Herbalists' Cache wooden doll

"pass out?" he inquired in wondering. did he mean he would be sickened by blood? "i have killed much," he reminded her, more than caribou. "but this time — my spirit will make you less. take your strength. it is why i must stay away."

born in snow. he wanted her now, his body tightening with the control he must exercise. now, and for several moons after. it was what he had been taught, and the taboo of enjoying her body so close to the time of life bound him away.

lips pressed to her collarbone; a low rumble told her she was desirable, that her continued support of him made the chieftain wish to truly embrace her. 

"i will. i will name them then, before the caribou."

what was this emotion burning beneath the breastplate, in his veins; in mind; in veins? a surge of feeling for star eater and for their young; love.