Ouroboros Spine Somewhere out there

He was there by her side, squished in to a bundle. Tautukpik had taken a piece of Kannoyak's beaver hide as he had torn in to it, and now slept with this tattered bit at his belly. He hid it whenever he left the ulaq, but had shown his sisters.

When roused by Nutuyikruk, he moaned softly and blinked at her. He saw the fire of her spirit burning low and offered his prize, nosing at her cheek.

Aapa will come home. He said to her softly, wishing he could believe it.