Herbalists' Cache a mad thought

barely had sun eater slept and he had not eaten.

when his mate's call rose for him, the lanzadoii hunter was up on rangy legs before its sound had ended. entering the snow shelter took a special courage for a man who had been bound by taboos all his life. but enter he did, carrying the amulet of caribou fur and dewclaws.

scents of blood and milk stained the air. sun eater stood staring at his children so long he did not know how many minutes had passed, and then the single eye moved to his wife.

his wife. resplendent. glowing.

he bent his knee then.

a soft look was offered to her, and then to each babe in turn. two sons. two daughters. "i have never had girls before," he said in a voice roughened with emotion.

morning light touched the star upon her forehead. sun eater had never seen her so beautiful.