Firefly Glen tigugaa

She knew. She must! He bore the scent of Ariadne proudly, garishly even; it would account for Kukutux' apparent chill towards him, moreso than their strained relationship around Kivaluk. Kilgitsuk did not appreciate the lasting frost from her as he tried to make some amends, and when she mentioned the marriage he saw another chance at this.

He had words in mind, and before he could speak them Kukutux spoke the word Issumatar as if he had not found one once, and now found a second. It felt more like an insult to the both of them: as if Ariadne could not be Issumatar despite being the Head to a village of men already; as if Kilgitsuk had failed once in his pursuit and would fail again.

He drew a breath.

I will bring a gift to Moonglow soon, and would speak with Kivaluk to see if he would welcome me, for Kilgitsuk now did not trust Kukutux, did not think she would speak kindly of him to his own son. He said this to ask permission to visit - but also to tell her he would be involved, going forward.

Kilgitsuk could ask about bride-price here and now, but thought better of it. He would wait until this visit to confront Moonwoman and Sunman, and see that they accepted him. Even if they did not, Ariadne had made her choice; in the way of Tartok, that was the end of it.