Silver Moraine growing pains

Kigipigak had visited with the glacier wolves for a few hours this time, after returning from their visit to Rivenwood and checking in with his wife; but he wasn't as talkative. He took off as soon as he could, citing a desire to patrol.

He trailed his way west across the moraine. There wasn't any sign of the herds returning or any of the life within the valley recuperating - but he did cross paths with a mostly eaten carcass of a young deer.

It didn't look like much to begin with; there were scents of other predators around - mostly other wolves, with the scent stronger to the north - and Kigipigak was tempted to go investigate, thinking of the raiders.

Instead, he took some time to pull at the carcass and freed a rib bone to take back with him.

She slipped from Bartholomew's grasp... for now. Who was to say whether or not she would return to him? She didn't know, and hopefully neither did he. Carla was sweet and all, but Diantha wasn't sure she could put up that face forever. Maybe it was time to try something new. Or rather, try to scam someone new.

As the girl traveled, she dreamt up new names for herself, new personalities she might use to convince others to do her bidding. The strong scent of dinner drew her attention away, and soon she was salivating, her nose quick to bring her to the site of the fallen beast. Alas, somebody was already there. And he was big. Diantha was no fighter, so instead she hung back. She was certain he could see her, and she looked on interested, but she wouldn't approach until he'd backed off her next meal. At least it seemed to be only him.

As he drew away from the carcass Kigipigak settled somewhere nearby, so he could gnaw at the dry meat clinging to the bone. He did not immediately notice the young woman. When he'd cleaned most of the meat away he looked towards the carcass again, and that was when he picked up her silhouette.

The meat is very old, he cautioned. But if you are hungry, eat.

His pale shoulders hunched together as he bent to pick up the bone again, and began to chew at the narrow end of the rib. The length of his tail was curled around his paws, but the tip gave an inviting flick.

That was all she needed. Diantha wasted no time pouncing on the opportunity to fill her belly, no matter how old the meat was rumored to be. And yeah, it wasn't the best thing she'd ever eaten, but she new better than to pass up a meal. Not everybody was as friendly as this guy, but she was satisfied when they were. Not thankful, because Diantha didn't do gratitude.

She pulled a hunk of something away from the downed beast and began to gobble up the carrion with fervor. In fact, she was so enthusiastic, she started choking on a rather large, tough piece of meat. Sputtering, she managed to swallow it whole, her eyes watering in the process.

Cussing heck! she rasped, her throat now tender from the oversized chunk of food she'd forced down.

The girl went for the carcass and ate fast, too fast; she was choking and almost regurgitated it all. With a forceful swallow she kept it down - and shouted out, which earned a smirk from the man.

You alright? She didn't sound as if she enjoyed whatever meal she'd gotten the taste of. There was plenty more - if she wanted it. Maybe Kigipigak should peel away some pieces and take them along, back home.

Just swallowed the wrong way is all, she said. What's your name, anyway? And why are you out here by yourself? The same could be asked of her, of course, but Diantha would cross that bridge when she got to it. She went back to gnawing on her food, taking a slower pace this time around so she didn't choke on it again.

I am not alone, he said with a bright, short laugh creeping up his throat. You are here!

He chuffed softly and shook his head at himself, and regarded the long dead thing on the ground for a moment. My name is Kigipigak. I am a hunter! I am here with my wife. He liked to boast about himself in the past, and now found the habit easily turning the focus away from himself and on to Sakhmet. We live closer to the mountain.

With a motion towards the glacier in the east, Kigipigak added: What about you?