She gazes down at him as he secures the snowshoe onto the sole of her boot, becoming strangely flustered. Enveloped in his fur, which delicately tickles the side of her face, she inhales a small breath, attempting to quell the rising feelings within her. The undeniable allure of the Sa-Khui strikes her, prompting thoughts about whether they reciprocate the same fascination for the peculiar, alien traits of human women or if they endure it solely because humans conveniently fulfill their need for a breedable species. This realization tempers her mood, acknowledging that the hospitality they receive is dependent on their ability to bear children. Erin tries to suppress any bitterness, striving to uphold cultural relativism. Their tribe faced extinction, and their presence offered a glimmer of hope, even if it meant Erin grappling with the uncomfortable notion that everyone awaited resonance as if it were their sole purpose. She wanted to contribute beyond her reproductive role, recognizing the potential of her expertise to bring more to the tribe. "Thanks," she murmurs as he completes the task on her other foot, placing it on the ground and testing its snugness. Satisfied, she adjusts the fur around her, determined not to resemble a walking, furry marshmallow—an admittedly challenging feat. Shortly thereafter, they embark on their journey, and Erin appreciates the physical fitness she gained in high school and university. She knows that without it, trudging through the thick snow would leave her breathless within minutes. She maintains a steady pace, employing breathing techniques to ensure sufficient intake of oxygen and lower the risk of becoming too fatigued later on. "So," she starts, her gaze fixated on the back of Cashol's head, "Is there someone back at the caves you're aiming to resonate with?" She doesn't beat around the bush; her curiosity has always been present, even if it risks causing discomfort. Yet, among the Sa-Khui, who openly bathe for all to see, discomfort seems unlikely.

Raahosh trailed Octavia as she made her way back to the home cave, patiently waiting outside while she retrieved her boots. The intriguing resourcefulness of the human women had not escaped his notice during their brief time together. In just a week, he had witnessed their inventive craftsmanship and observed peculiar yet effective techniques they employed. From fashioning belts by looping fabric around a big toe and intricately braiding the leather to practical snow-walking attachments on their shoes, their creativity fascinated him. Raahosh soon recognized their practicality, leading to a growing appreciation for the women in their tribe beyond mere reproductive functions. Watching Octavia's return filled Raahosh with a sense of longing, finding more appeal in her approaching presence than witnessing her storming off in the opposite direction. He could only hope for the day when her steps would be guided towards him by genuine desire rather then the fulfilment of some request he could satisfy. Despite maintaining a stern countenance, his grip tightened on his hunting spear, concealing the unspoken thoughts. Upon her arrival, he leveled her with an affirming nod, assessing her as ready for their journey. He then pivoted, facing his back towards her as he began leading their trek. Despite the initial annoyance of having to adjust his pace when guiding the women back to the caves almost a month ago, Raahosh felt no urgency in Octavia's company. The longer they spent together away from the group in the open wilderness led to an increased chance of fostering a resonance between them. A few minutes into their journey, Raahosh glanced over his shoulder to check on Octavia, ensuring she maintained a brisk pace. Observing her captivation with the surroundings, a common expression among the human women when not battling the cold-induced grumpiness, he found himself intrigued by Octavia's unique appreciation. Unlike his limited interactions with the other human women, he hadn't delved into many conversations about their lives on Earth. The solitude of their current situation, where both willingly found themselves alone together, prompted a realization. Struggling to initiate conversation, he acknowledged that this was the first time they had been in each other's company without external obligations. "Is your Urr-th much different from our home?" he inquired, recognizing her expertise in creating drawings of the landscapes. Given her profession, she must have explored and mapped substantial portions of her world. "You've explored much of your plann-it, yes?"