Barrow Fields sky underground

she could not get much, but it would have to be enough. it took too much effort on her part to cut away at this frozen thing. it was like trying to cleave pieces off of a glacier; her teeth ached from the cold of it, and as virile as she was in her youth runa was not a strong creature. she was willow-thin, her belly tucked and concave.

he made more noises and so she stopped tugging. panting heavily out of her long face, and looking to him with a sidelong glance, as a doe might spy a buck; uncertain, but not really afraid. he moved to lowed himself, and she found this curious.

he had not chased her. he had not tried to play the toothy game like the other man — the memory of which made her flex her weight on one wrist that boasted a raised scar — so, she drew a little bit closer.

tasting the air. studying what could be found between them.

he smelled of the sea, and of pine, and seemed as alone as she was.