Big Salmon Lake Grá

She loiters. She tells herself she’s reluctant to give up and return home without @Eventyr but there’s more to it than that. So far removed from everything ravn, Berskerkir can think about things besides warriors and war for the first time in her life.

It is the longest day of the year. As summer’s heat sets in, so does hers. During previous seasons, she has always sequestered herself away from the clans to resist temptation. Here in this strange stretch of wilderness, she doesn’t have to hide. She doesn’t have to stop herself, either.

Her heart pounds in her chest as she seeks relief in the shallows of a small lake. Deep down, she’s always wanted to be a mother. But she’s blemished, per the Kvitravns’ beliefs. She shouldn’t risk passing the curse on to her offspring.

Just because nobody in these wilds cares about such things does not mean they don’t matter. Berserkir cannot simply abandon four years’ worth of indoctrination, no matter how much she yearns. Torn, she whines under her breath and stares down at her shimmering reflection.

If she seeks a male’s attentions, she will be no better than her sister and the rest. No, she will be even worse. She will be an unpardonable sviker, never able to return to Elfenbenravn.