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Description
When the sun was drowsy still and only cast pale light like a gauzy curtain over the lake, Tallak would wade into the shallow parts and bask. The aitielkh attended to the shrine everyday that lay west of the human settlement Onika, a luscious red shimmer among the fields. This was a reverent time of day for Tallak, soaking in the mist and then bright sun on good mornings he would reflect on Aiti. He invited small birds from the grass and reeds to comb any tangles or burrs from his fur. Their small, but sure beaks were delicate while they twittered this and that to him in a language he couldn’t understand. Taking whatever prizes they found to build their nests, Tallak would rise from the banks as the sun rose full and proper over the waters. Indeed, careful hikers could find long bright hairs in the nests near the lake.
On this particular day, the air was cool and hinted at the coming autumn, prompting him to shake out the chill water with more care. Rounding the lake on his usual circuit, Tallak neared the shrine but was surprised to see a flock of sheep with two elkh at its head grazing nearby. This far from the shrine, the trees were sparse though some small hills rolled on where he could hide, but the dots of the herd were plain. They had not taken notice of the devout elkh yet, which was just fine with him because all in all he tried to avoid domestic sorts. Still, some kind of curiosity stirred within him and he watched them carefully the whole morning, hackles even raising once when he thought they dared to bring a whole sheep herd into the shrine. Thankfully, one of the elkhs stayed behind to mind the flock while the smaller trotted away to the shrine with offerings, even though it was not the correct season.
Snorting with indignation and surprise, Tallak watched on without bringing attention to himself until at last the group moved back towards the human settlements. This was something to ponder and report to his fellows...for now he’d find a late breakfast in peace.

Description
When the sun was drowsy still and only cast pale light like a gauzy curtain over the lake, Tallak would wade into the shallow parts and bask. The aitielkh attended to the shrine everyday that lay west of the human settlement Onika, a luscious red shimmer among the fields. This was a reverent time of day for Tallak, soaking in the mist and then bright sun on good mornings he would reflect on Aiti. He invited small birds from the grass and reeds to comb any tangles or burrs from his fur. Their small, but sure beaks were delicate while they twittered this and that to him in a language he couldn’t understand. Taking whatever prizes they found to build their nests, Tallak would rise from the banks as the sun rose full and proper over the waters. Indeed, careful hikers could find long bright hairs in the nests near the lake.
On this particular day, the air was cool and hinted at the coming autumn, prompting him to shake out the chill water with more care. Rounding the lake on his usual circuit, Tallak neared the shrine but was surprised to see a flock of sheep with two elkh at its head grazing nearby. This far from the shrine, the trees were sparse though some small hills rolled on where he could hide, but the dots of the herd were plain. They had not taken notice of the devout elkh yet, which was just fine with him because all in all he tried to avoid domestic sorts. Still, some kind of curiosity stirred within him and he watched them carefully the whole morning, hackles even raising once when he thought they dared to bring a whole sheep herd into the shrine. Thankfully, one of the elkhs stayed behind to mind the flock while the smaller trotted away to the shrine with offerings, even though it was not the correct season.
Snorting with indignation and surprise, Tallak watched on without bringing attention to himself until at last the group moved back towards the human settlements. This was something to ponder and report to his fellows...for now he’d find a late breakfast in peace.