Hoshor Plains [m] and the touch of a hand lit the fuse

They had spent so much time together; in exploration of their home, in secret in her bed, in the open now—so to speak—within the hunting camp. Kaluktuk did not want to be too far from her now, either. During this time she was at risk from other men. He trusted her and many of the hunters he knew, but there was a sense of claim Kaluktuk held. Of all the moments that felt like Unnuakvik, this gathering was exactly that. He knew a woman's choice was to be honored but he could not put aside the nature of men. So, he lingered.

She was there one moment, then vanished. For a few seconds Kaluktuk was afraid; he bristled and sought her scent again, following it to the cold water, where he spied her bracing against the chill. Some of his nerves eased; and he came up beside her, watching her reflection.

Agnaga. He crooned to her, with a lilt to his voice that displayed his curiosity. What was the matter? His ears pivoted to other sounds, on high alert in case other men appeared. Now that she was tinniksiruk there was much more to protect.