Ouroboros Spine ᐊ avvik

yes, she said simply, gathering the edges of the folded hides and nudging them toward him with her paw. you have strength enough for that.

the morning light caught against his crimson fur, the scent of travel and smoke rising as he stooped to take the weight. ippiksaut watched, expression unreadable, save for the faint lift at one corner of her mouth— approval, perhaps, or amusement.

red wrath vengeance, she repeated, tasting the name as though measuring it against the wind. a name built from war and blood. mayhap the moon will soften it, if you stay long enough.

she turned then, stepping from her work and motioning for him to follow. come. you will bring those to the ulaq, and i will bring you to leadership. it is not our way to turn away a traveler who comes with open paws.

the earth was soft beneath her feet, thawing from the night’s frost. 

walk close, she said over her shoulder, voice light but edged with quiet command. these lands are gentle, but they have teeth. and i would rather they not test yours today.