Whitebark Stream yes i am still alive unfortunately

sega lets out a low chuckle, warm and rough, the sound of it carried on a curl of breath in the cold air. not mocking. never that. there is respect in it, plain as day.

hn. still got fire, he says, dipping his head just enough to mark it. elder to elder, even if the years weigh heavier on one.

he steps forward without argument, takes the edge of the ragged hide in his jaws and lifts it with practiced ease, careful not to drag it through the snow. strong, but unshowy. a man who knows when to use his back and when to use his pride.

then he turns, hide secured, already moving toward the valley as if it were the most natural thing in the world.