Silver Creek akisaurriñiq

Our ways have been described as savage by the sunshine people, she began, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. Tartok is a family name for wolves from all over who share the same values and ideals. We live in branches and serve our main branch, which is very far from here, and we are fiercely loyal to our own; anybody can become a family member. It is a fresh start for whoever joins. Each branch is led by an issumatar—our equivalent of an alpha female. We are very protective of what is ours and are all trained warriors and wardens.

As for her family: My family did not like my choice in Kigipigak as a mate, and I felt a lot of judgment for choosing him. It all came to a head at the women's circle, where a subordinate of mine mocked me and my decision, and I decided to leave the sunshine people behind—including my claim of Moonsong Village. This she regretted the most, and her tone was remorseful. Kigipigak and I went north from there, where I went into training with a Tartok branch and have shed my prior name of Ariadne Nurik. That part of her was gone. Although there were things she wasn't proud to admit, they were a part of her history, and she would not hide them from Meerkat.

So that is why having us in your village is not a good idea. We come with too much baggage that could cause you issues with my family and the sunshine people.