed together.

but then they had run, and now they were apart, and sulukinak had not realized the weight of this until now, as the man dutch made promises and well-wishing to the aetherwood.