Time spent with Maska had, while not returning her to what she had been, improved her mood significantly — it didn't matter that the small tribe was burning down around her. It didn't matter that she was one against what seemed like hundreds of angry AniWayans who had sided with the Great Tribe. It didn't matter. She was happy, despite the concern she felt for her elder brother's health. It felt like home again. How she missed her home. Work had kept her busy, away from the less pleasant lives of her fellow tribesmen. The Great Fire comforted her displeasure. There was nothing that bothered her now.
That morning was no different as she rose from her place in the Town Hall to enter the world outside. Firewood was to be collected, torches made, and then she could relax with time to herself if there were hours left in the day. She set on the familiar path to the forested region with sling in hand to help carry back the bundles of kindling. Hours were passed in the forest as she collected, and still more time was wasted on the journey back, but it was a wonderful release from the rest of the world. Feet following the path back home, her lungs released puffs of air as song escaped her fiery jaws. Days were always so similar, and so the song never changed as she found her way back to the light of the Great Fire.
The presence of another surprised her as she came to rest within the giant hearth-like area about the flickering flames. Periwinkle eyes watched the slate-and-coal colored man as he worked to sharpen...well, what was it? A spear? An arrow? She wasn't a hunter and had no eye for weaponry, but it left her curious none the less. Slow steps carried her close, but silence kept interacting with him at bay until she couldn't find a reason to simply watch anymore. "What is that you're working on?" The question was quiet, respectful as she recognized that he was a stranger, but inquisitive regardless.
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