Ouroboros Spine salumaruk ⇑

Raimo did not anticipate much of a response from the wise-woman. He did not know what she might say in response and he had not calculated for that; however when her anger flared in conjunction with his own, he was oddly pleased to see it. Like the cracking of ice over the lake. The thaw of Kukutux' grief spurred by this anger he had brought out of her. This show of love for her daughter elevated Kukutux as far as Raimo was concerned and he no longer thought of Sialuk in the same way. His eyes were only for Kukutux.

Disrespect had occurred and Raimo knew he had done wrong. He had not intended it, but it had happened, and now he would have to work harder to make up for the damage he had caused.

Kukutux focused on teaching him to be better. Her explanations were born of a place Raimo had never seen and a culture that was not his own, but he listened, letting his anger become low embers until he only felt them in the strangest of places: not the ache in his heart, but something lower, more carnal.

And then — Maybe I was wrong to ask this of you. Maybe I want you in my bed and that is all. How bold she was to say such a thing — she wore her anger well but starved it until it could be shed from her, and in her boldness gave Raimo a measure of hope. He felt the burn in his belly deepen.

Raimo did not know if he should speak; he found himself tongue-tied regardless, but on his feet again. Moving close, but not touching her. He would not do that without her consent even if it was all that he wanted. Is that what you want?