Duskfire Glacier Ommatik

The scout said that it was a valid inquiry, but Issorartuyok did not believe that it was the question she had wanted him to ask. He leaned toward her with interest. The man’s expression was unreadable, but he wanted to be certain that Meerkat was alright, that she was fed and tended to after the loss of the leaders she had known.

The girl went on to say that she’d been struggling with feeling ill. Issorartuyok nodded his head slowly, understanding. It was difficult to continue about one’s day when they were plagued with sickness. He could not blame her for feeling out of sorts, or for reacting the way she had to his questions. It was a large load to drop on her under such short notice.

I am a patient man, he stated calmly. But I am a direct man, as well. These matters are important. If there is a future for us, if there are to be children, I feel we must discuss, yes? Issorartuyok looked to her then, for he still believed that he was treading on unfamiliar ground.