Ouroboros Spine My atonement lasts the best part of eternity.

kukutux watched as nuak withdrew, becoming part of the high rock wall as he melted into it, shades of graphite and granite. 

"the place of your birth. was it a valley?"

breath wished to be held, bated; kukutux forced herself to inhale through the asking. this was the third of the three pieces that the grey brother had given her. had he ever returned to them, to the family he said he had left behind? she did not think so. he had come to the bear-wilderness and died there.

slowly wonder replaced the sharp ends to her gaze.