Shadowwyn Moor Hydrurga

suliya listened. the poor girl of a lost heritage, understood by none, falling incessantly down a hole of confusion, loss, and ultimately— a lack of belonging.

what her mother did— suliya could not judge. for women of muradoii had their reasons— less it be that their had been...a mistake with her birth. the spirts could've whispered, the offerings of her children enough to satiate their hungry gods, but even so...

suliya moved towards the girl. an urge to comfort, to help her understand what had happened. suliya was no expert on their traditions, but her mother had sacrificed much to tell her all that she could.

her wide-eyed restlessness had suliya's eyes flutter to a brief close, inhaling. she let out a breath, seeking to ease the thrumming pulse between them.

there is cause for why you lived, you must know this, she thought. the men take. take, take. your mother offered what she could to the beasts, the gods, but your spirit was strong. sedna saw it. sasuma paid tribute.

there is a reason you are here.

she gave you the greatest gift a muradoii woman can dream of having— she breathed, nose coming to touch the furs on her forehead. strength.