Ouroboros Spine innocence

Strength is not your only worth, Sialuk said, pressing her forehead against her mother's. Kukutux had wisdom that Sialuk aspired to hold one day. Her healing knowledge was vast, and Sialuk had learned much from her. But there was still more to learn. She was not yet four seasons grown, and she realized with a sudden sadness that she may not be midwife to anaa this year. Not without taataa.

She smiled too at the mention of him, pulling back and sweeping her gaze across the landscape, thinking he might come to them at any moment. But if he had not yet come, would he?

How long until we... she trailed off, uncertain how to phrase the question she could not bring herself to ask. How long until they abandoned hope for father and brother?