Ouroboros Spine akiguk ∺

the jaunty expression faded from zane's face, as kukutux had intended. she was silent, appraising him. "it means i wish you to remain in this place," she told him solemnly, "but do not stay because i have done the asking of you. stay because it is a desire of your own." it was not the first time, she felt, that the man had alluded to wishing to be told to stay, or expecting that she had decided his tasks for him.

"i will give you a second name. pilannulik. 'knife that cuts bitter grass.'" was this what he wished? the moonbow forged ahead. "it means you have a place that lasts as long as your hunting. and that as hunter, you have the respect of this woman." the words, foreign now, a greeting from long ago.

it must not be so.

she kept firm, searching zane, for she was not sure that even he knew what it was he wished. freedom. a home. to be asked to stay. all conflicting; his face wished to be a casual one but his demeanour was not. she would know the truth.