Ocean's Breath Plateau out on sea ice

did she know him?

she looked longer at him than might be appropriate for one who wished to wed. the scarred shoulders and the bridge of his face marred by teeth. she wondered at once what his accomplishments were.

and then she felt the long lonely ache of wishing for white elk once more.

come home, i cannot lose you so soon.

you are moontide's first hunter?

she whispered and watched the bait he had laid.