Cedar Sweep Pegasus

She fussed and fought, and Kigipigak did not know if what he was doing would work; it did not appear to be fixing anything, but he would try anyway. Slowly the girl eased to stillness, her breathing slowing to something more managable so that she could take breaths without struggle, and slowly yes, she was calmed. Kigipigak did not want to stop once she relaxed—in case that might disturb her. This tiny creature, this little girl that was his.

Had Kigipigak been so involved with his first sons? He could not recall ever holding them in this way. Much of their life had been managed by his first wife—and similarly, the brothers born to Malguk would be watched, protected, and coddled to some degree by Asivaq. Kigipigak would do better, this time. He would make sure his children did not grow up soft, so they could find the same pride in their blood as he had; although for now he was happy enough to hold his daughter, to watch her and to let himself love her.

If her voice was any indication she would be a fearsome child, and over time Kigipigak would cultivate that ferocity and that innate force of will, so that Malguk could thrive.