Ocean's Breath Plateau ⩸ ukigiyummiktuk ⩸

Ariadne placed a deerskin next to the salmonberries and fish—a blanket to keep them warm, and a makeshift carrier should the child’s legs grow tired. She thought of the pale babe as she looked down at the offerings, and her heart broke into a million tiny pieces.

Granddaughter. Daughter. Sister.

She sat beside her mother, weeping as she listened and committed the words to memory.

go now to the path of the lights

lift from bone and spirit and blood

this is the time for you to depart

we will sing you to the dancing lights

be at peace. be at peace.