Herbalists' Cache hoof trap

thank you, star eater said first, her voice low, shaped by the quiet reverence of his consideration. her gaze shifted, sweeping across the lands beyond their snow shelter, to the wandering shapes of those young women—girls still, really. i do not want to keep you from going, she added, thoughtful, her words curling like smoke in the cold. there are many women here, but they are young girls. they do not know what it takes to be mother.
her eyes flicked back to him, serious now. gjalla is older. wiser. i am strong woman, but even i must be prepared. why no take blackfell with you? he will give you the vengeance you deserve— man's task.
indent]it was not said lightly. she knew what it meant, what it would cost. but if blood must be paid, let it be by those willing, those able.
he exhaled softly through her nose, watching him carefully as he sighed, the weight of leadership heavy between them. her ears tipped forward, brushing the air. i trust you to do what is right. for saatsine.
a pause, and then a slow, approving nod when he spoke of eightweeks.
toward the sea. toward the moon tribes, she echoed, the promise carried like an ember in her chest. our children will see it. they will know the strength of their father... and the purpose of our name.