Ouroboros Spine Hunter, Hunter

kukutux shook her head softly. "i do not think you carry the kind of cold a man must wear to be trader all his life."

she had seen his trail cross that of samani. her daughter was old enough to begin her life as woman. but not until another year passed could she be mother.

her mind worked.

if he wanted samani as wife, the twelve moons that must first pass might be a time to be trader. 

but a good atsak did not suggest such things outright. a man must feel it was his choice.

her small teeth showed in a smile. "there are already eyes in this village upon you, rodyn. i am sure if you went beyond moonglow there would be more faces turned to yours." her praise was gentle. 

the two of them had by now set down the pelt into the lake. kukutux shifted stones onto it once more.