Cedar Sweep nakuaqqutiruk

The work of maintaining borders had increased since the arrival of Reyna's people; he was constantly having to leave his family to do patrols, or to escort individuals along the decided-upon path. Kigipigak knew that eventually, he would have to trust these strangers were true to their word, that they would leave Napatuqvik alone. It was difficult, and it was easier to pass his time being vigilant than to face his own feelings in regards to the village, his wife, and his dead son.

When Asivaq called for him he almost didn't go to her. What could she need now? Was she in trouble? Could this wait or was there someone lurking near the village limits that needed his attention? With a huff and a shake, Kigipigak tried to put aside all of these thoughts and remember this was his wife who called. The songs had ended, the child was in the ground.

Maybe that was why he was so slow.

But he arrived, eventually, and empty-handed; he wore a smile for her that was almost apologetic, and as he swept close to the ulaq he saw her standing there in the spring light. Wife, he called to her, I feel it has been one-hundred moons since I've seen you, hah, it had not been that long, of course.