Ouroboros Spine foxfire

kukutux had lowered herself into a sit by now, pale plume wrapped around her small front paws. 

his words were filled with things she did not understand. a boy who had been given nothing. a trader already.

a trader.

the trader.

she swallowed, and baubles of dew suddenly clung to her lashes. "the mountain, there. it fell." to moonspear. "i lost a son. i lost my husband. i lost my sister. before that, i lost my brother."

a sigh. 

"because in all the losing, and in all the knowing that no one will take their place, i have open arms. i made this village to be a home. a place for those who are lost and have lost to rest. finally." she did not sob, nor inhale unsteadily; kukutux was still, save for the slow stream upon her cheek. "i saw your face. i saw only a boy who was lost. and so i brought you here. there is no trade i want. stay or do not, nuak."

a smile despite herself. "because i am anaa. mother. it is the only reason."