Hoshor Plains who do I trust?

Pre-hunt

Rodyn had given his instructions. Njord had names. Soon, he would gather his entourage together and brief them for the hunt ahead.

But first, the redtail stole an iota of time to pass by Moonsong’s camp.

“Aokatti!” Njord called as his eyes roved to find @Kaluktuk.

After some amorous reconnection with Ariadne, the man Kaluktuk was catching his breath when he heard the voice of his brother. He emerged from the secluded section of their camp to greet him and his voice roared, Njord! It is good to see you!

He moved to buffer at the man, playfully jousting and shoving him as if they were boys. I wish we were grouped together for the hunt. This way though, we can compare! Who will bring down the larger beast? Hm?

The two men crowed so loudly, that others turned their heads!

Njord pushed against Kaluktuk’s shove as they tussled like two titans. If he had hands, he would have taken Kaluktuk’s shoulder and shook it!

“Hah, it will be me!” Njord boasted with a jeer, knowing full well that Kaluktuk was the superior hunter. “’Tis good to see you my friend, but - dear lord,” Njord wrinkled his nose at the sweet smell of women that practically dripped off of Kaluktuk. “Ah see you have been hunting more than just bison!“ he laughed, unaware his paramour was nearby.

Then, his voice quieted a decibel. “You are happy, this is good.”

Not on your life! He cuffed the man with his teeth and jostled him, laughing.

Njord took notice of Ariadne's scent, which he wore proudly always. More laughter! This time Njord was the one to joust with his words and Kaluktuk was affable about it.

I am — and so is she! We expect to welcome children in the spring, and you should meet them when it is time. They must know their uncle. He grappled for Njord's scruff and one of his ears, and caught the eye of some passers-by that weren't accustomed to such physicality from two men, by the look of them.

That didn't stop Kaluktuk.

My son Kivaluk was named in your group. He will lend you much help with your hunt — but even so, mine will be the one to bring down a true giant! Of this he was certain. How fares your wife? You still have a wife, yes? Better to joke about these things and avoid the deeper, more painful prospects.

Njord saw a great deal of pride flow from Kaluktuk as he spoke about his new romance. The redtail had known Sakhmet. He, and his son Loko, had once worked with husband and wife to till the land known as Natigvik. But, that had been a lifetime ago. Many sorrowful steps had been walked by both men and so Njord was happy to see the vibrance of a full, reinvigorated life beam Kaluktuk now.

“Uncle!” Njord let Kaluktuk shake his scruff. Njord, too, pushed back with a faux swing of his shoulder. It felt good to be physical – it was the quickest way to reconnect with his oldest friend.

In time, he settled down. “Of course, mo bràthair,” he agreed. “Children! Ah’m happy for you. Have ye married yet? Who is she?” Njord raised an eyebrow. "You speak of bedding her but you do not tell me your wife’s name!“ he roared with laughter.

Then, Kaluktuk boasted of his son. Oh, how Njord wished Ray was still around! “Ah’m sure your son is a fine hunter,” Njord agreed. “Ah’m lucky tae have him a part of my party.” A nod of the head. Njord would remember to watch over the young man.

He asked of Meerkat. “Och, my lassie still loves me! Thank goodness” Njord jeered in feigned relief. “Meerkat will expectin’ wee bairns in tha spring, too, with some luck. That'd make ye an Uncle, too," he pointed out. "We lived at Moonspear for a time, but have since settled in Sun Mote Copse. In the Hinterlands.” Njord explained.

So much time had passed. Njord felt as if he had a million stories to tell his friend!

He laughed! And together they buffeted one another as boys might, between comments and stories. Njord's laughter dwarfed his own for a time and Kaluktuk waited for the lull of his breath so he could answer, Her name is Ariadne. She is a daughter of Kukutux; founder of her own village, Moonsong! In the spring she will be fat because of me, and then you must come and see what is born! The thought of being a father again was frightening and exciting, and Kaluktuk wanted it to be known that he had been chosen again. It was rare for any man to find love once, but twice? He could only wish for better luck this time around.

When Njord went on to explain his own new home, Kaluktuk took note. He would be sure to send gifts that way once Dutch returned to the village; perhaps a trade could be established between the villages, and hunters sent to help Njord and his wife while they built from the ground up.

That is far! Did you grow tired of the sunshine people? He said this with the same joking air as before but, Kaluktuk was also deeply curious.

Hope you don’t mind that this is the last for me! I got way behind and need to clean up my threadlog. <3 Looking forward to more threads now that he’s in tuktu!

Njord was surprised to hear Kaluktuk’s intended was a daughter of Kukutux! One brow arched as if to say, you sly dog, unaware of his friend’s turbulent past with Moonglow.

Furthermore, it sounded as if together would be the foundation of a new Moon Village. Another branch in a long, proud lineage. And soon, more suckers would sprout. Kaluktuk made sure to brag about his virility!

Njord chuffed an easy laugh. “Ah will!” he promised his Aokatti. “Our children will ken each other, too,” he vowed, thinking of his recent conversation with Vaire.

Together, he would share stories of the foundation of Sun Mote Copse and their alliance with the Moon Villages until duty called the two men apart.