Bramblepoint aŋayukłiq

Is it? A slice to Kigipigak's bruised heart, so quick, effortless. The man doesn't have an answer; he doubts one is expected, and besides, Kivaluk is not wrong to doubt him. All Kigipigak can do now is silently pledge to prove himself.

Kigipigak smiles as he hears the way his son speaks of his wife, their parents, the family as a whole. There is a vague vicarious connection through Kivaluk, feeding in to Kigipigak. What was it like to have that support system? To be welcome, to find esteem and respect so easily?

He thinks of the potential meeting of his newest children with Kivaluk's own, and his heart aches anew. But he is warm too, and trying to find something to bridge the gap.

She is a fine woman. Kigipigak need not state the obvious but he did not know what else to say, or offer. Better to have this conversation ebb, and see what came after.

Do you need to call for anyone? To see if I could stay. He had not realized yet that his son was within the leadership of this village.