Raven's Watch illuktuk

Kigipigak listened as the fiery woman was cowed by her brother, compromising and bending her words, her willpower leeched away, and had to look away from the both of them. The tension of the moment slid like a knife through his belly; however fond Kigipigak had become of Valmua in recent days he could not fathom the submission of his chosen issumatar nor the judgement issuing from the man.

This was just like Unnuakvik.

This was just like mother trying to do the right thing for her tribe but being waylayed by the ego of an unworthy man. In this case Stjornuati was not losing his mind and body to old age and inherent weakness, though in the heat of the moment Kigipigak saw what he wanted to see: another male figure in his life not worth the breath in his lungs. 

I do not want power. He finally said with a frigidity that was ill-suited to the moment. What I want is a strong tribe— and a worthy woman to lead it —I have lost one already.

Oh, how he wished this place could be different.

If given leave, I will return to Simmik of the forest tribe and give our answer—your, answer. Or I can stay here, given space to roam closer to our home. I do as I am bid. As his commentary trailed off Kigipigak's frustration filled him with a winter chill. He stagnated then, standing at-attention as he used to for the appraisal of his mother; except this time in place of a manipulative parent he had two cretinous friends to contend with.

Someone would give him orders at any rate, clarify what he should do next; until then, Kigipigak waited.