Permafrost Hollows tanimaguq-liak ↦

There were numerous places for small creatures to hide; many trees, some stumps, but neither of those would be ideal for someone as large as Nyra. Kigipigak wondered if there was a cave hidden somewhere that the woman might disappear in to — but he did not have to track her for much longer, for even with all the snow piled in the open places, it was hard to mistake her for anything other than wolf with all of her scars.

The fresh scent of blood had almost entirely left her, but there was the same rot-smell that had persisted since her arrival among the Moonglow wolves. As she came in to view with her scowling face, she called out to him an explanation.

Kigipigak did not like the look on her face when he found her; but soon enough she relented, easing out of the defensive posture. Nyra's body was marred with new marks, matted with old blood, and marked with a scent that Kigipigak could not identify.

I thought that you had found a caribou and went after it, against our agreement. He returned, looking her over where she slouched. Your trail was rich with blood. Whatever the reason, I cannot accept it.

She had been defending herself. But the real question for Kigipigak: what was she doing outside of the camp in the first place? His expression deepened in to a rare frown.

You were injured when you came to us. Kukutux has used the supplies of the village to mend you, and yet here you are with more wounds. It is not right. He spoke plainly. How will you repay the kindness of Moonglow?