Our actual roleplay-
* Kilirniku We had continued our path forward into the unknown valley ahead cautiously. Mighty H'rimgar stood tall and imposing along our left, as we approached.
* Melete trudges along, staying alert and paying attention to my Master as well as to the surrounding area, this was all new to me and I was completely leery each new phase of the journey, though I trusted my Master to lead us through safely
* Kilirniku Directly ahead of us, on our left were the tall and imposing peaks of the mighty H'rimgar mountain range, ahead of us a wide valley of the Tundra sprawled. Through this valley further north among the mountains lay a key game migration route
* Melete dark hued gaze notes the nervousness of the animals, Ember has her ears laid fully back, her tail was swishing to and from almost in a violent manner and it only got worse the further we went into the valley we were heading into that we would be passing through, my gaze lifted to take in the Verr and though they seemed to have slowed they were not showing signs of stress or reluctance to pass through the valley we approached
* Kilirniku Nuqi, ever vigilant and quick to spread rumors of the world around us had been in and out of sight numerous times as the approached the stone lined hills to our right; far beyond them lay the polar ice and the unknown sea.
* Melete frowns but doesn't mention anything just yet, I thought maybe it could be Ember reluctant to go further away from the forest and I pondered sending her back, a thought that saddened me but I had to think of what was best for my wild friend. Glancing around, I then had to wonder if she could make it back alone, this was something I truly needed to think on, though if she wanted to leave she could... I almost chuckled aloud at my inner conversation and argument with myself but I swallowed the sound as it just didn't feel right to laugh aloud.
* Kilirniku the verr seemed more stubborn that usual lately and they continually wished to move to our left toward the lower sloping landscape. I believed they had found the scent of water upon the wind, but I do not think this now. I believe they, like Nuqi and Ember could sense a heavy presence drifting on the wind, or passing by upon the ground. I saw nothing which seemed out of place, other than the air felt somehow different for the season.
* Melete glancing to my Master, I want to ask him where it is we head, though I don't. He has told me many things on our journey, taught me many lessons and worked with me tirelessly, but where we go and why he has said nothing... it was a growl from Ember that pulled me from my thoughts, though still I could see nothing that would be setting her off.
* Kilirniku Nuqi was more often to be found moving along closer to us, in slower and smaller circles. I paused to think and observe the animals. I dropped the leads of the verr, allowing them to move freely. I watched them tend to move not ahead, but toward our left toward a long line of thrust up stone and vapors.
* Melete almost stops as a shiver raced down my spine and back up again, it was like fear, apprehension and a warning all rolled into one continuous feeling as it rushed through me, but again I tried to shake it off for there was nothing, then I noted the Verr leaving the path for a new one they wanted to set upon and to my Master I looked at questionly in
* Kilirniku I glanced toward Melete and gave a nod in the direction of the verr. "keep them in sight. watch where they go."
* Melete nods to Him saying as I turn my steps to keep to the path of the Verr; "Yes, my Master" though I figured it was water they were headed for
* Kilirniku I considered my options for a long moment as my eyes followed the imposing line of ice covered stones among the hills to our right. I saw nothing moving; I heard nothing; I smelled nothing.
* Kilirniku I waited until I glimpsed Nuqi again moving quietly along the ridge, weaving in and out among the jumbled outcroppings.
* Melete stays behind the Verr, they wanted nothing to do with the path we had been on and though they went slowly, they stayed headed along the path to the left, the Jutted up stones and mist made it look most mystical and I was not sure how I felt about that
* Melete learning about my Master's ways and learning about how the Spirits moved among us is various ways, I was beyond spooked by what may be out here in this vast area of almost nothingness, especially since SOMETHING had the animals spooked.
* Kilirniku balancing my spear in hand, I jogged ahead keeping the sleen on my right as I worked my way up among the shadows of the stones. I followed the ridgeline cautiously, alert for ice beneath my feet. I looked down from the height onto a small village tucked neatly away from sight within the natural offsets of the landscape and uprisings of dark stone.
* Melete watches Man and Beast working together as they scout ahead as I keep the pack animals in sight and together, Ember was sticking close to me, she was clearly on high alert and I was glad for the extra eyes.
* Kilirniku I crouched and observed the village and the landscape around it for some time. I looked back in Melete's direction attempting to locate her. Seeing her I then watched and listened for Nuqi. After she returned from her latest prowl, I moved back along the way I had came to go and find my woman.
* Melete spots my Master coming for me and I gave Ember the hand signal to halt and stay while I made for the Verr clicking my tongue at them trying to get the spooked beasts to stop
* Kilirniku I approached her and crouched low beside her. I began to speak softly "tether the verr, bring your bow and spear. I will be among those rocks at the top of the ridge. Find me"
* Kilirniku I studied the rising line of stone that approached the village tucked away behind it. I chose my path and moved quickly and quietly up into the hills among the stones once more. Here I paused to wait for Melete; to watch and to listen, to smell and gossip with Nuqi.
* Melete nods to Him whispering; "Yes, my Master" turning to note the ride he spoke of before rising to take my leave as He went to the top of the ridge as he said, quickly I made my way to the Verr and made haste to ground tether them before heading to the smallest sled where I pulled free my spear and short bow and quiver of arrows and only then I made my way up to the top of the ridge with him
* Kilirniku I crouched low among the boulders which towered around us with her. I pointed to the path ahead between the stones " maybe forty paces ahead the path divides, The right take you to higher ground with a good view over the top and down into a small village. The path to the left winds down lower into the approach of the village."
Kilirniku :go to the left, get close, wait and watch
* Melete eyes follow where he points taking in the eerily quiet village paying attention to his instructions.
Melete :Yes, my Master
* Kilirniku fixing my eyes on her, I nodded, inclining my head politely.
Kilirniku :hunt, huntress
* Melete pulling an arrow free effortlessly I notch it on the bow-string of the arrow, while keeping my hand on my spear as well. Hearing Him telling me to hunt, my lips curl in a feral smile as I incline my head back to him as I turned to head where he said saying as I do; "As you command my Master"
* Kilirniku I turned and faded away among the shadows of the the stones to the right. I too would wait, and watch, and listen. There were no fires, there were no people moving, there were no voices speaking. This was a considerable settlement at one time. I counted twelve yurts within its perimeter; there should be fifty or sixty people in the area around it, and yet I saw no one, anywhere.
* Melete on take a moment to center myself, I then step off in the direction commanded of me knowing he would be above watching over me as I approached the village staying in the shadows, finding a place to crouch low to settle and watch and even ready to fight if necessary.
* Melete not a sound did I hear, no steps of villagers, no laughter, no voices at all, it was like there was not a soul to be found within, but there should have been.
* Kilirniku I saw among the yurts thing which I remembered from a time along ago but had not seen in many years, Inukshuk; tall cairns of stone; placed, and stacked, and shaped by hand; large rough effigies of stone used to represent many Spirits of the world, to mark hunting caches, and boundaries.
* Melete looking in the direction my Master should be, I gave him a sign all was quiet and I saw not a soul from where I stood crouched in the shadow. Leaning I inhaled deeply and I could not even smell recent smoke, the ground before me told a story no man, woman or child had passed over this space in as many as two hands, maybe three
* Kilirniku among the village I saw no recent trails, not the first footprint upon the freshly fallen snow. I began to work my way down toward the village from the stones atop the ridgeline. I moved further to my right a short distance then doubled back to my left as the path turned along the face of the stones where now I walked.
* Melete continued to study the path leading into the village and I noted there were not even fresh game tracks of any kind and that struck me as very odd, this was a passage through the mountain ranges surrounding us, something or someone should have left tracks
Kilirniku :'me slowly this path would descent to the valley floor on the opposite side of the canyon from Melete. I was sure that from wherever she lay hidden, she could see me moving along the path descending the face of the cliffs.
* Melete watches He who owns me head to the other side of the village, I am sure he was finding exactly what I was and that was nothing
* Kilirniku beyond the edge of the village I waited and watched the area where Melete should have been. I scanned carefully for any movement.
* Melete spots Him and I give enough movement he should spot me, only the best of Hunters would have saw the slight movement I did, but I knew he was one of the best, He had caught me after all, twice.
* Kilirniku I began to work my way closer to what appeared to be a fairly well preserved village capable of supporting sixty people easily being this close to a well known migration route for big game,
* Melete sees him moving now into the village and I step from the shadows, my bow now lifted as if I was ready to fire off a shot at any moment and kept my eyes peeled making sure nothing or no one could sneak up on him from any direction
* Kilirniku There was no sound or scent of village life in the air. The village was perfectly quiet other than natural sounds. The wind whispering through deeply resonant tubular wooden chimes, and the slight whipping of an untended smoke flap.
* Kilirniku I adjusted the grip of my spear, balancing it within my right hand and lowering it to about the height of my hip and angled slightly upward for a quick thrusting
* Melete scans left to right, then right to left, while everything sounded natural and normal, it did not feel natural or normal and I was not sure of this place at all, but I would do what I had to, to make sure he inspected the village with no sneak attacks
* Melete shudders as I look at the tall wooden deity faces carved statues I could see in the center of village at what would be the center fire
* Kilirniku I approached the closest yurt pushed open its entrance, stopping before it and peering inside. I moved shelter to shelter, opening them and studying the conditions of the interiors. Fires had burned themselves out. Meal had grown cold and gone uneaten. The furs were empty; the fuel boxes full, meat hanging, and stores of grain were intact; strings of hot sweet thin peppers hung upon strings had long ago dried.
* Kilirniku I was deeply puzzled now; and very curious. Why had things been left in such a casual state of everyday living, if the people were abandoning the area?
* Melete watches him go in the Yurt and I wait anxiously for Him to return to sight so that I knew he was alright though slowly I had crept closer though I had not fully entered the village
* Kilirniku I worked my way through the small village and returned to Melete's side. I said nothing, I fixed my eyes upon her own and waited.
Kilirniku :have a look for yourself huntress. Tell me the tale the signs tell you.
* Melete nods to Him whispering; "My pleasure, my Master." and flashing him a smile I stepped off and I took my turn entering the village, noting the impressions not made by us had all but faded.
* Kilirniku I would wait to hear her judgement. I moved to the tall Inukshuk and studied it carefully. I understood the story it told, but this alone did not tell the story of this village or what had happened here.
* Melete I crept farther into the abandoned village, my bow held firmly in my right hand, its point angled ready to shoot outward should anything emerge from the shadows. The warning instinct that had kept me alive in the forest screamed at me to turn back, to leave this place to whatever had driven its inhabitants away, but curiosity proved a stronger adversary than caution. There was something unsettling about the village, something that sat wrong in my gut, but for my Master I needed to understand what had happened here.
* Melete The first hide-covered dwelling had yielded nothing but cold ashes that looked to be about two hands old and the lingering scent of old smoke, but the second held something that brought me to a halt. Lying upon the packed earth was a small doll fashioned in the likeness of a Kur, its crude body pierced by several miniature spears. I crouched slowly, keeping my bow ready as I extended my left hand and lifted the strange little thing from the ground, turning it carefully to examine its construction. The spears appeared deliberately placed, and I found myself wondering whether this had been made by one of the village children or whether it served some purpose far less innocent.
* Kilirniku I watched Melete carefully; I noted that Nuqi had not entered the ring the empty yurts. The verr and the panther had also avoided the area entirely. Nothing here, made sense. People do not simply walk away from their homes, and possessions and provisions; and yet there were none here. They had long been gone.
* Melete gaze drifted toward the darkened corners of the dwelling, searching for anything else that might explain its presence. *What happened here?* The question whispered through my thoughts, but it was the smaller, more troubling question that held me there, the one I could not quite silence. Had these people feared something so great the just, left?
* Melete Deciding it would be wiser to show my Master what I had found rather than investigate further alone, I retraced my footsteps toward the center of the abandoned village, keeping my bow firmly in my right hand. My warm chocolate eyes remained alert as I passed the tall, strange wooden statues, their faces crudely carved into expressions I could not quite interpret, and the silent, hide-covered dwellings that stood like forgotten ghosts against the mountain backdrop. The unease in my belly had not lessened, and though my curiosity still tugged at me, I knew better than to ignore the warning that something about this place was not right.
* Kilirniku I saw many well made goods, many fine furs, strong spears and good fishing equipment. There were knives and clothes, musical instruments, and a loom. I was pots and pans and kettles, sacks of salt, and grain; and many scalps.
* Melete Spotting Him ahead, I hurried toward Him, lifting the strange little Kur doll in my left hand so He might see it. “Look, my Master, look at what I found!” I called, my voice carrying through the stillness of the abandoned village as I held the object out to Him. The miniature spears protruding from its crude body seemed all the more peculiar now that I was no longer alone with it, and I watched His face, eager to see what He might make of my discovery. Perhaps He would recognize its purpose, or perhaps the little effigy would only deepen the mystery of the village and the fate of those who had once called it home.
* Kilirniku I looked toward my woman when she spoke; my eyes moved to the object her hand offered. I took it from her hand gently and began to study the small effigy. It was compact yet shaped proportionately, being wide across the body and six limbed
* Melete dropped my hand but stayed close, I wanted to know what it was, it seemed important though I could not explain why I thought so
* Kilirniku I considered the small spears drive through the figure. I considered the precision of their placement in what would be lethal blows for the beast it represented.
* Melete turns my gaze making a visual sweep of the surrounding area, he looked at what I brought, I watched everything else, though I was sure we were alone, or at least I had hoped so.
* Kilirniku I offered the small effigy back to Melete speaking softly "likely the toy of a Hunter's child. It is a Kur, and these spear thrust would be lethal. Perhaps a training aid of some sort."
* Melete takes it back and tucks it in my quiver with my arrows, why I did, I could not tell you, but it was felt right to do.
Melete: A toy you say, what a smart one, teaching them how to slay the predator.
* Kilirniku I nodded as I heard her speak though my eyes were turned away nd searching the landscape for wht I did not know.
Kilirniku: so it seems
* Melete drops her gaze to look upon it, still unsure why she felt the need to hang on to the thing. Turning so her back was to his, she kept a look out though for what, she knew not
Melete : I wonder where all the people went, people do not just vanish with no trace.
* Kilirniku the fingers of my left hand found the curve of her rump and casually scratched it gently. as I pondered things.
* Melete feels his touch and I can not help but relax just the slightest bit
Kilirniku :this is no place to be found by whatever found these people.
* Kilirniku I said no more before putting my feet into motion taking the shortest path back toward where Melete had entered the village.
Written by Melete-
I made my way back to where I had tethered the Verr, finding Ember waiting there as well. It seemed none of the animals had any desire to venture into the abandoned village, not even my Master’s sleen, Nuqi, who would ordinarily be at least five paces ahead of Him when exploring unfamiliar ground. Their reluctance had not gone unnoticed, and I found myself wondering what they sensed that we did not.
We moved farther from the village, though not so far that we could not return on the morrow to see what else the remnants of the place might reveal to us. Whatever had driven its inhabitants away, we didn’t plan on staying IN the village to see if it or they came back.
Once the Verr had been freed from their harnesses, I put away my weapons, keeping only my knife within easy reach before setting about preparing our camp. I began by arranging a fire ring, then gathered what was needed to kindle our fire. On this night, I showed my Master one of the ways the women of the Panther Girl bands learned to conceal their fires from watchful eyes. Taking one of the skins that had once been mine, I stretched it across four upright sticks, forming a shield that would keep the fire’s glow from spreading too far into the darkness and betraying our position to anyone who might be watching.
With a second skin, I fashioned another barrier between two of the supports, stretching it crosswise to further diminish the firelight while helping to trap and direct the warmth. It was a simple method, born of necessity in the wilderness, where a careless glow in the night could mean the difference between remaining unseen and drawing unwanted attention. I took care with my work, pleased to share something useful with my Master.
Once He had fashioned our shelter from skins and furs, setting it as close to the fire as safety allowed, I adjusted the covering over the flames to direct their warmth toward the place where we would sleep. The arrangement would allow us to share the shelter’s warmth and that of our own bodies without leaving us exposed to the chill of the approaching winter night. When all was to my satisfaction, I settled atop the furs, drawing my knees up as I reached into the ties of my skins and retrieved the strange little Kur doll I had discovered in the abandoned village.
I turned the crude figure over in my hands, studying the miniature spears embedded in it, each one deliberately thrust into the little likeness of a Kur. Firelight flickered over its strange shape, casting shifting shadows across the tiny wounds. Whatever purpose the doll had served, it had not been fashioned carelessly, and I could not help but wonder whether it had been part of some ritual, a warning, or a desperate act by someone who had feared the creatures enough to make a likeness of one and pierce it with weapons. I glanced toward my Master, the little figure resting in my palm, wondering if He was right and if was just a toy used in showing a child how to kill a Kur.
I guess tomorrow we shall see whether the abandoned village had yet more secrets waiting for us beneath its silence or not.
Written by Scar-
We had left the perimeter of the village before Nuqi had rejoined us; I had not failed to notice that she was not the least bit curious about the area or it's many secrets, she simply had no use for the area and avoided it. Ember, likewise, had shown neither flickering eye nor switching tail; she was not to be seen anywhere around us. For these two signs alone, I too should have avoided the village; and most certainly should never have never unleashed Melete upon the scene. but I did; and this is how the trouble began.
In the distance, from atop a small barren hill ringed with stone, Nuqi and Ember lay watching us. They had mutually agreed upon what they considered to be a safe vantage point to watch the valley below. I made note of this and had gather Melete who had gathered everything else as we made distance from the village under the watchful eyes of loyal and faithful companions who both possessed far keener senses than Melete and I could ever hope to have. I know wise council when I see it, so I took it, and with me came my slave; and everything else.
We made camp atop the stone ringed hill, much to the agreed satisfaction of the hills apparent owners, Nuqi the Forest sleen; and Ember the Forest panther. I did not understand their partnership, and I did not need to, thus I did not question it; I simply relied on it. They were not dumb animals, they had negotiated their own agreement without my involvement; and I preferred to keep it that way. I had no desire to be anywhere near the resolution of a conflict in which in all cases I am surely outmatched in speed and endurance. There is no winning side when standing between two ferocious predators who, unless they have been domesticated, view my kind as food.
I had erected the shelter, she had made fire and covered it wisely. The animals had been unburdened; they were fed, but not watered. I needed them to show us where to find water; I was certain that come daylight, they would begin to seek out calm surface water to slake their thirst. I was counting on it. Melete needed to be shown the difference between the water that forms puddles, and the water that bubbles up from below to continually fill fresh basins. It is important to know; I must teach her this. One will sustain a camp for only days; while the other may be thought of as an oasis, capable of continually filling fresh basins.
It was after settling down for the evening, after having taken my furs and footwear off, after reclining with a hot bowl of the nourishing stew in my hands, after having cast a well pleased and lingering eye along her plush and inviting form that I noticed what her hands held. She still had the doll she had found in the village; she had taken it away with her; and she had brought it HERE. I nearly choked on my food as I sat up in mid-swallow to pay attention, looking from the doll's face grotesquely distorted by wide rows of long teeth neatly stitched; to the simple beauty of innocent amusement which clung upon Melete's visage. She had in her own hidden innocence, simply taken an abandoned child's toy; because it amused her. She did not understand, for she had no way of knowing that this is strictly taboo. One chances much when dabbling in the affairs of the Spirit world; in my mind it is best to honor them properly, and otherwise leave them alone. It is not our place to question the Dead.
We do not take things simply because we find them; they were left behind yes, but perhaps not for us. Before we may take things we find, we must have a need for them. If I already a good knife, I have no need of another; thus if I find another I cannot take it without asking for it and offering to trade for it. Melete had no doll; she had taken it in curiosity; a type of need, but she had not asked to do so. She was in violation of taboo and this would need to amended immediately. It is important, and I must teach her because she has no other way of knowing. Melete must learn to trade fairly; she is in danger of angering unknown spirits, and such things are both foolish and dangerous.
I was not upset with her, I had no reason to be; she had not known, she could not have known. Nonetheless, I made her put the damned thing outside; underneath some firewood. My rationale was simple, the doll was missing and someone or something might come looking for it. If it came to our camp looking for the doll, and found it here beneath the firewood; it's anger would be consumed by the flames, it could haunt us only until the firewood had been burned. I love the woman; her eyes haunt me, and that is all of the business of haunting I needed to know. The doll went outside, beneath some firewood; and Melete slept closest to the opening of our shelter that night. The following day the doll would return with us to the village, to be traded for properly.
At dawn, beneath cold grey skies, we returned again to the village. I walked ahead, spear in hand and ready to be put to use instantly as Melete followed behind dragging one of the smaller sleds of our gear; things from among which I would trade for the doll, on her behalf. She had shown me the yurt from which she had first taken the doll; I bade her sit, and be silent. Finding the hide covering of the shelters door, I began to move slowly from right to left around it, studying the symbols painted upon its walls throughout the years. They told of two powerful sisters; children of the starlight, keepers of the ancient knowledge, and of their children; who would in time replace them. I, like Ember and Nuqi, no longer wanted to be there; but there I was, to trade on behalf of my woman in order to settle her debt and avoid any chance of offending a spirit.
I had leaned my spear outside, I had removed my boots, and wiped my feet before lifting the door covering and stepping inside to look around. I spoke plainly. "I, am Kilirniku. I come to trade in good faith. I will sit in peace and learn of you what I may in order to deal wisely." I moved to a place which would be used for seating; out of the way, but close to the fire, had there been one. Here I placed upon the ground the piece of hide I carried to be used as a trading fur, on top of this I placed the doll that Melete had taken from the floor, and kept in the innocence of her curiosity. I seated myself and sat quietly as I studied the construction and the contents of the shelter.
I saw many curious and puzzling things, which I did not long gaze upon or dare show too much interest in. Somethings very ordinary, very ordinary; and they told much with subtle hints of significance. The pallets upon the floor suggested that indeed two women lived here, with four children of various ages among them. They fed these children, they taught these children; they clothed them, they sheltered them. In return, these children provided for these women in such ways as they could as they aged. My eyes moved slowly, taking in the minute details of my hostesses' home. It was well made and practical; it was well kept, and organized. The Sisters possessions and the arrangements of them suggested they took pride in a deep knowledge of things which grow; and how to harvest and prepare them for use or preservation. I pondered this as my eyes moved among the collections of dried herbs, folded leaves, mortar and pestle and many sachets of pleasant smelling drying things.
I spoke up clearly but with a mild voice. "My woman has taken from you without asking and without trading, for she knows not our ways. I will take from her without asking, and offer it to you in trade for what she has taken. In this way may her offense be returned to her own hands, may she share your anger and humiliation by my hand; may she be humbled, and be forgiven. I will have peace between us."
I spoke louder now, my heart filled with great happiness as I called out for Melete; "woman, your bag of cooking herbs, bring it to me."
Written by Melete-
A low, disgruntled grumble escaped me at the sound of my Master’s voice demanding my cooking herbs. Of course, he would finally get his way with them, would he not? I had been rather fond of those herbs, and I was not at all pleased with the thought of parting with them, especially when I had not yet finished making use of them. Still, I had learned that there were times when arguing with my Master was a waste of perfectly good breath, and this seemed to be one of those times. With the packet of herbs I made my way toward the yurt, its dark hide walls seeming to hunch against the pale air.
Upon reaching the entrance, I paused, noticing that my Master had removed his footwear before entering. I glanced down at my own fur-lined boots, then back toward him, before slipping them off as well. If this was how one showed respect in such a place, then I would do so, even if I still thought this whole business of trading for the Kur doll was rather mysterious. Barefoot, I lifted the hide covering. A breath of cold, stale air brushed over my face from within, carrying the faint scents of smoke, dried herbs, and something older that I could not name. I stepped inside, my gaze moving curiously over the dwelling and its many peculiarities. It was then that I noticed them.
Four children stood within the yurt, each of a different age, their forms seeming somehow out of place among the ordinary furnishings. They were too still. Even the dim light seemed reluctant to touch them. I blinked, then looked again, wondering if the poor light or the strange atmosphere of the dwelling had somehow tricked my eyes. Yet there they remained, watching me with expressions that shifted from curiosity to astonishment. Their eyes followed me as though they had been waiting for someone to enter.
They knew I could see them.
The three younger children exchanged glances. No one spoke. Then, as though the shadows had opened their mouths and drawn them in, they vanished. The air where they had stood trembled faintly before settling again. All but the oldest disappeared. He remained where he stood, staring at me with wide, unblinking eyes.
I stared back at him for a long moment, my head tilting slightly as I tried to make sense of what I was seeing. Spirits were not something I feared, and I had no intention of allowing a little boy, dead or otherwise, to frighten me into silence. Still, the yurt felt different now that the others were gone. The silence pressed close around us, broken only by the faint creak of the hide walls.
My gaze flickered toward my Master, then returned to the boy. Whatever he was, it seemed I alone could see him, and I had a feeling that announcing this discovery would only complicate matters. I had quite enough complications already, what with the Kur doll, the herbs, and my Master’s determination to see the former properly traded.
“Master,” I said, turning toward him with a carefully composed expression, “perhaps you would be so kind as to wait outside while I finish this trade.” I gave him a look that I hoped conveyed both my sincerity and my desire not to discuss the matter further. Once he had departed the yurt, the hide falling back into place with a soft, heavy sigh, I turned back to the boy, folding my arms across my chest as I studied him.
“Well, then,” I murmured, “I suppose you and I have some business to discuss.”
The boy glanced toward the entrance through which my Master had departed, then back at me. He seemed less frightened now, though there was a wariness in his eyes that I recognized all too well. I lowered myself onto my heels so that I might look at him more comfortably, keeping my hands in sight as I held the package of herbs. “My Master says I must trade for the Kur doll,” I explained, nodding toward the entrance. “He insists that it must be traded, as it was taken without asking. So, what do you think? Is there something you might be willing to trade for it?”
The boy’s attention shifted toward the doll lying where my Master had laid it. In the dimness, its small face seemed almost to watch us. After a moment, he began to speak. His voice was quiet at first, so faint that it seemed to come from somewhere behind me rather than from his unmoving lips. As we continued, his words became easier to follow. I listened, asking questions when I needed to, and soon we were caught in a back-and-forth that felt remarkably like bargaining with any living person.
He wanted the doll to remain with me, provided he could accompany us along the trail. I considered this carefully, looking toward the entrance and then back at him. A traveling companion who could appear and disappear at will was certainly an unusual proposition, but then, I had never been especially fond of ordinary things. Besides, the thought of leaving him alone in that silent yurt unsettled me more than I cared to admit.
“And what of the women who cared for you?” I asked, glancing toward the dried herbs and bundles arranged around the yurt. “They must have worked hard to keep you and the other children fed and sheltered.”
The boy listened as I explained that I had brought my cooking herbs to offer in exchange for the doll. I was willing to offer something else rather than leave them behind, but he seemed as determined to get them for the old women as my Master was to get rid of them. His gaze kept returning to the herbs, and each time it did, the shadows around his feet seemed to deepen.
We talked for some time, neither of us particularly eager to yield, until at last we reached an agreement. I would leave my herbs for the two women who had cared for him and the other orphans, and in return, I could take the Kur doll with me, so long as he was permitted to follow us on the trail.
“Very well,” I finally conceded, giving him a firm nod. “We have ourselves a bargain.”
I placed the herbs where they might be found by the women. As I straightened, the yurt seemed to have grown colder. For one brief moment, I thought I heard children whispering beyond the walls, though the sound stopped the instant I turned toward it. I took a final glance around the tidy dwelling before making my way back toward the entrance.
The boy remained close. His presence now seemed less like an unexpected haunting and more like the beginning of an odd little friendship, though I could not shake the feeling that something else watched from the corners whenever I looked away. I had no intention of telling my Master about him just yet. There was no reason to invite more lectures about spirits and their ways when I had already managed to settle the matter to everyone’s satisfaction.
Stepping outside, I slipped my fur-lined boots back on before approaching my Master. The cold air felt cleaner than the air inside the yurt, though I still sensed the boy’s presence at my side. The Kur doll was now in my possession once the trade had been completed, and I held it up proudly for my Master’s inspection, a mischievous glint finding its way into my chocolate eyes.
“There,” I declared, lifting my chin with all the dignity I could muster. “The doll has been properly traded for, the women have their herbs, and I have my prize. Are you finally happy now that my cooking herbs are gone?”
I asked, my lips twitching as I tried not to grin, entirely pleased with myself and the little secret I carried away from the yurt. Then, because I could not resist, I stuck out my tongue at him before sauntering to the sled I had pulled into the village. I tucked the doll into my allotted things, ready to finally leave this place—or at least, I hoped that we were.
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