Swiftcurrent Creek Wall

Arric’s skyblue stare was fierce upon him, but it was the guardian’s right to search for deceit, weakness, and strength. Wake weathered the hard look with humility. He understood his position, and he accepted his current status without qualm.

I want nothing except familiarity between us, he answered evenly. I do intend to make a home for myself and others in this valley. I am also open to associating with the Creek in a trading of favors and bodies,—for hunts, for support, for war—but I am not here to make requests. I come only to make myself known to you. Here, he would be no thief in the night, no shadowstalker, nor snake-oil salesman. And to say that I will be neighbor and friend to the Creek, as long as they are friend to me.

Alliances could only be built once a kinship had been established, after all.