Qeya River tight rope

her breath curled into the cold air as she tilted her head slightly, indicating the larger shapes at the edge of the group—males, their antlers stark against the frosted landscape.

the males, she said simply, her tone steady and unyielding. greater risk. better reward.

her tail flicked, brushing lightly against the snow-dusted ground as she straightened. they’ll fight harder. but they carry more meat, more strength. for saatsine, we hunt with purpose.

she turned her eyes to him then, measuring. do you hunt with purpose? her voice was calm, but there was a challenge hidden in the question, subtle and deliberate. she wanted to see if he would rise to meet it.