August 2023

Alkara approaches the glade with quick strides. Guen keeps up easily enough. A field of blue-petaled flowers reach toward the sun. Moss-covered stones dot the perimeter. Butterflies flit from bud to bud while birds chirp in the background. Early morning light licks at blades of grass. The meeting isn’t till midday, but Alkara arrives early. […]

Alkara lay in dappled sunlight on the forest floor. A partly eaten rabbit lay in the grasses next to her. The char on it graces its underside. Small bites mar the remaining raw flesh. Alkara hadn’t even caught this one. Guen had caught it for her. Alkara had been too miserable. And she doesn’t even