one red feather found, and sap besides. elk charm noted the location for a return. but as she moved to face away, a large shadow fell across her gathering spot. quickly she looked up to see its caster: a very tall woman and powerfully built. the girl stared, way but not fearful as she might have been to see a man. "hello," came her greeting, curiosity overcoming better sense.
elk charm knew that few others spoke sharadoii, but she had thus been insulated. and she had not tried yet to learn common. but this word was one she knew. they were making the first meeting with one another, and the girl let her own tail sway in answer.
a pause followed. she pondered that stoic face.
