Ouroboros Spine kakitlannak ⧎

what I imagine is running through shikoba and kukutux's heads during this :D and also apologies for longer post, no need to match <3

Vermillion stains her legs, though the metallic liquid finds itself upon her head through the soft smudge of the Moon Woman's paw. Shikoba does not understand this ritual, as it was not something she had ever witnessed during her time in the desert. However, she trusted in the spiritual guidance of Kukutux and would not question the ritual.

She could feel a shiver down her spine at the mention of the tupilak, and for a moment, she thinks back to her time of acceptance into the Spine. How she promised she would strike down the heart of the red tupilak that scarred the visage of the matriarch; she wondered if she would have to do the same if Inutsuk came back on the 6th night.

With a solemn nod of the head, Shikoba reaches to brush her nose against the cheek of Kukutux for comfort, tears welling in her eyes. But before the woman can dare to utter the word, she senses the presence of another. The scent is nostalgic and it feels as if the night whispers to her a name she did not want to let go of.

She turns and sees him. A lone figure closely watching the two with a trembling body. The scent becomes stronger and it is no doubt her husband. His return, perhaps to most onlookers, should only bring happiness and joy to her heart. But Shikoba does not run to him.

She steps back in fear, ears flattened against her skull and tail curling behind her. Her breaths, as if she were hyperventilating, become erratic and panicked. Staying as close as she can to Kukutux, the woman looks to her jadeite eyes with flurry of emotions within her own.