Qeya River moon flint

sun eater appraised the young wolf directly. she was not beautiful, but beauty was a fleeting thing. there was more than loveliness. thus she had exhibited a spirit's fire, an adaptable strength, and great wisdom in ending here her struggle with him, with the lanzadoii.

captives were not meant to remain so forever, and fractious slaves were often killed or traded early on. she had cost him much energy, but her connection to the ghost talker kept her alive.

"ggax xel ts'akae." it would be far too weighty for her untrained words to say, and so he spoke again. "dark rabbit wife. she make her face many faces. many faces, until you not know what face is hers."

but the chieftain seemed to ponder a second time "no. i call you xel kon ts'akae. night fire woman, for flame you set and make again."

and he hoped the caribou spirits would know her now, and smile upon her binding to river walker when the time came.