Sunset Valley tautuk ∧

His role in this complete now; they came pouring from the snowscape to meet the target, first Kukutux, then Shikoba as the sivullik overcame her position. Kigipigak knew not to slow or stop. He might've had the simple role of separating the target from the herd, but he was also the wall to keep them from escaping back the way they'd come.

Then, Inutsuk. Together the four wolves harried the caribou at every angle. Much as Kigipigak wished to end the thing's life quickly, he was also overwhelmed by the enjoyment of the hunt in its entirety: a unification of bodies working towards one goal. It was a piece of the puzzle that was his soul, having been missing since his exodus from Unnuakvik.

He could not forsee a life without these people; the hunt, the shared exhilaration, the might of them, together. The white wolf held faith only in the terrestrial and yet this snowy expanse was his church, and this chase, his way of worship.