Silver Moraine ikunapuga

403 words (nano)

Kigipigak had high hopes for both of his sons. He wanted them to follow in his footsteps as much as they were capable, and he thought them to be highly capable beings already, which meant they would no doubt become Tartok warriors of great esteem. He would soon be initiating them to the ranks of anneriwok as was the custom. Kivaluk held the most promise as a warrior and ranger, taking after Kigipigak the strongest in that vein; while Akkuma, who Kigipigak had not spent as much time with, appeared to favor Sakhmet in his own way. That wasn't a detriment to him - as the woman was their issumatar and of great importance to the family, Akkuma could learn a lot from her. One day both of their sons would earn the name of Tartok for themselves. He could see Kivaluk becoming sangilak to his own village one day!

Fine men. They would indeed become fine, strong men of Tartok!

Does Kigipigak plan more in the spring? Shikoba had the question that faced all women, which was shared among the womens circles as they gossiped and made their matches. It was not for Kigipigak to decide; but he was smiling his usual gregarious grin, and loosed a laugh that spoke volumes. I would like many sons and daughters! I do not plan it, but if that is what Sakhmet desires also, then we will fill the icelands with our children. Natigvik will be stronger for it. He thought immediately of Tulukiri when he spoke of daughters, and a part of him did consider the transplanted girl to be connected to them now in this way, a worthwhile addition to their village. If she did not enjoy that association, Kigipigak also considered her as a possible match for either son - but that was again, something for the women to figure out. He might, or might not, share such an idea with his wife someday.

He remembered that Shikoba's own son was missing, as she had explained. Her husband had been gone. It struck Kigipigak in that moment, he had spent so much time boasting of his own family that perhaps she felt smaller for it. Do you have any desires for more family? He broached the question carefully. The last thing Kigipigak wanted to do was offend the hunter-woman. She had been the one to bring up his sons, and the future of Natigvik.