Ouroboros Spine clawfeather

akavir was frustrated. kukutux plied him with a second serving of elk fat and pulled over her haunches once more a finished deerhide. the cold had risen sharp this year, scorching the duck with pain and a dull throb in every joint. only warmth soothed the thudding anguish, and spring would reveal new green shoots for which she might use medicine.

"a child cannot be happy while her father is gone," kukutux said gently, not wishing akavir's ire to be raised against the girl. "i will tell you the last i have seen."

repayment; the duck upheld a small hard paw as if to dissuade further speech on the matter, but her eyes were soft with a mischievous smile. "moonglow makes good use of kinship ties. but if a marriage cannot be had," kukutux teased, "then perhaps you will allow us to camp close for summer hunting."

her eyes moved to the woman, to the tall warrior and the tired moonbelt. "rest first, here at my hearth if you wish," and indicated a pile of soft hides. "there are more ulax only some steps away."

but if akavir wished it, she would rise, leading him to the tracks she felt belonged to the one he sought, allowing the two she-wolves to make themselves comfortable in the absence of leadership.