Moonspear girl

Njord’s good ear fell to half-mast to telegraph his empathy. Chakliux’s oil father sounded a lot like Meares’ Atlan, and his proverb reminded Njord of the ocean’s ways: a cycle of give and take. But there was no sea in Moonspear’s high forests – and for a moment he longed for the comfort of the coast’s briny air.

His head bobbed and acknowledgment and agreement with a stern look. There was no room for ‘I’m sorry for your loss’ here… Njord simply stood in solidarity with Chakliux, knowing they had both gone through the same ordeal as husbands and partners. The small comfort of having a cohort eased his heart.

“Ah trade sounds good,” Njord continued. He was reminded of Rodyn and Sialuk’s gifts. “Tae trade hasnae been part of my life a’fore. Seems tae be a common thing here, hmm?” he observed. “I have seen wolves of these mountains curing skins an’ makin’ crafts,” he laughed, lighthearted. “Ah ‘ave much tae learn.”

Then, the conversation turned back to family. Njord saw the way Chakliux’s demeanor changed when he spoke of Raiyuk. A father’s pride and joy.

“Meerkat is tired, but well,” he shared. “This is our second litter ta’gether, but her pregnancy wasnae easy this time.” The trials of the bear and Sapphique had added so much stress. “We were blessed with two bonnie lassies, an’ ‘ave named them Orca an’ Seal.” Then, Njord smiled. “Ah’m lookin’ forward tae them growin’ besides your Raiyuk.” A village with children!