Ouroboros Spine Who are you when you stand alone?

Kilgitsuk departed from Ariadne's glacier village before dawn. He knew the way to her mother's village and had, so far, avoided it. Whether it was carelessness or fear that powered that avoidance, Kilgitsuk had taken his time to seek those familiar paths.

He remembered when he had been injured and returned to health by Kukutux; he remembered visits by Sakhmet; he remembered their departure for Natigvik, and then their return when it fell. He thought of the anger if Kivaluk. All of this ran through his mind as morning wore on to midday, and as the scant hours of sunlight slanted in to an early darkness.

That evening, Kilgitsuk came to the edge of the village he knew so well. He did not call out; he did not wish to disturb anyone at this late hour. He would wait, knowing the routines of those who watched the village limits, and being patient.

Perhaps also a touch more nervous than he would allow to show off.