Ouroboros Spine All I have to do is breathe

It was fortunate for Kigipigak that this girl was so quiet. She was introspective too, bright and precocious, but not in a way that begged answers. If asked he would have done his best to respond — but it was likely something about his culture she would never understand, as she did not grow up within it.

His suggestion that she bring her blanket inside and find a place to sleep was accepted, but with a twist: she reached for him, and tugging at his coat, bade he follow too. This was heart-warming and awkward for Kigipigak.

I will escort you as far as your bed, little one. He answered, his voice low, carrying a tone of finality, the way adults often used to talk to him as a boy. He was a warrior and as such, slept beneath the stars rather than within the confines of a woman's ulaq.

Though maybe one day.