Ouroboros Spine I'm flying like a bird to you now

Raimo listened carefully to the continuance of the story, learning a little bit about Kukutux in the process; or at least her people. The importance of the tale had to do with coming-of-age, as well as the benefits of the fox meat. Seeing that Raimo had caught his own fox quickly showed he was not a boy. Presenting it to Kukutux might earn some favor with her, although the pelt was red and not white (and an easier hunt because of this), but at the very least she could eat the precious meat and recover.

While she inspected the remains, drawing close to the cooling skin with its pelt of autumnal reds, Raimo watched her; his mind was elsewhere, back in Round Valley, as he thought of his sprawling family. He wondered who he could peddle this story to, and what it might be worth.

Kukutux brought him back to the black forest with her comment. She shifted her body slightly, her eyes trained upon him. Yes. How goes your recovery? Raimo's voice is sharp now, lacking the warmth that the tales had brought out in him — almost defensive. He had many reasons to linger.