Moonspear girl

chakliux felt himself appraised and stood tall, still beneath the scrutiny of the older hunter. and then there were words again, an accent he could hardly parse. but he knew his own was heavy; the seal hunter tones weighted even the other northern dialects.
something tightened his eyes; he cleared his throat to hear of loss.
"nasamik and i lost two children."
sons. daughters. both. chakliux had not wanted to know, not even as his senses recorded that knowledge forever. he would never speak it.
the seal hunter's voice was hoarse with grief for a moment. "the oil father, sometimes he takes back what is given." always for a reason.
he pushed past; onward. "you owe me nothing, njord. but if you want a trade, then i will trade hunting for the skins we take." more for nasamik. more for her lodge.
"my son, raiyuk, he is strong. his mother heals. his voice is small, but already i know its sound." the berry-bright eyes, radiant once more. "and yours? and how is your mate?"