Relief flooded Marius when the man lowered his scythe; he did not intend to fight anyone, if he could help it, and the man seemed sincere enough.

He was not particularly averse to sharing, either. "Then we can, if you wish it." Not mentioning the fact that he would also willingly surrender more than half of the elk, whether the man requested it or not.

And though his stance relaxed he remained where he stood, waiting for a sign from the man that it was acceptable to approach.