The Bracken Woods [m] ivory ice

while cen was gone, red leaf did what she knew best: the caribou skins were laid and stretched, and treated with oil she carried from the glacier. bones and large stones held them to the ground, and tucked beneath the headrest was a collection of dried herbs meant for good luck. aaka had done this for her the night before she was to be wed.
sometimes red leaf wondered if it truly worked at all.
when her husband returns, the girl's eyes twinkle with hope that perhaps now he would be in a better mood. he drops fresh meat at her feet, still warm, and she is careful to keep it away from the pelts lest the downy fur be stained crimson. she supposes now she must butcher it; some will be their dinner, while the rest will be dried.
cen says nothing to her, but as his back turns to leave again, red leaf mutters a trembling i love you.