Ouroboros Spine blue sky

Ipiktok moved falling branches from the village paths in the early morning. The aromatic pine was made all the stronger by the crisp winter air, and a fresh layer of squeaky snow covered the ground. It was good work. Hard work. Time to be alone and ponder.

After, he fetched a piece of cured meat from their stores and gnawed it merrily. He saved the fat cap and brought it to where his mother, @Vairë, rested. Was she strong enough for company?

"Anaa?" his rough voice asked quietly outside her sleeping place.

She healed.

By Sedna’s grace she healed.

She spent her time regathering herself. Stretching her legs, reacquainting herself with her muscles. She was listless, but she knew she needed to rest.

Vairë had been doing just that when the voice of her son floated from the entrance. She put on a smile, wane.

Ipiktok, it is good to see your face. Come in, come in! She gestured emphatically to the pile of furs across from her.

To see his mother’s condition improve brought great joy to the young hunter.

Ipiktok entered Moondoe’s ulaq, placed the cut of meat before her, and then gently touched his nose upon her cheek. He could be a loud and boisterous wolf… but as he grew in age and wisdom, he began to recognize when certain moments called for calm.

“Anaa, I missed you. How are you?” he asked first. There was so much to talk about that it took a great deal of restraint to not ramble off a list of questions!

He laid down across from his mother, his youthful face bright.

Her son brought her meat, and her eyes softened even more, if that was possible. She took a delicate bite, chewing on it as Ipiktok settled across from her.

Better, now. She answered with a decisive thump of her tail.

I grow stronger by the day. The sickness will not take me yet. It was a good thing. She would live to see her children grow even more. And to have another litter with Valiant.

Though, perhaps not until she had regained all of her strength.