Snowforest Taiga nibwaakaawin ikwe

"makwa'tek...i walk with you." she declares with lowered head, green eyes stern. no jest behind them, only serious contemplation. the smaller woman is worthy, and her children, when they come, will need many mothers.
"we hunt. fight. test strength. when you ready, you choose." she winces at the sting of the poultice on her nose, but does not yet rise to her feet. she sits, waiting, and does not move until a response is given.

their union need not be permanent– only mutual benefit for as long as they both deem it necessary. she gestures with her muzzle to the wounded leg, speaks again.

"you rest. i hunt. few days, you heal. we hunt after." not a request, but an order. it will not serve either of them to injure themselves further.