Shadewood dusk speaks

he did not want to accept it; he was proud, and his shoulders grew tight beneath that burden. but kusax̱asaa knew he must relent, and so after some uncoiling, he nodded. it would be taken. appreciated. talvani grew in some esteem.

this too, safeguarded. kusax̱asaa could not longer afford trust misplaced, and she had already argued with him once. yet he reminded himself that she was here. that she remained.

and so the woman kept her place in his eye.

"yes," he grunted. "go to sivaak. respect sivaak, and learn. i say still you must choose. but it does not mean your ears must shut."

chin lifted. pride must be his again, the hunter felt, still stung by shame that he was not yet able to run.