Ravensblood Forest the seas did not forgive, and they did not welcome their wayward children home

like the woman had been, this man was starving, and swiftly finished her offering. kukutux pulled the third and last stick of meat from the skin, lying it upon the ground. she would have to hunt now, but it would be worthwhile. to feed the body before the mind was a creed of her kith; in anyone's ulax, a wanderer or member of the clan would be offered food upon entry. it was a way to keep close, to ensure that children were always fed no matter to whose dwelling they clambered.

"no," the duck murmured softly. she had never seen him before, nor a man like him in her days. the fear was ebbing; at any moment, this man could have struck behind her small skull with his teeth, ended her life. but he had not, only stood close and eaten what she had given him. he was still dangerous, yes, but kukutux did not think he would hurt her in this moment.

his breath was close enough to be smelled, thick and hot with a mossy reek. was some spirit trying to choke him even now? she feared that more than anything. could the pallid aIJatkugnak be healed by a mere woman? or would she anger the ghosts that followed him even more, and put both of them in danger? he needed a shaman and medicine chants, but there was no such person here, only kukutux.