Ouroboros Spine I feel my lungs give up

@Ajei @Arrluk tagging for visibility

The last pack had been a bit of a mess, and it left the lion feeling a little low. He could only hope that this next one wouldn't be cut short by the reveal of some dead grandparents.

Stood outside the set borders, Arslan lifted his head to howl for those within the territory to come meet him. Taking the time he would have to wait, he adjusted the pelt hung wround his neck once more; insuring that the green held within was secure. He had forgotten the one he took out at his last stop, and he was not willing to risk wasting anymore.

He had to wonder what made the stuff so great - but he didn't have the guts to try it himself either.

Ajei made it to the borders and studied the rough and tumble wolf that stood there. She kept her body in the proper stance and studied him with green eyes. But there was fear there in her stomach at the sight she beheld in his paws. That green stuff that had hurt Kukutux. She remembered it well. It had caused her great grief, but no one had ever known. She remembered watching AIolos and Rodyn help her home, and seeing a bundle just like that in her paws.

What brings you to Moonglow.

She wished for @Arrluk right now. This was not something she normally did. But she was leader now. She must take care of those therein and the borders.

Two 'moon' packs in a row - what was so special about that floating rock anyways?

I come from a pack in the lowlands, my Segundo sent me bearing gifts. He flashed a smile, friendly as they come; his pretty face helps with that. We had a good harvest recently, he wants to share our bounty.

He felt some tension in the air, but Arslan had to hope that it was only in his own mind. He was relatively unaware of Verapaz's previous relationships with other packs, but should there have been any issues.. hopefully Soto would have told him.

Then again, he had his doubts.

Ajei was unsure what to do in this scenario. She wished for Arrluk or Moonwoman or Sunman. They would have been able to guide. At least better than she knew how. But she could not shirk her duty or focus on the past and the leaders though she loved them. Could not help her anymore. 

Pretty face or not, Ajei didn't really notice. That was not the kind of thing she looked at. Though Arrluk had a pretty face also. 

She looked at the pack he had placed down. She did not want to take it, but the more she thought about it. She could take it and bury it as deep as she possibly could. 

Thank you. What may I ask is your name and your Segundo?

Welcome to the village Moonglow, traveler. A greeting from the treeline as Arrluk makes his way towards the pair; his little wife standing before a man in malted browns and with sharp orange eyes. 

The whale-wolf coming to stand next to Ajei, he dips his white chin to the man before him. I am Arrluk, Tóangun of this land. Eyes drift to the gift at the man's feet. The smell of its contents unpleasantly familiar to him, yet his features do not give away his disinterest.

Another wolf comes, but frankly Arslan has no interest in lingering here. He misses the warmth of a den already. He flashes a smile, polite enough to not be taken as dismissive. If I could stay longer I would. Enjoy the gift. He says.

Turning away, his stride makes an easy exit. Verapaz hopes to hear from you soon!

Ajei watched him go. And once he was far out of ear shot she spoke. Arrluk I want this buried so deep no one ever finds it again.

A rare anger was in her voice. She stared at the green with disgust and anger and sadness. She did not know if this had anything to do with Kukutux and Aiolos death, but she knew that the woman had held it tight like a talisman and she would not have this horrible plant anywhere near them. Perhaps it was unfair. She didm't really even know what it did. it could be something so wonderful for healing. But she also did not wish to take the chance.

She looked to Arrluk to see if he would disagree.

As quick as he comes, he is gone. Arrluk stands sentinel, watching the man as he does so and after a while, his muzzle crinkles in dislike. His head turns to his wife at her words, nodding. 

Dont touch it. He speaks as she looks to it. I dont want that in your mouth. He didnt know how powerful it was, yet it seemed like those who had cultivated it were dispersing this gift with a hope they would come for more. As any trader might, really. 

He thought of throwing it in the lake, yet didnt want to taint his waters with it. Thought to hide it in the crevices of the mountains, yet didnt want to carry it. So, as Ajei suggested, he began to dig.

Ajei stood by him, helping him if he would allow. But as he requested she did not touch the green. And when their hole was deep and wide enough. She would search for a stick and poke and prod at the thing, the hard bark biting in to her gums as she did so. But she was undeterred. She stared at it as it sunk into blackness and she shuddered. 

I know that we are traders. But there is something wrong about that plant. You don't usually offer a plant as a gift. And Kukutux. Her voice broke on it. She held it too tightly for it to be good.

Hearing his mother's name aloud caused his ears to instinctively sweep backward. Seagreen eyes starred into the hole they dug until they could not reach to dig any further. It gives you visions... At least, this is what he believed from the moments he might have spied his mother after having taken it. That I'm not certain all were real.

Ajei stared at it sadly and sighed softly. She felt bad for saying his mother's name. But Kukutuxhad lifted the taboo. But perhaps she shouldn't have.

She leaned forward hesitantly to touch his chin gently. A knowing look in her eyes.

The name spoken. A taboo broken. It was one which his mother had upheld all her life. Had done so in all his growing up, until - 

Arrluk thought of his sister's. Each of their deaths, one child taken from each litter: Samani in the first, Ariadne in the second. What happen to Galana? Then again, what od Callyope and Sialuk and Vaire? 

Aiolos religion had differed from Kukutux own and with far less taboos, omens and superstition. Arrluk found himself reluctant to let these things go, for fear of what might become of what was left of the family if he did so. 

A sigh, Arrluk moves into Ajei's embrace in the quiet.