Duskfire Glacier punilivik

Kigipigak's voice was an unexpected one, since to Lane's knowledge most of Moonglow had departed the northern territories. Lane proceeded briskly to the borders, assuming that although he had not called for her specifically, he still meant to take her out for that hunt they had discussed. As she travelled, she contemplated why Kigipigak might have remained behind when the rest of his pack had returned to their homeland. Did Kigipigak mean to finally establish his own pack? Did he mean to court Lane, as his gift of the albino pelt seemed to imply? 

What would Lane say, if he meant to court her? Tuuluuwaq had already voiced his interest. Wouldn't it be frivolous and vain of Lane to court with two suitors, especially at a time when her pack was in need of so much attention? 

Lane would not spend too long mulling over this train of thought, as all thoughts of courting Kigipigak would disappear as soon as the pair came into view. They were clearly a couple; Lane could surmise that much just from the way the diminutive woman hovered at Kigipigak's shoulder. The wind brought the woman's scent to Lane, and it was tinged with a fragrance that she recognized all too well. There could be no doubt that Kigipigak had chosen his woman. 

Lane might have been bitter to have been passed over for the third time in a year, but she swallowed this ugly reflex down by conjuring up a mental image of Tuuluuwaq. She recalled the thrill in her heart on the night of the feast, dancing with the Tatkret man under the Cold Moon.

By the time she reached the pair, Lane was able to manage a welcoming smile. "Kigipigak, hello," she said cheerily. She turned to his companion and with a start, realized she recognized the woman. This was the woman from the Plateau-- the one who had told her of her plans for Blacktail! 

"Oh!" Lane emitted, very surprised to recognize the woman. "Hello to you too. It's nice to see you again. I had wondered..." she trailed off, her expression darkening as she remembered the day she returned to the Plateau to check in with Kigipigak and the Blacktail woman, and she found they had both vanished without a trace. 

"Anyway, I'm just glad to see you well," she finished, offering the woman a smile. Lane didn't remember her name. She wasn't sure if she had ever been told.