Ouroboros Spine suagutsik ⏧

kukutux did not hide the unfurling of delight over her features as the woman was mentioned.

but she quieted it as she stepped forward to touch his shoulder. "lane is known to our village. she had a hearth in village firefly, near to moonspear. her leader was the son of my chieftain."

it was her turn to fall silent. she had seen the turn of emotion upon her kinsman's face. 

"lane knows many medicines. she knows the voice of the earth, and follows it. she gathers the good herbs when they are ready." perhaps he already knew this of the woman.

she was careful to say no more. but lane had carried children for a man she did not love. kigipigak's wandering would match the restlessness of lane's spirit.

of course you plot, daughter.

tooteega's voice was amused.

i am atsak. i do not plot. i only guide.

inwardly, kukutux smiled at the old god.

"will you go as one who carries the word of our village, kiggavik?" she asked him softly, seeking his eyes. she spoke in their words again. "i also have the want that duskfire and moonglow hunt the caribou together, as you have said. take our words to the ear of wintersbane. say that the village will follow when the snows come."

kuktutux meant for him to remain there as their standard. he wished to leave. and he spoke of lane, though his heart was still touched in pain.

go and heal, winterhawk.