Qeya River symphony of life

She calls to him. Kigipigak can hear the newborns mewling within the ulaq as well, which draws him to the precipice. He peers inside to see them: his dark-coated wife with these two puny, strong boys.

As Kigipigak ducks in to the ulaq he feels suddenly claustrophobic. This is not the place for him right now; this is the place for a women's circle, but their efforts to build a home are slow-going, so there is only Kigipigak.

One boy squalls until he finds a teat. The other sleeps, making his own small noises. Together they dominate the space despite being the smallest things Kigipigak had ever seen in his life. Was he ever this small? He wants to touch them but, at the same time, Kigipigak does not trust himself.

He loves them. He knows that much -- and they're so small. The new father stares at them, and at Sakhmet, while placing his head on his paws, utterly enthralled.