Ouroboros Spine Aliuk-aimagvik

It was Asivaq that led the family among the ulax to choose a place for the children to nest and to sleep, and after her own sleep Kigipigak saw her away; she went to visit her sister.

Kigipigak was left to watch over Atausiq, Malguk, and Sisamat. Of the three it was the boy that slept the soundest — dropping as soon as he touched the sleeping furs. For a time the father watched his children and sank inward to the well of shame he carried.

He had failed as a husband. He had failed as a father. Those of the Moon knew this, saw this plainly now. No doubt remained in his heart that he had done wrong by Asivaq by choosing her. Now home among people he could never truly understand nor hope to understand his own culture, Kigipigak knew also that he would fight against the impact of Kukutux for as long as he must.

He watches the trio sleep, vowing to keep the strength of Tartok strong through them. The grandmother would not take another of his children away with her spirit-talking. She should be pleased to have her daughter returned to her at all, and know better than to insert herself here.