2/14/2026, 8:31 PM
nate had gone ahead. many were at his side, including the seal hunter.
when chakliux had gone from sight, elk charm shivered somewhat. she did not feel frightened to see him, and yet she was clawed too constantly by taboo in memory's practice to enjoy his presence. it was better that they were separated and remained apart as much as possible.
for now, the sharadoii tried not to think of the seal man. her stores of dried herbs had dwindled no matter her attempts at replenishment, and her traveling-food was also sorely lacking. it was this need which drew elk charm tentatively to the blue flame, beside which had been built a small-lodge, an offering from chakliux to please the fire spirit.
she, who had hunted a rabbit, now fed pieces of meat to the heated one, gratified to see the bright blueness leap.
carefully in the hours that followed, elk charm lay strips of meat to be dried beside the cerulean glow. it took three days of time, and without smoke, it did not have the flavor to which she was accustomed. still, the carefully bitten pieces would keep for a while. stuffing them into her deerhide, the sharadoii straightened, bowed toward the flame, and stepped off in the direction where nate had gone.
in time elk charm passed the woodland where she had first met him. trails here, and ones familiar. her paws continued their searching trail.
when chakliux had gone from sight, elk charm shivered somewhat. she did not feel frightened to see him, and yet she was clawed too constantly by taboo in memory's practice to enjoy his presence. it was better that they were separated and remained apart as much as possible.
for now, the sharadoii tried not to think of the seal man. her stores of dried herbs had dwindled no matter her attempts at replenishment, and her traveling-food was also sorely lacking. it was this need which drew elk charm tentatively to the blue flame, beside which had been built a small-lodge, an offering from chakliux to please the fire spirit.
she, who had hunted a rabbit, now fed pieces of meat to the heated one, gratified to see the bright blueness leap.
carefully in the hours that followed, elk charm lay strips of meat to be dried beside the cerulean glow. it took three days of time, and without smoke, it did not have the flavor to which she was accustomed. still, the carefully bitten pieces would keep for a while. stuffing them into her deerhide, the sharadoii straightened, bowed toward the flame, and stepped off in the direction where nate had gone.
***
in time elk charm passed the woodland where she had first met him. trails here, and ones familiar. her paws continued their searching trail.