Ouroboros Spine ivruk ⩸

kukutux met @Rodyn beside the lake when they had returned from their words with sacrarium.

"i have spoken with sun man. i know what we will ask as bride-price for samani."

"eight white ermine pelts. they are only hunted in snow. three stag skins. four otter pelts. hunt brother otter when the leaves turn orange and fall to the ground."

"a shell from the sea. and dried caribou meat. each of these things say that you have made a long journey to find them. and when winter hunting comes, sun man wishes to wrestle with you. he wishes to know your strength, for it is important that samani's father see that that the man she might marry will also have such strength."

moonwoman was pleased. "if you accept this price, then give time to samani. do not say your intentions, unless tupilaq are near, and sour your hunts. keep it to your heart until you have these things. when moonglow goes to natigvik in first snow, when we meet you there at the river, you may tell her then. or you may wait until our village comes back and say your words. but you must say them loudly, and before everyone."

her heart beat. she looked steadily at rodyn. was he ready to become one of them?