Herbalists' Cache ticking time

star eater does not pull away, though the grip of nagruk's teeth at her scruff sends a ripple of tension down her spine. not out of fear—never that—but from the unexpectedness of it, the foreign weight of another woman upon her like this. there’s something testing in it, and star eater’s chin lifts as if to meet the challenge, to see just how far nagruk means to push.
still, her voice remains smooth, unbothered, though the breath she exhales is slow and measured. soon, she confirms, her tone like the hush of wind across the snow, her gaze sliding sidelong as if to point where the shelter rests hidden beyond the brush. he built snow shelter for them. strong. warm.
her belly shifts beneath them, a reminder of what draws this attention to her in the first place. of what makes her precious in the eyes of men and, perhaps now, women like nagruk.
the first lanzadoii born in this place, she adds, as though that explains everything. as though that alone is why nagruk’s teeth belong at her throat.
she allows the hold only a moment longer before drawing her chin back, gently dislodging herself, but not harshly—not insulted. the ghost of a smile flickers at the corner of her mouth.
i see why you were chosen, star eater murmurs, as though sharing some private observation, as though she’s starting to understand nagruk’s place beside them all. her tail gives a faint sway. stay close. when the time comes, i’ll need strong women nearby.