Ouroboros Spine salumaruk ⇑

The water was cold but not flavorless. There must have been a patch of frozen sage somewhere nearby because that was the strongest taste he could identify, which almost made him want to curl his lips.

His stomach gurgled as the water filled it. His thirst was quenched but Raimo felt worse-off afterward and chose to remove himself from the lake's edge, finding his way towards the pale shape of Kukutux.

She seemed to have warmed towards him; her invitation was subtle enough to dismiss if he had work to do, and while Raimo could have moved on, he did enjoy the woman's company. He thought he could make use of her time somehow — and so he approached with his usual low swagger.

He ignored the feeling of her eyes studying him for the most part. Between the mother and daughter Raimo was not viewed so kindly; he knew that much by how Sialuk recieved him, though he hoped to change that view with enough time. He could be patient. This version of Raimo was thoughtful, considerate, and willing to bide his time.

When he was close he sank to his haunches, but looked away — not disinterested, but feigning curiosity in the shuddering trees around them both.