Moonspear aukaagaitka

With Callyope’s bride price accepted, the plans of a winter wedding quickly came together under Moonwoman’s deft guidance. While others prepared, Ipiktok was sent out as an envoy.

The young hunter was more than happy to comply. The thrill of adventure was too good to miss!

He ate a meal and then set off. First stop was along the well-traveled path at Moonspear. It had not been long since his last visit, but Ipiktok was no less happy to stop by again.

Visitors abounded! This one looked vaguely familiar to Treepie, though it was hard to pinpoint details from her perch up on the mount. Agile as a mountain goat, Pie descended the rocky slopes to greet the young man wreathed in neighborly scents.

Greetings! she chirped, her tail high and swinging. Are you from our sister village? she asked, nosing toward Moonglow behind him.

A young, lithe wolf quickly arrived. Their pelt was reminiscent of a cross fox’s, but with far more white. The most intriguing thing about them, however, was their scent… and Ipiktok realized he couldn’t definitively identify them as male or female.

“Hello young one,” Ipiktok kindly greeted – as if he wasn’t so young himself! “Yes, I walk village Moonglow. My name is Ipiktok Nuiruk, son of Vairë Nuiruk. Brother to Salaksartok and Nasamiituuq. Half-brother to Nantahala, Yuralria, and Ikniqpalagaqï,” he explained his blood lineage in the same way he had done for Sialuk. After all, wasn’t family everything?

“I am here as an envoy to extend an invitation… ah, but who do I speak to now?” he asked with an interested tilt of his head.

Her eyes twinkled when he called her “young one.” She wanted to puff up her chest and declare herself a grown woman! But that was not her way and, besides, she knew he addressed her with familial warmth.

Some of those names are familiar, though I’m not well-acquainted with any of them, she confessed. I’m Tiuttuk, she offered, using her formal name as it seemed both appropriate and adult-like. Sialuk is anaang. Tell me about this invitation!

Ipiktok’s expression brightened. “Sialuk is my Ajâtsuk so that makes us cousins, Tiuttuk.” Ipiktok’s black-tipped tail gave a friendly wave. He was unaware Vairë was adopted. As far as Ipiktok knew, he was Kukutux’s grandson, and a Nuiruk, by blood.

“Your mother’s sister, Callyope, is to be wed to a man named Solharr. He is the leader of a village named Forneskja,” Ipiktok explained. “He had paid the bride price and so there will be a great ceremony to honor their union. It will be a grand event!” Ipiktok was animated as he spoke, alluding to his excitement.

Cousins! Tiuttuk parroted. Well, I’m even more glad to make your acquaintance then, she said with an impish twitch of her lips.

Now he explained the nature of the aforementioned invitation. Yellow eyes widened as Pie’s heart beat faster in her chest. She trembled ever so slightly with excitement shot through with slight nerves.

Aya! This is exciting news. I’ll be sure to pass along the details. When and where will it take place?

It likely wouldn’t be far. Either way, Treepie was excited to attend, particularly after missing the autumn’s hunting and feasting. She was so glad she had conquered her mysterious fear.