Ouroboros Spine In from the snow

Kaluktuk cannot help but feel slighted by this reception. He does not know the truth of what either think of him, but he does judge the situation from past experiences with Kukutux and the chill that descends from Aiolos now. Both knew him; they knew some of his history but not all of it, but they knew he was a hard worker, a skilled hunter, and they knew he picked fine women given that they'd taken his wife as their own. They knew he seeded these women with fine children, given that they'd assimilated Kivaluk to their ways.

What harm could he do to Ariadne? What problem could there be with their marriage? And for a time Kaluktuk thinks Aiolos will remain silent. It is hard to read him. It is hard to listen to the way he speaks as if Kaluktuk has not helmed his own village before — It only feels right [...] although it seems sudden, and there it was, the nudge. The paternal tone of a man who had no right to be talking down in this way. A frustration lines Kaluktuk's jaw, and his spine, and he stands there containing his true thoughts and the many words that a younger version of himself might've spilled; what Kigipigak might have shouted. Now, he swallowed, he listened.

Then came the bride-price. They could have asked for anything; the message that Aiolos could've shown to them both by asking for impossible things, would've been clear enough; but no, in this he was almost lenient. Kaluktuk breathed finally, as he listened to this list of things to gather. It would not be difficult—he already began to think of the best way to complete these things, and who to entreat for help.

His gaze shifted to Ariadne briefly, but there was no doubt that she was worth this, and more. Kaluktuk gave a nod to her and then turned to Aiolos, and bowed his head to him. I will. You will see I am serious about this. It is a good match, and a look to Kukutux to insist this.