Ouroboros Spine the knife cuts only so deep

Shikoba had now risen as star hunter. Before, she had been sivullik; and while even that bore heavy responsibilities, this new title was different in many ways. Sivullik is first hunter, while star hunter is leader beside moon and sun.

Inutsuk thought of these plenty as he traced his wife's scent. He could not help but feel immense pride. This status, she had earned. None had presented it blindly to her. Never once had she failed to prove her loyalty to Moonglow. It saddened him, in a way, to know that this would likely never be the case for him. While he had returned with his completed tasks, not everyone would accept him back so openly. And even thought Shikoba welcomed him to their ulaq, even she would need time to know his promise was true. But all thoughts aside, all he could really do is focus on the here and now.  

Speaking of...

Ahead, just by a few steps, the tawny man spotted his wife. Slowly, his tail swayed. He approached and gently nudged her shoulder before planting a kiss upon her cheek. Nostalgia hit just then, as he remembered this was the way he had found her a time ago before they married. 

I seem to find you like this often, He mused, smile warm. Then he wondered if she remembered the blissful moments from before, as he did.