Duskfire Glacier Tuttusiugiak

Issorartuyok did not shy away from the boy when he saw Ensio step forward. The northern man drew nearer to the figure of the glacier child and lowered his head to where the smaller figure was. There was never a good time to learn how to be a comforter, but the large figure could not help but to feel pained, grief-stricken by that softening in the young man’s gaze.

When Ensio spoke of his anger, Issorartuyok nodded his head in understanding. He rested his chin atop the young wolf’s skull. It was not the soft touch that a mother would offer, but that of a man who knew that he was not enough… but would still try. If the rest of his days were spent in an effort to show love to Ensio and Arius, he would be content. If they saw him as nothing more than a persistent presence in their lives, he would be content. As long as the boys of the glacier were not alone.

Atautsikut, the northerner breathed out to the young man.

It is a northern word. It means none left behind, all together.

When his dark brown gaze settled on the yearling’s features, they were filled with the warmth and love of a father that should be, but wasn’t.

We will be Atautsikut.