Ouroboros Spine kirnmitkuk ⊟

"i was there when he came into the world," kukutux clucked with the contented air of a woman who has been mother and seen others become mother. it was how she had wanted to rear sialuk.

but the spirits had meant differently for her eldest daughter.

kigipigak spoke. his tone was joyous. but he was still a man. he did not understand that girls must have futures or else they would become like bitter grass knives. this time forward, she had learned, did not always include husbands or children.

but one day they would touch natigvik's land and they might feel inside them the stirrings that sialuk felt upon the mountain.

she wished to be prepared for that day.

"i have much pride for you, kiggavik. for all of you." in the next she sighed gaily. "i think winterglade will be its own village before many more hands of time."