the first cut is the deepest

With the rock securing his strands Brandr began to work on the process of braiding. First he brought the left strand over the middle strand so that it became the new middle. Then seizing the right strand delicately in his jaws he moved it back over the center. This would be easier with Blanda's help but he had no idea where the silly raccoon had wandered off to. He paused to admire the antler and wood she was using to make a new knife. "You have good materials to work with, I'm sure it will be a suitable knife." He said confidently.

"I learned of braiding from a young man named Tyrian when I was doing some traveling." It had been nice to take a small trip when he was scouting herd movements. Brandr had a tendency to be a homebody. There was so much out there to learn. He gazed at Twig for a moment and nodded somberly. The eruption had been hard on everyone and he worried especially about the youth. "I've been wondering about them. I wish I knew a good way to help. I've been wondering how my own daughter has been doing with the loss of her grandmother and this volcanic mess." It had felt like ages since he'd talked with Lucine and he even felt a bit cut off from his wife. He knew they were both grieving, he just wished he could do something to help them.