Blacktail Deer Plateau tuviatchiak

The terrain evened out, for the most part, as they reached the pinnacle of the cliffside. Her voice carried its name back over a shoulder. Kigipigak caught the smallest glimmer of a smile from her and warmed.

Blacktail. Ittukmiuk. Not aware of the resident deer population or its secretive manner of living within the woods here, Kigipigak thought only of the young blackbird; it somehow was fitting.

Yes, please. So I know where best to rest, and what to protect. Kigipigak said. His eyes wandered up again, then down, as he sniffed a swath of bunched grass, then tiny trampled flower buds; gathering scents as he wandered.