Ouroboros Spine ᐊ ukkuq

sorry for the wait!

the voice behind her was unfamiliar, but the cadence of his tread was not hostile. she did not turn until the last pull was set. then her eyes, one gold and one sea-glass, found him.

rodyn ardeth, she said. you are known.

her tone was unhurried, shaped by old ways and long winters. the words came as if from a place below the throat, heavy with quiet weight.

i am near done. her paws pressed the stretched skin; the faint sound of creak and release answered.

a breath passed before she went on, softer now. i am ippiksaut. once of the sea-ice. now of moonglow. she looked toward the mountains, where the wind carried the scent of stone and memory.

then, as if remembering his question, her eyes came back to him. your help would make the work lighter. but i do not ask it. only company, if you will stay.