Ouroboros Spine qitunġaġiit

One girl came running, and the boy—followed lastly by the third child, and the shining eyes of the watchful Doe Woman; but Kigipigak only focused on the children as they crowded him. Nutuyikruk looked to be the most affected as her face was drawn and wet, and he hugged her close, and kissed the crown of her head.

It is okay, Nutuyik. Beside her was Tau, who appeared to be stuck between comforting one sister or the other, but he came close enough for Kigipigak to lend some affection to him, and then to Akmaaksi. He crouched in a way to be on their level, so they would not be afraid.

I know the voices were scary. Aaka and Aaba were loud. I am sorry for that. It was the first apology he had given anyone within this family, but he felt they were owed it the most. Know that your Aaba loves you very much.

He wondered briefly if he could say the right thing, would they rebel against their mother? Would they be able to convince her to stay within the marriage for their sake? It was too much to put upon such young faces; so he held the children close, feeling their warmth and wishing it was enough.