Permafrost Hollows tanimaguq-liak ↦

For the first time in a while, Kigipigak felt a spark of white-hot anger; that wasn't the right word for this sense of indignation at her answer, though. Righteousness, maybe. Disappointment also.

I do not want your apology, that is only a word, it does me no good. He watched her, the way she carried her shame and sank beneath it, letting herself become weak. No, if she was to be part of Moonglow and be useful, she would do away with this weakness.

Apologies are a sign of weakness. I did not think you were weak when we sparred the first time. You have survived until now with your wounds. The man paused a moment so his words could sink in.

You did not answer my question. He would not speak it again. It was her debt, and her decision on how best to repay it.