Dawnlark Plains lvi. ‘cause all that remains

She saw him. In her surprise her eyes flew wide, then narrowed, and she breathed his name with relief within her voice. Kigipigak had never noticed before how starkly green her eyes were; like new growths in a springtime forest.

She all but fell against him, and Kigipigak braced for it. He looked stunned because he felt stunned—then anxious, smelling the rotblood of her wound and the oilslick of the bear, but he did not move from her.

Kukutux was there suddenly, flanking him. Rounding upon them both. Hugging Lote close which freed Kigipigak from the sudden comforting role he had been thrust in to; he caught his own breath and began to circle them, watching for danger.