Verdigris Ravine Clan

candle's labours began as the desert winter waned.

she had stopped taking her meals, and he had taken up a vigil at the cavemouth which admitted only female members of their tribe — should she wish them close.

candle and zoug used the everyday form of his clan's speech, which all hunters and foragers used between one another.

but as the day became night, it was formal, flowing motions in so ancient a tongue there were only names.

ooha! zheena! eesha! spirit of wind! spirit of rain! spirit of mists! come to us. attend us. our children look for your favor. a good woman looks for your help.

revered old ones. i do not understand this mystery. your ways are not for us to know. i ask only that you stand with this woman in your power, and lend her your strength.

on the hours marched. zoug's prayers became a circle.

at last, breath separated from breath, and candle called. he stood and peered into the darkness of the cave with a seeking eye, adjusting to the protective shadows from which he had barred himself since the day before.