Sunset Valley [feast] If the whole wide world stops singing

The number of wolves gathered, regardless of which village they were pledged to, did not affect Kigipigak much. His own village of Unnuakvik had once been as populous; his people were known to mix and mingle at large celebrations like this one, and so he was more within his element than most.

Kigipigak was intent on enjoying himself at the celebration, yet found his lustre fading as the Duskfire wolves came out of the woodwork. He knew they had held their private ceremony for their fallen, and yet, seeing their slack posture or sorrow-filled faces, or the indifference of some of them as they tried to appear strong in the face of visitors, made him uncomfortable.

He sought out the friendly faces that he knew among his own camp: Kukutux, the children, Shikoba if she was not preoccupied; and then mingled with the other hunters from there, feeling a touch out-of-place for the heavy thoughts that lingered upon his mind.