Moonspear long night

Ipiktok crossed Silverlight Terrace from one village to the next. Moonspear’s snowcapped summit stood proud among the vast mountain range. It was a fine territory – and the young hunter was glad to know it was an Aunt who had founded it.

He knew every family member by name, but could hardly say he kept strong bonds. It was the curse of youth – always looking for answers far away, but never recognizing the wealth at home. He hoped to rectify that….

With a fresh elk shoulder as a gift, he stopped upon the border and howled for @Sialuk.

Sialuk had come to know many of her extended kin, but she did not know them all. Some she had heard about in passing, others she had forgotten their names and needed reminding. The moon villages had grown and expanded in a way that Sialuk likened to the Redhawk name. Often, these extended kin would come to visit, and Sialuk would always welcome them with open arms. Today was no different than any other, and she responded to the howl with an acknowledgment of her own from afar. Rushing to finish the work of burying another kill in the hard-packed snow just outside the healing ulaq for her patients, she jogged to the source of the greeting.

It was not a face she recognized, but her nose told her he hailed from anaa's village, and so he was a friend. She sniffed the air and smelled the rich scent of elk, and her mouth watered in anticipation of receipt of the gift.

Aya! You will have to forgive me, I do not remember your name, she said, an apologetic tone accompanying her words.

Like Callyope, Sialuk was a mirror reflection of Kukutux. A spray of freckles reminded him of his little sister, Nantahala.

Ipiktok placed the cut of meat and grinned. “This one forgives you,” he laughed in jest. “For this hunter now has the face of a man!” Ipiktok turned his head to peacock, showing her the strength and width of his jaw.

“Ajâtsuk Sialuk, I am called Ipiktok. I am the son of Vairë. Brother to Salaksartok and Nasamiituuq. Half-brother to Nantahala, Yuralria, and Ikniqpalagaqï.” He said with a good-natured expression.

He was friendly, as many of her kin were. He did not lack a single ounce of charm, either. Ipiktok was quick to explain his relationship to her along with giving the names of his two siblings whom Sialuk did not think she'd had the pleasure of meeting.

What brings this man hunter to Moonspear? Sialuk asked, canting her head to one side. Her eyes danced between Ipiktok and the elk meat, but she refrained from going for it just yet. It would make a good meal for the two patients in recovery, although she would certainly take some for herself as well.

“I was on a journey away from home for a long time to find my totem,” Ipiktok explained without hesitation as his language slipped into their mother tongue of Atkan Aleut. “It did not reveal itself to me, but I learned that my heart is purely Sunshine, and so I wish to know my people – my family – better.”

To fail to commune with the spirits had disappointed Ipiktok, but he had turned the coin to find the silver lining. Through this, he built new devotion for Moonglow.

“I have come from Forneskja where Callyope lives. Did you know a man named Solharr hunts for her bride price? Callyope said you can help me… guide me through the next season of life. Though I know not what help I need.” He turned his face slightly and gave a look as if to ask, what does your third eye see?

She listened, as she often did, to the journey of the young person. He had gone on a quest to find his totem, but none had been found. Instead, he was now here to learn more of the sunshine people and their ways; he meant to gain insights from Sialuk herself.

Callyope had not mentioned her suitor, but perhaps her mysterious man had met her after the sisters last saw one another. She was reminded of her own luck with bride prices and suitors, her lip twitching at the thought of Argent, of Elentari, and of watching younger sisters dive into marriage head first. Sialuk knew that, for now, that time of her life was over. She refocused on Ipiktok, knowing it was he who was more important than her "woe is me" love life.

There is something I am able to help with, she assured him. I cannot give answers so much as questions that you may begin to ponder and which will lead you toward your life's next season. Then, Sialuk gestured to the meat. We will make a small offering of it to the spirits, and I will read the bones for you. Gently, she ripped of a bite of the elk meat, dug a small depression in the snow, and packed the bite in with her nose and front paws.

I'll make sure the rest is eaten, she said with a grin, grabbing the rest of the chunk and beckoning the young man to follow her to the ulaq where she had made her home for many seasons.