Moonsong Glacier you tolerate it

Ariadne prioritized checking in with Moonsong’s members, and today, it was @Kilgitsuk’s turn. She had prepared lunch for them—two hearty pieces of salmon placed on two slate slabs—before stepping outside her den to call for him, and with a smile, she howled, Kilgitsuk—I hope you are hungry. Please come to my den for some lunch and to share words.

He had freshly returned from a patrol of the area, being on high-alert for the time being, when the call of Ariadne reached his ears. He had time to shake pine needles from his coat, and then he set off to find her.

Upon arrival he gave a bow of his head, eyeing the fish she had laid out, and settled before her. Good afternoon, moonwoman.

Although he’d had the time to shake the pine needles from his fur, Ariadne could still smell the sap upon him. She sniffed as he approached, smiling as she remarked,One of my favorite smells. Then, after getting onto her paws again, she motioned to follow her into the den. She sat and pointed at his plate, That is for you—I hope you like salmon. She watched, noticing how handsome he was, and allowed her gaze to linger as she appreciated him.

What have you been up to? Is scouting going well? she finally asked. And you heard of that man that Chakliux howled about , yes?? Any news there? That’s when it struck her—she hadn’t even properly greeted him. She facepalmed and shook her head. Sorry, good afternoon—there is much on my mind! I should have said that first!

She welcomed him inside. He had not been within a woman's ulax for many days - not since he and his wife had their own land, Kilgitsuk thought. There was fish there to be eaten, but first many words spared, and when Ariadne became flustered Kilgitsuk smiled and chuckled.

It is alright to have many things on your mind. I know what it is like to build a village; there is always work to be done. He sat and did not yet begin to eat.

Chakliux and I are doing patrols often. All is well. That seemed the most important thing to speak of; they would be certain that the village remain safe. I do like salmon, he said next, smiling to her as he bowed over the meal, They can be hard to catch.

But somehow Kilgitsuk doubted the moonwoman requested he visit for a bite to eat and small-talk; he ate slowly, with pauses to catch anything she may say.

It is so much work! she agreed, nodding. I figured it would be a lot, but, oof! She wiped her brow, now knowing that he would understand. What was it like for you to get your village going? And when was this? She’d known about it but had never learned many details; what Kukutux had told her about him and his past was the extent of what she knew. Even if the things she’d been told had been worrying, she had decided that she wanted to get to know him more before placing judgment on him.

He commented on the patrols that he and Chaliux did, and she nodded approvingly. Have you been up to the caves? I am eager to go and have been resting my leg, so I can make the move soon.

Finally, she took a bite, chewing slowly and savoring the taste. I am lucky to have packmates who know it is my favorite food, she remarked. They are hard to hunt, but it is a fun challenge.

Then, thinking of their last meeting, she asked. Have you visited any of the other moon villages since we last talked?

Kilgitsuk did not know where to start.

My patrols haven't taken me to the caves, but when you are ready I am happy to escort you? Then we both may see them. Quieting to eat and to gather his thoughts on the rest.

I did see Kukutux. It... did not go well, unfortunately. We have a history, one which I thought remained in good standing. Evidently I was wrong. Kilgitsuk did not want to divulge many details of his family, his wife, his failures - he did not want to expose himself, nor put a damper on Ariadne's own efforts with her village.

My wife and I... have not been together for a long time now. Our children are grown, but neither of us saw it happen, that was clue enough to the situation. When we formed our village, Natigvik, I think we were too much in love to really understand the difficulties. Our children came, and it was hard work; I would not trade away any of it, though. We did our best.

But the fact remained: Kilgitsuk was a trader now, removed from his sons lives, ignorant to the whereabouts of his wife, and now growing estranged from those closest to him (Kukutux). He breathed a sigh over his meal which was now only bones.

My wife, Sakhmet, left our village with our son Akkuma. With just myself and my other boy Kivaluk to maintain our claim, we could not. So we went to Moonglow. Kukutux became like a mother to him. I felt... here he stopped himself, having said way too much already, and with a chuckle Kilgitsuk moved away from the topic.

It was a hard time. I took a trader's name and roamed, and on my return - when I saw Kukutux most recently - things had become, different.

He opened up unexpectedly, and she listened with rapt interest. There were common threads between Kilgitsuik and Kukutux’s retellings; he wasn’t painted in the best light. But even knowing everything, Ariadne still trusted him and thought he would be a fine addition to her village.

She reached across the makeshift table to place her paw on his and squeeze it. I appreciate your honesty, she said, pulling away again. I am so sorry that your life had been difficult, and I hope that a trader’s life is what works best for you.

I want to know all of the members of village Moonglow and know how I can assist you—that is my main reason for inviting you to lunch. so, knowing what she did, she offered, Can I help with anything?

Kilgitsuk did not expect a moment of tenderness from the woman. She reached across the stone and the man went quiet, his surprise was so great. Ariadne was genuine in her offer and that, while reminding him of the kindness of her mother, was something his life lacked right now. The masculine urge to refuse help reared its ugly head in that instant and he nearly withdrew; but steeled himself.

I... I don't know if there is any way to help. Unless you can step in to the past, maybe knock sense in to me before I screw things up? A smile, though it is strained. He stows this and the rest of his feelings with a small shake of his head. No, nevermind. Thank you for your kindness, Ariadne. This is something that simply... cannot be changed.

I do not think being a trader is my destiny, either. Now he withdrew from her touch, but it was a slow withdrawal. I am glad to be here, helping. That is enough for now.

Post 200 for you!

She laughed, amused by his answer. I would if Sedna allowed it! she insisted, unable to hide the humor in her voice. You would be surprised! I am a heavy hitter! She was light like a feather but did not sting like a bee; her white lie was all in good fun.

While she was surprised to hear the life of a trader not being for him, she did not question it and nodded instead as she listened.

How about we help each other the next time we talk? she suggested, eyes lingering where they'd held hands moments before. If you can help me up the mountain, could we explore the caves together and start to settle in? The pack would need to move before winter; climbing the glacier would be too treacherous when there was a surplus of ice and snow.

I have already started preparing furs for all of our dens, she said, motioning towards the small pile in the corner of her den. You can pick out yours—I will not let anybody know you got first dibs!

I can do that! He readily agreed. Anything to keep his body moving and his mind empty - and bonus points for giving Kilgitsuk something useful to do.

He looked to the furs as she mentioned them and noted their quality. Even at such a young age Ariadne had become skilled in all the things that would make her a good wife. For the sunshine people, he caught himself thinking.

Would you like me to clean up? He motioned to the fish bones which would be best placed in a middenheap, buried far from the village so not to attract pests. I should return to my work - I can take these on the way.

Wrap up with your next post?

Sounds like a plan—I will call for you soon, after this I have had more time to heal. She shook her cast, sticking out her tongue as she regarded it was an annoyed look.

She was surprised that he offered to clean up, and she nodded eagerly. That would be a great help, she said, thrown off by the generous offer; she was used to doing the cleaning. Thank you, Kilgitsuk.

He nodded and gathered the remains of their lunch; when she said her thanks and spoke his name, he paused, as if he had something more to say - but then smiled, and merely gave a nod. Kilgitsuk took the bundle and departed from the ulaq, to do as he said.