Herbalists' Cache song of time

suliya’s steps were easy, drifting toward the dark figure beneath the old tree, pale eyes narrowing as she took in sivaak’s swollen sides, the way she lingered far from the shelter and its gathering chaos. the woman had always been sharp, colder than most—but even so, suliya had expected her closer to the heart of things.

she paused a few strides away, gaze cutting toward the distant den where star eater labored, then back to sivaak.

you are not with chieftain wife? she asked, voice quiet but edged with the curiosity she didn’t bother to hide. a tilt of her head, brow raising. thought all the women would be pressed in close like pups to milk.

her eyes lingered a moment longer on the other’s belly, thoughtful, before she looked away to the herd beyond.

or do you prefer the peace like me?