Ouroboros Spine A cage for your own bird?

When Raimo first notices the stranger he does not know what to make of them. Their bulk concerns him. The similarities between this stranger and the women also causes the fur of his nape to prickle with uncertainty. He does not know how long their mourning songs will take — but Raimo's first thought is that the lost husband has returned to them. As they draw closer it is only Sialuk's scent that he finds woven across their own, not Kukutux'. If that is so, then perhaps he was wrong to assume this was her lost partner. Raimo takes a deep breath and studies the scent that drifts his way, learning whatever he can before delving in to a conversation he'd rather not have.

The stranger does not come very close at all; perhaps he knows of the rituals taking place and is afraid to disturb them. It is another transgression to hold against them — Raimo does not know enough about the pair of women or their customs, while this man appears to have the answers. He does not like being in the dark about things. They invite him closer with a chuff and as much as Raimo wishes to remain observant of the stains in the snow, he can learn much more from this newcomer. He moves to join him, prowling down the embankment.

In a hushed tone — almost reverent — he asks of the man, You have met Sialuk, so I assume you are welcome upon the mountain? They mourn. I do not know for how long.

I really need to get out of the habit of rambling for paragraphs only to say a little bit of dialogue at the end of the post, ugh.